Considering this new found option.

[x~Underoath~x]

I was wondering about some things and these are all easy questions, and im new at this whole VW thing...sortof exciting. Im fixing to graduate high school and was looking for something dependable, semi good on gas, a little newer, and fast/good handling. My searches have lead me to the GTi.
Ive looked, and which would be my best bet for a pretty quick, autox type car? A 1998 GTi or VR6? The GTi, i take it is turbo'd but the VR6 is n/a. Correct? Anyway, which wouuld be the best handling, best on gas, and just best bang for the buck overall?
And what do most of you guys have?

[Vin.ZNT]

sorry, don't know much for mk3s

but logically, the turbo version (1.8t?)

bang for buck for modding for the first couple of mods, which would be enough since you don't seem like you need to go big turbo

lighter engine is better on handling
and 4 banger has better gas mil. than a 6

maybe specR can help you

and correct me if I am wrong

[edspecR]

im biased towards the 1.8T, just to start off.

vr6: heavier over the front axle, na motor (as in smoother accelerations), high initial price to get big hp numbers

1.8T: lighter overall, turbocharged=quicker accelerations IMO (but then mines not stock...). low initial starting price.

what i mean by initial price is that 18ts need about $1000 to reach 210 hp (chip + exhaust). however, any other mods to increase hp after the initial investment costs alot (ie. big turbo $3000, an so on). the vr6 on the other hand, has a high initial price (supercharger = $3000), then the remainder tapers off (chip= $300, pulleys, etc)

either way you choose, you wont go wrong, but if you want mileage get the 18t.

as for auto-x's, the vws ive seen at auto-x's tend to be more 18ts, since you dont need huge hp numbers to go auto-xing (just drop a chip and exhaust, use the rest of the bling on suspension)

mk3s are actually better on the track than mk4s IMO.

if i were you, i'd get the 18t (o wait i have one already ). it fits all your criteria, except maybe reliability. but then if you wanted that you'd buy a japanese car

[x~Underoath~x]

Haha, yeah ive got a Jap-car.

I was leaning towards the 1.8 first of all, but i think its sure fire now. And i do want to do some turbo work, nothing huge...just wondering what size turbo comes on the stock GTi. Im figuring a t3 of some sort? But i really want a good handling car...the roads around here, so curvy and delicious. Plus college+work+home= distance. So MPG will be a plus. Thanks for all the help so far. Consider me a regular on the GTi board...if my compy stays alive.

[x~Underoath~x]

^^^^^^^^ Basically what i was asking about the turbos is...can i put a garrett t3/t04e on in place of the stock turbo? I have one "very close". Just wondering if it would work? I suppose i would need to upgrade chips first though. which chips are infamous about the high torque? heard, but dont remember the name.

And out of curiosity, are any of you guys from cleveland,tn? I saw a GTi, not sure if it was vr6 or not, but rumor has it that he was running 30+psi on all upgraded internals...are the VW engines up to high boost?

[x~Underoath~x]

Another quick question...sorry for the 3 posts in a row... What, if any, are the differences between a 1998 and 1999 GTi?

[edspecR]

1998 = mk 3
1999= mk3 (i dunno much bout mk3 changes...)
1999.5 = mk 4 (new, current body style)

t3/t4 are commonly used to upgrade the turbo. you'd have to get an upgraded chip like you said. some notable cookie-cut chips (non-custom made for your car) are the revo chip with BT software as well as the APR stage III (since the stage 3 kit has a t3/t4 turbo included)

OR you can go to upsolute and get a custom chip banged out for you (you just need a dyno chart + air/fuel ratio, and a mod list).


but then again, this information holds true for mk4s... i hope its true for mk3s too.

vw's are capable of 30 psi... but not for long. 25 is usually the threshold before things start breaking down (even if you bulk up the internals). some dude on the vortex had a 42 psi 1.8t ... till it blew after 40,000 miles

sorry for the long post, seems like all mine get like this... moving on to your next question:
aggressive driving + mountain roades = poopy mileage.

if you want good mileage, you'll have to drive at a consistent speed. if you want fun, you'll sacrifice mileage (atleast on that tank of gas)

[x~Underoath~x]

Ohh I know all about the bad gas mileage thing when you "get on it"... trust me. Thats why I reserve a couple bucks a week for some "good clean fun"...bwaahahaha.


BTW, what kind of differential works does the GTi have?

[x~Underoath~x]

Okay, I have changed my mind...i just hope i can afford it. I think i want a 1999.5+ GTi 1.8t....I was getting curious as to how much insurance is on one of these? Im 18 plus or minus a day or 30...so its gonna be high, but if its too high ::gulp:: liability?

[wagsGTI]

hi. My Cousin owns a 00' GTI VR6 and he test drove a 1.8T and said that the torque was a lot better in the VR6. thats what led me to the 96' VR6 which is awesome!!!!
Wags

[VeeDubb_337]

im 18 i have an 02 1.8t and with comp n collision i pay 162 a month

[FahQ]

It sounds like you're a Tuner.

Being a student - getting a MK4 1.8T or VR6, your insurance is simply gonna rape you.

Get an early MK3 (93-99) Golf and swap in whatever motor you want

1.8T - is a 1.8L 20 valve turbo 4 banger motor (2 models 150hp and 175hp)
VR6 - (depending on generation) is 2.8L DOHC inline 6-cylinder (approx 175hp)
Then there is your 1.8L 8V, 2.0L 8V, 2.0L 16V, 2.0T