Mk2 GTi comparisons - polo G40 and Scirocco

[Chris71]

Hi,

Tried to post a topic about this earlier, so appologies if this is a repost!!

Looking at a mk2 Gti has got me thinking about some of the other 'fun' VWs. Has anyone here owned a Scirocco or a fast polo (guessing that would mean a G40?) I like the golf and I think a mk2 16v Gti is what I'll most likey ened up with, but I do like the coupe styling of the rocco and the insanity of a small polo with a big superchager ......anyone know anything about either of them?

(Also looked at golf G60's but decided they were a bit out of my price range)

Chris.

[DubFan]

Interesting comparisons.
Well, neither of those you suggested are quite as practical as a Golf; the Polo is smaller, and only 3 door, and the Scirocco although bigger doesn't have much room in the back for passengers, and even the boot is a bit restrictive.
In terms of performance, they both can be as much fun, but you'll pay a premium for a G40, as they're still very desirable. The Scirocco is not everyones cup of tea, so the prices are lower, but even with the 1.8 carb engine are quite quick, you'll have to hunt round for a good example  with a decent engine though because less have survived.
That said, there's nothing wrong with being different. There are plenty of modded Polos and Golfs around, but not so many Sciroccos.
How about a smoothed, clean lines, Rocco with a 2.0 16v engine, uprated brakes, lowered on nice alloys with a corrado or even a TT interior?

[tom26]

I've heard on good authority that the polo handling and driving position are not as nice as the  mk2 golf.
After seeing the pictures of the mk1 'rocco's racing in febs PVW, i think one of those would make an awesome project!

[mattp1983]

My mate has a rocco GTII on his drive as a prjoect car, its the 1.8 carb, he got it off fleabay for £150 about 18 months ago, just needed front wing, brake hoses and a damn good clean/service. H plate, no rust and runs sweet.



Good car, massive engine bay its begging for an engine transplant, he has some unique plans for it cant wait till its finished, he's rebuilding an Ibiza 16v with the ABF engine in at the mo (polishing and porting head and inlet manni after cambelt snap), looks very nice I have to say.

[steveg60cab]

i haven't had a polo, but i have had my golf 16v and my rocco scala 1.8i on the road at the same time so a comparison is easier.  i would say the golf is by far the better looking car and slightly quicker, but for drivability, the rocco was great to drive.  the steering was more precise, lighter, more relaxed seating position, basically it's a mk1 golf gti underneath, but without the rust issues!!

[Chris71]

The 'rocco seems to be coming out quite well in this.

Looks wise, they all appeal to me in different ways, but I do think I prefer Scirocco looks to the golf to be honest - I've awlays had more of a thing for GT/coupe body styles. That said, being more practical, more compact, slightly quicker and much better supported I'd probably still go for the golf if they were the same price, but people seem to be having trouble giving the Scirocco's away and I wonder how much of that is due to it's flaws (eg front brakes) and how much is simply the fact it's not the [golf] hatchback.

The idea of an engine transplant appealed to me too, but I don't really have the facilities to do it. Think if I did get one I'd get a reasonably standard one and maybe just poly bush it and make a few mods to the front brakes. I know this is a golf forum(!) but has anyone here driven carb and fuel injected versions of the 'rocco?

Think a nice mk2 16v is still a better bet overall, but it's an interesting thought, especially given the price difference.

[steveg60cab]

i have only driven my injected rocco so i couldn't tell you what the carb(gt11) model is like, i suppose it would be the same difference as a golf driver 1.8 and a 1.8 gti

[Neaty]

I have a mark 2 Scirocco, 1.8 GTII. Pretty nippy but could do with a bit more power, handles pretty well though. I also have a 16v mark 2 and would prefer to drive the Golf given the choice.

polo G40's have 116bhp as standard, giving them 160 bhp per tonne, so are pretty quick but if they are like tom said and dont handle to great then I would prob go for the mark 2 16v.

[DubFan]

A few years ago my mate had a Scirocco Scala 1.8 which had the carb engine. So that's 90bhp of grunt. which was the same engine as the Mk2 Golf GL I had at the time. The handling in the Rocco was better (but that's not hard when comparing to a bog standard Mk2 Golf GL) and the Rocco was a little bit quicker because it was more aerodynamic.
The main difference was the practicality, it was very uncomfortable for anyone over 5ft8 to get in the back of the rocco, and the loading of large things into the boot was problematic.
But the Rocco was definately still a fun car.
Was quite funny though because his girlfriend couldn't see out much when she was sitting in the Rocco cos she was only about 5ft2.

[Neaty]

there sure isnt much space in the back of a scirocco, the boot i find is quite spacious