Peugeot 306 GTI-6 or MK3 GTI ... Choices Choices

[Len]

Has to be a factory fitted option.

I have air-con but no sunroof. Thats the standard so the sunroof in this case was fitted as a cumstomer extra.

[AudiA8Quattro]

The Peugeot is the better car!
But not as reliable and an absolute PUG to work on! And if ya dont do the work yourself then its expensive!

So no contest really - Find that Golf!

There's no way the 306 gti 6 is better than a mk3 vr6 

[BigDaveC]

If you are looking elsewhere at peugeots, you can't be a true VW nut..........

If it's only about speed you're after, you're probably looking at the wrong manufacturer.
Everyone knows that the mk3 is heavy, and tbh the engine technology is old compared to other makes. But they have a uniqueness other cars don't seem to have .

[speedynz]

The Peugeot is the better car!
But not as reliable and an absolute PUG to work on! And if ya dont do the work yourself then its expensive!

So no contest really - Find that Golf!

There's no way the 306 gti 6 is better than a mk3 vr6 

There is a way! The Peugeot's chassis is, in terms of feel, adjustability, damping and body control light years ahead of the vr6's.

[Len]

True - my 405 Mi16's handling is far superior to any Volkswagen.

But its a pig to maintain!

[charri42]

a new 306 GTI is sublime. A real hot hatch.

An 8 year old one with 100k may prove to be a total unrewarding headache - thats where the Golf plays its trump card - and I just like the look and solidity of Golfs.

If anyone is sticking resolutley to VR6s mk3 GTis (especially standard set up) and enjoy really hooning around the A roads, you are really missing out. The 306 (and even Focus) chassis is sublime and is an absolute joy to drive quickly.

I have had em all over the years and have always said a Golf mk3 or 4 that has the driving dynamics of a 306 / Focus would be amazing - and in the mk5, we finally have it 

[Trigga]

Well i went to look at the 5 door yesterday and it was very nice , went well thru the gears nice etc but i think deep down i really want the 3 door version ( Is there much difference between the 8V and 16V ? ) So the search goes on.

 I thnk your right about the 306 GTI , I test drove one this morning and it went like shít off a shovel , scarely fast , but even the sales guy there said if your going to buy one be prepared to spend money on it in the future especially if your buying one private for less than 2K. So ill keep my eye out for a decent XSI or DT as that seems a more cheaper and solid option along with the trusty GOLF ..... Ohh well see what the Autotrader brings tomorrow !!

[mowgli]

There's no way the 306 gti 6 is better than a mk3 vr6 

Sorry fella, 167 brake is just shy of the VR6 power but add to that a much better chassis and better handling I think you'll find the VR6 is gonna lose through the twisties.  I would like to try a VR6 though, see what its like.  Personally I prefer the E36 BMW's with 50/50 weight distribution (6 cylinder cars of course).

For a long term proposition though, VW all the way.  Saying that, the Focus does apparently have a much better chassis and coming to a series of bends its really irrelavant how much "pub" BHP you've got under the bonnet if 1) you can't drive it and 2) the chassis is old and stodgy.

XSi/DT route is a good option, 16v especially if doing less than 12000 miles per year.

[charri42]

There's no way the 306 gti 6 is better than a mk3 vr6 

For a long term proposition though, VW all the way.  Saying that, the Focus does apparently have a much better chassis and coming to a series of bends its really irrelavant how much "pub" BHP you've got under the bonnet if 1) you can't drive it and 2) the chassis is old and stodgy.

XSi/DT route is a good option, 16v especially if doing less than 12000 miles per year.

Couldn't agree more - it all depends whether you really like to 'drive' or cruise. Focus is very rewarding, even in simple 1.6 or 1.8 Zetec trim.
You may find a mint pre facelift (96ish) 306 Xsi with the 8v engine (stacks of torque) for very little money. The immediate post facelift XSi's (16v) lost the side skirts and looked a bit pants without! they regained them later on though..

[Len]

Yes mate there is a huge difference between an 8v and a 16v.

No contest 16v every time! And dont let anyone tell ya that an 8v has better low down torque its wrong! It does come in earlier but its not as much!