8v or 16v

[sc]

ok i'm currently looking a mk2's i've seen a lot of tidy 8v and a lot of sh!tty 16vs so far.
What i want to know is whats the real world performance differnce between the two.
should i get a reall tidy 8v and then save up and dump a 2.0 16v mk3 lump into it?//

[maximous]

Easy dude this a long continuing debate 8v or 16v (check the previous posts).

It depends what you want apparently the 8v is more egar down on the low revs where as the 16 is more revy with more of everything up top. id go 16v but then i would say that i biased.

The 8v is cheaper to insure and repare though.

[Organisys]

16v has more poke Approx 140bhp Vs 110bhp. Good 16 valves can be harder to find. Try driving both cars.

I'd go for the tidiest example of either you can find, especially consider 8v's if you are certain you have the time/money for an engine conversion.

 

[jv]

need a special smiley for this topic. kind of yawn/impending pointless arguement/use the search all rolled into one.

but instead here's

 

[Organisys]

LOL @ JV !

[rubjonny]

If you want to put a 2.0 16v from a MK3 in it down the line, then a 90 spec MK2 8v is your best bet as it will plug straight into the fusebox and most of the injection system is identical so less bits needed to do the swap

A good base shell is essential when planning to keep a car for a long term project.

[Organisys]

As Johnny says, a 90 spec 8v gives you a more simplistic upgrade path on most engines. 1.8T via qtek or a VR6 for example.

[098Joe]

I've owned both and they are very different cars. The 8v valve had lightening quick throttle response and plenty of torque low down quite relaxing to drive.  The 16 valve required more driver involvement but the acceleration felt a hell of a lot quicker and the sound was awesome as I recall.  I think they are both as good as each other and probably overall the 8 valve is the better car as the only advantagfe the 16 valve has is the acceleration.  I am having my mid life crisis at the moment (just got my first pair of reading glasses) and looking at mark 2s.  I fancy a 8 valve and then getting a gti engineering engine conversion.   

[Organisys]

Check out the TSR engine options too my friend. !

[sc]

the tsr engines are pretty dam expensive though.  I've been given a quote of 1200 for an up and running 2.0 16v mk3 engine into whichever