8valver question(s)

[inthecity77]

I am thinking of getting a 16v mk3 3dr, however, with my budget (1600) I may stuggle to find a decent one, mainly due to the fact that they seem to be rarer full stop. But after reading people say that mk3s really need dropping a little for premium handling (300), I am thinking maybe an 8v would be cheaper, as there are more of them about. My question is relating to performance. I see that the book 0-60 for a bogo 8v is 10.5, this seems pretty slow. Does a sports pipe and induction kit reduce this? and also, are 80k+ cars faster than out of the box? (as i know older mk2 ripen with age, was wondering if mk3 are the same)

anyones help is appreciated

[Bazzer]

if you're gonna base your decision on 0-60 times, the mk2 boys will laugh all across their square faces.... but tbh mate, I don't find mine really slow. It's what I'd call 'usable'. The torque seems to come in between 2k and 4.5k and it pulls like a train through 2nd 3rd 4th and 5th. If you like revving the nuts off a car, by all means hang about for a 16v, but don't think that the 8v is slow cos of the book 10.5 time...

I know mine's not as quick as the old mk2 I had but then there are more speed cams on the roads now, eh...

And I think all VAG engines loosen up the right way. Stick 80k on it and it'll show more power than a new one. a pipe and filter can make the same sort of differences to any car, but make sure you think about the cat (or a decat pipe!) too... You will need one come MOT time.

HTH 

[inthecity77]

thanks for the quick response dude! i will keep my eyes open for both.
need a car fast as i just sold my old car (collection on tues) and will be on shanks' pony (aka feet) thereafter!

[mowgli]

mmm, dropping for premium handling, in the dry and on perfect roads then yes.  In the wet road holding will decrease but its all a big trade off to be honest, I lowered one of mine (KONI dampers and springs) and thought it was awful, took the springs off and went back to std.  Premium handling?  get a 306 XSi/GTi6/Rallye, they do fall to bits though but are far more sorted than the Golf.  I've had both so I can compare.

8v will deinately be cheaper and spending a few bob will increase performance but not by much.  Apparently, yes they will get better with age so a few miles shouldn't be a worry so long as you get history with the car etc.  You could add the money you would spend ont he springs to your budget and just wait for an early Mk3 16v.

What about a late Mk2 16v?  Should get a decent one for your budget, look on here but for more realistic prices try ebay or the trader.  Also, how do you drive?  If you go for screaming away from the lights and regularly revving above 3500 rpm go the 16v route, if not give the 8v a try.  Pretty good round town and on the twisties, upto 40 mpg on a run (seen 42 on mine) cheaper insurance, but they do run out of steam as the revs rise above the 5000 mark.

In the early 90's Autocar did a test with the then new Mk3 8v Golf against the Escort RS2000 Mark 4 16v.  On paper the escort whupped the Golf, on the test track doing acceleration times again the escort whupped the Golf.  On the raod test section taking in all types of roads and conditions the Golf left the Escort by a considerable margin.  There really is more to the 8v than the 0-60 times.

I liked them so much, I've had 4 of them so far.....

[inthecity77]

prob not the best choice of words (premium), i meant premium in terms of golfs
another question. As long as i have FSH, above what sort of mileage do they start needing rebiulds etc?
both the 8v and 16v mk3's. I have seen a few with 126k on, is that ok for a 16v? is the 8v more bulletproof?

[Bazzer]

150k would be a nice time for a rebuild on an 8v, mines on about 112k I think and it's on it's third cambelt now. Sounds great, no rattles knocks or bangs, pulls ok etc. I think the 16vs just need a little more care (not money necessarily!) cos of the extra gubbins. But I reckon Len (are you listening?) will put you right if what I've said is wrong.... 

[nitro]

hi Bazzer, i have had my 8v for about a year now, apart from a recent starting problem  it has been fine. the 8v isnt a big traffic light racer and adding performance parts will only up the BHP by 30ish then its big bucks, so if its 0-60s and power; 8v aint for you. having said that the only time i feel i need more grunt is car loaded going up long steepish hills, then it feels a bit underpowered.
motorways are good in it, the midrange is certainly good enough for overtaking etc.
i think it maybe depends what is in your head....... if you see the car as a GTI and can beat all-comers save your money, if you see the 8v as a practical, solid performer that can entertain you when needed go get one.

its black....lowered.....tinted....with dual side exits.......i love it...

[Bazzer]

Agree with that 100% mate!

[mowgli]

I liked them so much, I've had 4 of them so far.....

BTW, all of them were 8v's.

They are brilliant all rounders.  Lets face it, the engine is a development of the one in the first GTi and carried on into the Mk4 and the New Beetle.  in fact, the 1.8 Non Turbo was dropped from the Mk4 in favour of this engine.  Can't be all that bad can it??

[monkeyalan]

when i was looking for a new car I weighed up the pros and cons of quite a few . I'd have bought a 16V if I'd found a decent one for the right money, but i didn't , and I bought my 8v. It's no street race but at the end of the day I don't do that much street racing. I wanted a solid, well built ,reliable , good looking ( shut up mk2 people). nippy-ish motor. I'd agree with Bazzer, the low end torque which you'll use 90% of the time makes up for the top end grunt of a 16v that you need to hammer to use.