Golf GTI 16v v's Astra GTE 16v

[Godzilla]

there are a few 'v's' in the title 

Ive owned my GTI valve for 10 months now and am really happy with it. My prev' car was an Astra GTE 16v. Comparing them both.

Golf GTI 16v 1991 pro's...  Good handling, great brakes (they have been upgraded to 280mm though) Build quality, space, great driving position, parts....and of course the VW Golf GTI image!

Cons.... Ok-ish performance, fuel economy.

Vauxhall Astra MK2 GTE 16v pro's.... Incredible performance, economy, digi-dash (very informative although a lot of people thought it looked tatty and cheap).

Cons.... Handling, not really a true drivers car unlike the Golf and Pug GTI's. Build quality, Space and of course the typical Vauxhall tin worm that seems to eat the entire car before your own eyes!

[Dub-77]

Yeah you summed it up preaty good there Paul, i've owned both as well and love the golf over the astra. 
But thats just my OP

Darren

[Neaty]

what sort of power out put was the astra?

[Godzilla]

The engine used in the Astra GTE 16v is the same as the Cavalier GSI, Calibra 16v and early Astra GSI's. Its called a C20 XE or better known as 'The Redtop' They produce 156bhp. This fiqure of 156bhp is correct unless it has a Cat fitted (91 onwards) which then drops it to 150bhp. The later Astra GSI's, Calibra 16v's were fitted with an Ecotech engine producing 136bhp. This engine is easy to tell as it has ECOTECH in huge writting on the rocker cover....unlike the red band with Vauxhall DOHC 16v stamped on, far better engine than the Ecotech, regarding performance.

[Dub-77]

I had mine up too 142        (well showing on the digi dash) was top 4 acceleration and top speed was preaty dam good 2....

Darren

[Godzilla]

142.....i had 142mph showing on mine too!! Gotta agree on very very quick acceleration. Beat many cars in it including my mates brand new (at the time) 325i coupe....he was not happy  Trouble is they are not a great drivers car, handle like poo and rust like mad. I have found my MK2 GTI 16v to be a great drivers car and handle WELL 

[Dub-77]

GOLF 16 Valve - the engine with a astra 16v red top planted in it now theres a thought     

Darren

[Neaty]

GOLF 16 Valve - the engine with a astra 16v red top planted in it now theres a thought  :grin:  :grin: 

Darren

sacrilege!!

[davidhawkins_78]

Why bother with the red top conversion - just tweak your Valver !!! 

Full stainless system / 4 - 1 stainless manifold / induction and WUR mod and you'll see the sunny side of 150 easy !!

Sure, that's not like for like i guess but i can't help but grin everytime i drive mine in this state. Had a GPS confirmed 141 (on an air strip) before the red line too, but end of the peak power.

Got the youth of today are missing out - the hot hatch just isn't the same any more !!

[Neaty]

you see if the astra wasnt faster than the golf then no one would buy it, if it didnt handle, stop, look or wasnt as well made as the golf as well as being slower then there would be no point. Much like the new VXR, the 240ps is just saying "hey look at me i am faster" .....yea until you get on a road with some bends in it.