8v or 16v?

[Winso]

I've got a 16v (with a few small engine tweaks), I've never driven an 8v gti so can't comment on the comparison. The 16v is fast but you do have to give it some serious beans to get up in the power band which really kicks in at around 4.5k rpm. It's fine if you're on the open road and can open it up but around town mine doesn't feel quick as you really have to wind it up to get anywhere! 16v's ain't crazy fast but from 40mph - 70pmh in 3rd gear you'll be quicker than a lot of stuff on the road!

[nealey]

Ive had both, i loved the 16v's speed but prefer the 8v as an everyday thing and something to improve over time

[kittie]

I've pondered this topic greatly, and I think you should sack it and get a proper tomcat 




Got one on our drive if you can trailor 

[cняis]

I've pondered this topic greatly, and I think you should sack it and get a proper tomcat 




Got one on our drive if you can trailor 

t-series turbo y0 

[robbie_d]

Personally, 16v.

I haven't owned an 8v but a mate had one for ages, and my 16v is noticeably quicker (that said my 16v is in much better nick than his 8v was).

Best thing is to try both for yourself, and get the one you prefer...

Sounds simple but its the best solution.

[Blazing Storm]

I've had an 8v for a couple of years. A good all rounder and pulls well enough. The 16v or a G60 is the better choice is you can afford the insurance though. Never driven one myself but from seeing a RR graph you can see they have that extra power higher up the rev counter. If I was to buy another MK2 now it definitely would be a 16v or G60.

[keefusg60]

I've had an 8v, 2 16v and 2 G60's, so for me the answer is 8v (with a Supercharger bolted on to it of course...................)  


If you've got £1,500 then G60 isn't an option I suppose, so IMO you need to test drive a few (16v & 8v) and you'll know when you get in one that feels right. One of my 16v's felt so different to my other one.............

[jezza16v]

I've pondered this topic greatly, and I think you should sack it and get a proper tomcat 


Got one on our drive if you can trailor 

I've had 2x16v and 1x8v, 3xR5 turbos and my son (he's a VW technician) currently has a T16 Tomcat which is quick, looks great but rarely goes for more than a week without something breaking, spares are very difficult & expensive to come by, keep away unless you have very deep pockets, a garage, RAC membership, loads of spare time, are good with spanners and you can walk/bus to work.
R5 turbos, much quicker off the mark and more fun than just about anything i've driven but top speed no better than 16v, mine were all newish so no probs, been looking at getting one again but good unbutchered ones are rare.
16v, good but a bit frantic to get moving quickly IMO.
8v, feels more responsive & less gear changing.
As said, both GTIs are good but these days solid bodywork is probably the best reason to choose.
My choice would be an 8v day to day on the road, but thats probably due to my advancing years.

[Neaty]

there seems to be this arguement that 16v's are completely useless as daily drivers when this just isn't the case. I had both of mine used as daily's and found them just as civilised low down inthe rev band as 8v's. You don't have to rev the bollocks off them to get the most out of the engine, but it helps 

[AudiA8Quattro]

Like he says ^^^^^

I've driven plenty of gti's. The 16v is definately better. There is no difference in low down torque on the 8v or 16v, to be honest neither engine really produces much torque