Mark3...8v or 16v????

[Hypermonkey]

Hello there to you all 

I'm in the process of getting a Mk 3 and was all set to get an 8v as overall running costs appear to be less that the 16v. Economy does have a high priority in my search as I've had modded Scoobies and Fiat Coope 20v turbos before and can't justify 200-250 miles from a tank anymore, but would like the odd turn of speed when required.

I've tested a few 8v's and found them fine to drive, but not as much oomph as my old mk2 8v, and was a little dissapointed as one of them wasn't as nippy as my 1.6 new Beetle ...but then they are only 3bhp more!!

So...I would totally be gratefull for any input from owners of both varients to put down your good points and bad regarding living with the cars, economy, drivability and any mods that are good. I've read the buyers guide which was great...I'll be checking ABS lights and sills ...but this would be no end of help to me.

Cheers,

Simon.

[Dizzie]

we may have a 16v mk3 for sale soon. it's a M plate with 94k on the clock in white. completely standard. goes really well

[Dom Mk3]

The 16v isn't probably much less economical than the 8v... rather than listen to the 8v v 16v debate is there a 16v near you that you could get a ride in?

[Hypermonkey]

I'm checking both out over the next few days. I know the 16v will have a better turn of speed and has upgraded shocks/suspension to the 8v, but it's the economy side of it.
I did a 20 mile test run in an 8v and reset the computer to give me the mph for that time...it read 38.4 travelling at 70mph (+ or - 10mph) so that was quite good, but the performance left me a little

I've seen a mint 8v lowered, nice wheels, performance 'zorst, and only 2 owners with 54k on the clock that I love...but it's 10 years old and hasn't had the cam belt done...aren't they supposed to be done every 60k or 5 years?? if so this is slightly overdue 

I've also seen a chipped 16v that again has all the boxes ticked...both are the same money and age...thoughts please on these two???

Cheers,

Simon.

[AudiA8Quattro]

I would go for a 16v, 8v isn't really fast enough for me  :embarassed:
Cambelts should be done every 40-50k or 5 years. Its not too expensive or too difficult to do on either engine.

[Dom Mk3]

on a run to gatwick and back (circa 200 miles) I got 35 mpg from my 16v. That included stationary traffic on the M25 and normal motorway speed of between 80 but under 90. 4 up with luggage, windows open etc. not too bad I thought for a 2 litre!

My money would go on the 16v, but I think I could probably "make do" with an 8v fine...

[Hypermonkey]

I'm swaying towards the 16v for the performance

The one I'm looking at has been chipped...anything to lok out for there?? Brand names etc. I had the coop chipped and it was great...actually better fuel economy when you drove without too much happy foot action  ..and the car ran smoother...well as smooth as a Fiat can do 

[suzyGTI]

I did a 20 mile test run in an 8v and reset the computer to give me the mph for that time...it read 38.4 travelling at 70mph (+ or - 10mph) so that was quite good, but the performance left me a little

you did well to get that!!!  my 8v runs at about 29 mpg lol must be my heavy right foot.  the most ive managed get out of it was 36mpg and i was driving like a little old lady coz i had hardly any petrol

[Len]

Mate ya gotta go for the 16V - No contest!

Get as late a one as you can afford and look for options like air-con. ABS should be standard on P plates and above, not sure about earlier ones.

I have not reset my MFA since buying the car nearly 3 and a half years ago and my fuel consumption has been 31 mpg average. It does vary a bit now and then but usually I thrash the car, cruise at 90 on motorways and quite often hit the rev limiter!!!!

So you would be daft to get anything other than a 16V.

[carl]

ive had 2 8vs and now have a 16v and to be honest i would go for the 16v everytime they are much better in performance more so top end but dont underestamate the 8v as they are very capable, i dont  get anymore than 30mpg driveing steady and 37 on a long run ,but if you want good mpg go for the 8v as my last 1 would do 35mpg all day around town and on a trip to cornwall i had 47 mpg just see if you can drive both and then deside.