Mk1 v Mk2 v Mk3 etc

[Neaty]

 i think at the time the heading was "golf loses its balls" when autoexpress or something similar reviewed the mark 3 8v when it first came out.

i think you have to go from driving a mark 3 8v every day then back in to a mark 2 16v to see what its all about. i know its a different kettle of fish but really it shouldnt be

[monzablue16v]

My personal opinion on this one,
MK1 was the prototype, basic but fun to drive even in 1.6 guise.
MK2 was when they got it right fast, light, comfy and good looking.
Mk3 pig on rollerskates and built like a tank. Frantic modification from VW to make it sellable.
Mk4 Too new skool euroboxy
Mk5 never driven one so don't know

[Mr Blue]

not a fan of mk1's but i wouldnt mind one

mk2's mk3's. some mk4's are my fave's

[DubFan]

I'd love a Mk1 but the wife wouldn't let me have one, no power steering and not "modern" enough.
My overall fave is the Mk2, good looks, decent engines, handles well, goes really well.
I've had a Mk2 16v and a Mk3 16v, and I'd say, if you want comfort and a more modern look, go for the Mk3, but for raw driving fun, the Mk2 16v is much better.

Mk4; look modern, 1.8T engine is good and tunable, but the car as a whole, not to my taste.

[Bluefox]

Well, here's my two pence' worth
It's true, it does depend on what you're after. Even the mk2 16v, with "only" 139bhp is hardly a hot hatch my modern standards - so perhaps it's a bit unfair to judge the mk3 along the similar vein.
In my case, I think the mk3 was a little underpowered and it needs some work to make it look fantastic. Then again, look at Golfpro's example - they can look good
I think if you want an out & out performance car, perhaps mk1 or 2 is the way to go - comfort with power mk4 and 5, and perhaps a mk3 just to be different.
Is it all just horses for courses...?

[oldmanmille]

Well, that opened a discussion didn't it  Thanks for all the input guys. I'm looking forward to the 8th at Oulton and all will be revealed - I'm really looking forward to seeing how it compares with my Scooby, Clio 172 and of course my faithful mark3 

Neaty mentioned his dad at 50 not being boy racer, or words to that effect. Well, I'm 51 and have never let age affect me, although I don't do the speed thing on the road as much these days, as the track is best suited for those games!

Anyway, thanks again for everyones input and comments, no offence taken on the Mark 3 as if i was to tell you I had a Vectra Estate 3.0 CDTi and a Vectra SRi 150 and a Vectra GSI, then i'm sure I might just get some further comments.....

I think I need a Mark 2 though by the sounds of things.....

[golfpro]

In my case, I think the mk3 was a little underpowered and it needs some work to make it look fantastic. Then again, look at Golfpro's example - they can look good

Why thank you! Means a lot that!

If your hitting the track in it then a mk2 valver is a good start. But for an extra added bonus one with a vr6 lump added, or a 20vt will eat up lots and lots!

[Len]

So it compensated, by still being slower, and still having a lower power to weight ratio... Good compensation.

Is it slower? I have never checked the figures! I'm sure you can tell me Slick!

11bhp is some small compensation. I believe they also changed the gear ratios and the final drive?

[Neaty]

Neaty mentioned his dad at 50 not being boy racer, or words to that effect. Well, I'm 51 and have never let age affect me, although I don't do the speed thing on the road as much these days, as the track is best suited for those games!

yea he just isn't that bothered about having a lightening quick car, and that 8v has a suitable amount of grunt for motorway cruising

[Uku]

ive driven them all so i can comment fairly (lol well almost as i have a mk2) the mark 1 was an awesome car which imo was the best handling , just let down by power and style (easily rectified as alot of peeps have) the mark2 is the best all rounder and has proved itself to be one of the most reliable cars of its era , just look how many good ones are out there and still going strong! not many cars can claim that from the 80-90's , the mark3 was a bad move , it drives too much like a family car , its fate was sealed by the times rather than bad making , vw like the rest of the companys toned down the gti's due to joy riding and high insurance , bad economy etc. the mark 4 was agian partly due to the times , safety was the main thing when they made these and it shows , the things a tank but it lost the light weight feel all golfs should have and the handling too , im sure audi were in there for the day or somin , has so much in common with there boring cars. the mark 5 is what golfs should be! awesome to jump in a modern car that feels like old gti's were , if i had the cash id buy one now , as i dont ill have to make do with the second best one.

so my order is:

1st:  mk5
2nd  mk2
3rd   mk1
4th   mk3
5th   mk4  (great engine though! just in wrong shell  )