Just two stick my two penneth in;
The poll is ambiguously worded, as it is open to perosnal interpretation of the word slow, rather than fact.
If you had been used to driving a Mk2 16v or VR6, which are both quicker than the Mk3 8v, then it would seem slow.
However, if you had been driving a 1.6CL or something similar, which is slower than the Mk3 8v, then it would seem fast.
I have never owned, nor put any major miles on an 8valve, so I don't think I'm entitled to say yes or no. I've seen half a dozen people submit a dozen different figures, but it still doesn't prove if its slow or not, as it will always be opinion, and therefore subjective.
The fact is, VW has deemed it worthy to be badged as a GTi, and whether everyone agrees with that or not, it still has to be recognised as one. VW are very aware that the GTi has 'lost its edge' since the intorduction of the Mk3 (and so are the drivers), but they, like all other manufacturers, have had their hand forced via legislation regarding CO2/emmissions outputs and the introduction of higher safety standards.
VW know they had a winning recipe with the Mk1 and 2 and they didn't change it out of choice. Lets just hope that with the MK5 they have 're-educated' themselves, allowing them to build a comfortable, reliable, safe car (the principles for which they are well known) combined with something thats as enjoyable to drive as the Mk1's and 2's.
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