Hi,
been thinking about those small, torquey VW GTIs, Golfs, jettas, etc. and wondering if anyone has any opinions on whether the V6s are worth the extra price, heavier handling characteristics, insurance, etc.

and what model years do you like best? they keep getting heavier, but they also keep getting more powerful engines, so it's hard to say whether older & smaller is better, or late model heavier but stronger.

thanks in advance for any thoughts!

The newer ones have the power to make up for the weight, and they are safer. Dont know about fuel economy or handling because I havent really gotten to test one, but I was really impressed w/ a friends GTI 1.8T.

After a few BPU's those things can really move, and they look really nice with just rims, and shaved emblems.

thanks.

i am also considering a satun ion and a scion tc, but i know they don't have the aftermarket support the VW 1.8 gti has.

Don't forget the TDI (www.tdiclub.com) if fuel economy is a concern. Lots of aftermarket for this one as well.

Between the 1.8t and the vr6, I'd choose the 1.8t because it gets better mileage than the vr6, has similar performance, and like most turbo cars is easy to mod.

cool. yeah, i don't think i could afford a VR6 anyhoo, and i'm going to need to keep costs down seeing as how everyone says VWs customer service and repair is the worst there is.

The 1.8T from VW is a very liked Engine in Germany! Stably, reliable, small and easily. And more power is absolute no problem! Many Tuner insert this Engine in older VW / AUDI / SEAT and SKODA Cars.

http://bilder.autobild.de/bilder/1/2617.jpg

VW Lupo B&B 1.8T - 300hp / 5900rpm - 302lbf ft / 2600rpm - 156mph - 0-60 in 5.8sec.

thanks all!
if there are any americans here, please let me know how old a vw gti i could get, that would still have any chance of surviving a crash with our sadly too common sports tanks, SUVs, and other enormous gas guzlers.

also, how cramped are the cockpits on the early 90's ones?
thanks!

Well, I used to have a 1990 jetta, which ended its life by crashing into a moving truck (Probably the same weight as two Discoveries, I'd suppose) at 65 Km/h, the car held up extremely well, the front was pushed back a tiny bit, but the cabin was untouched as was the rest of the structure, so a Mk II is a brilliant bet as a safe car, Mk III's were less safe, though. Plenty of passenger space as well, more than a Civic.

thanks!

A chipped 1.8T with give you more power than the VR6. :2cents: