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Author Topic: 8V or 16V  (Read 2177 times)

Offline winstonb

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8V or 16V
« on: 06 January 2004, 06:17 »
So im looking for a MK3, and cant decide between the two.  I like my motors to be relativly simple/easy to work on and really want to know if the 16V is particularly more complex.  Really id rather have a MK1 GTi as they're the daddy and all others are just pretenders (Can open, Worms everywhere now), but she who must be obeyed wants something more modern.

And what problems are common in the MK3.  Reading the posts on here, i doesnt seem like much other than ABS light issues  erratic idle and a few cut out problems.  Are they really that sound?
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golfvr6

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Re:8V or 16V
« Reply #1 on: 06 January 2004, 09:14 »
Yep Golfs really are that sound, providing you find one thats been looked after.
VR6 is the daddy, not the mk1, theres simply no competition there.
If you can't stretch to the vr6 then definately go for the 16v, it is vastly underated and much much quicker than the 8v.
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Offline Pimpster

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Re:8V or 16V
« Reply #2 on: 06 January 2004, 09:23 »
i think its a pre-conception that the MK1 is the daddy, but the truth is that it isnt that quick and feels absolutely ancient inside with hardly any creature comforts. Also i wouldnt want to have an accident in one as it aint that well protected.  It handles lovely but is, well old now. There are better cars, but its like remembering your first shag. seems great, but if you went back it wouldnt be nearly as good with the experience you got now.

I've got an 8V and always wish i'd bought a 16v. However i always would've had a VR6 over a 16V but i think they're a lot of money for what they are. Get a 16v.
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Offline Overseer

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Re:8V or 16V
« Reply #3 on: 06 January 2004, 09:26 »
Get a 16v :)
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Used to have a '97 MK3 16v GTI 3dr in 'Black Magic'... now have a '55 Civic Type-S...

Offline Cupra Turbo

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Re:8V or 16V
« Reply #4 on: 06 January 2004, 15:10 »
Quote
Can open, Worms everywhere

Chandler???  ;)

Quote
VR6 is the daddy

R32 u mean...
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http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=38

Modified Golf GTI, 130Bhp(est), All Smoked Plus Quad Headl

Offline Bodhi

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Re:8V or 16V
« Reply #5 on: 06 January 2004, 15:14 »
16V every time if you can find one, however if you can;t don't feel you're getting a bum deal with the 8v. It's still pretty rapid (as long as you arent trying to accelerate up a steep hill in 5th from 40mph), just needs a damn good thraping for serious progress. And they can always be modded to pretty close to 16v power with a new ECU, air filter and exhaust. And it's still a Golf GTi :)

I've run my 8v for 18 months now and have only needed to replace the water pump and the tyres. I'm fairly sure a trip to Switzerland in winter took care of the water pump (Sitting in a train station car park all day in -12 to -15 temperatures can't do anything with water in it any good tbh). Haven't noticed any cutting out problems (well, it did it once whilse maneuvering) and the ABS light, whilst tempremental in very cold or wet weather, generally stays off.

And all this for a car with 98K miles on the clock.


So yeah, Golfs are pretty sound.

I'd also venture that the daddy isnt the Mk1 GTi or the VR6. Tis clearly the R32 :D
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1997 Tornado Red GTi 8v - The Fastest HotBox on Fife's roads.

Modifications -

1 x Kenwood KDC-7024M
1 x Dull Aluminium Golf Ball Gearknob. Clearly worth about 10bhp on its own.

Omar

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Re:8V or 16V
« Reply #6 on: 06 January 2004, 16:34 »
......take your time and find a 16v.

This spat goes on all the time.

You'll find on this site the 8v boys are always over compensating the fact they have an 8v - I think thats reason enough    ;)

« Last Edit: 06 January 2004, 16:39 by Omar »
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Offline winstonb

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Re:8V or 16V
« Reply #7 on: 06 January 2004, 17:12 »
im not too bothered by the extra performance of 16values as im coming across from the world of aircooled, having to give up my lovely Karmann Ghia :'(  

I like efficient mechanics, and really you cant beat the K-jet  system on the MK1/2.  Chips are for wimps, if you want to power up your car you should start at big cams and go on to rebores and longer crank strokes  ;D

Anywho, back to the point, im in central london so reckon the lower peak torque of the 8v might suit better.  I was also thinking that the 16v will be a bit more complex - but if its the same then its not an issue.  There does seem to be a lot of 16v around on autotrader at the mo (same if not more than 8v in teh 3-4K area), but dont want to be buying problems.
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golfvr6

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Re:8V or 16V
« Reply #8 on: 06 January 2004, 18:58 »
The R32 is a VR6 , just a later version  ::)
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mrwotto

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Re:8V or 16V
« Reply #9 on: 06 January 2004, 20:19 »
i picked my m plater 16valver for 3k just over 4 months ago now, the onlt trouble i have had with it is a blown coil, whih cost me a fiver to replace so cant really grumble.

I looked at 2 at the same time when i bought mine, one a 16v and the other a 8v, the 8v engine bay looked a bit empty compared to the 8v (no hardship intended to 8v owners meant ;) )

To be honest matey i would go for the 16v as its got that extra few horses when u need em (35 actually)

And the insurance was not much different for me either!

Hope this helps!

Good luck!!!!!

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