I have an 8v and would like a little extra power and so thought it would be cheaper to buy a 16v than to increase the power on my 8v. So recently got to test drive a 91 16v with just over 100k and full vw service history...
From having a good go in a 16v I can say the following:
- The 16v is faster, no surprise there, but all the extra power over the 8v is only available at high revs, I'd say in excess of 4000rpm. To really notice the difference the engine needs to be worked 'very hard' right up to red line.
- The 16v engine to me didn't feel like it had any less torque at low revs, at very low revs the engine maybe feels like it doesn't pick as nicely especially in higher gears, but no real noticeable difference. To me it really just felt like a high revving 8v.
- Also I thought that the 16v engine seemed noisier (a little less refined), maybe it's because you end up driving using higher revs, or maybe because of the extra valves?
For me personally I wasn't that impressed, the 16v didn?t feel that much faster, certainly not enough for me to have to sell my 8v, plus what I really like is mid range grunt and so I'm probably better off modding my 8v.
Like for like (i.e. same price, mileage, condition etc) obviously go a 16v as they demand a higher price. If you like high revs and changing gears allot go for a 16v, if not go for an 8v. If it were me a go for the Mk2 in the best condition and not worry too much about the number of valves?
