Jump to content

mark 2 the best gti?


snellybbrp
 Share

Recommended Posts

Historically, its regarded as one of the best. I had a 40k-miler, F-plate 16v, with BBS alloys and big bumpers in 1994 (traded in my MKI with £4850 cash) and with 139bhp thought I had the best hot hatch money could buy. Looked awesome and performance was equal to its looks. Up against the MKV, personally, I don't think its a touch on the V's build quality, handling and finesse, but nonetheless, still have many pictures of my II (along with the I & IV) and it has a special place in my heart, that's for sure.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Up against the MKV, personally, I don't think its a touch on the V's build quality.
There's them words again build quality. It all depends on peoples definition of build quality. As a Quality manager/Electronic Engineer/Mechanical Engineer my version of build quality is prob different to yours. To me the attension to detail in the build of the mk2 blows the mk5 into the weeds. VW will never again make a product like the mk2 it IS the car that defined how VW is seen today.

Is the mk2 the best GTI it all depends on your priority's, your ratio of comfort to handling/performance. How you like your all rounder to be. Me im a mk1 man.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I see where you are coming from Geoff.

You only need to take a look under the bonnet of the MKV and look at the panel edges / seams of the inner wings. There are some ragged sharp edges which would never be evident on a VW in years gone by.

Ok, so this is only one example but the point i'm making is that most will look at the fancy engine covers and cable clips which make the hoses and pipes run parallel and think that it looks like a quality product. Some of these finishing features are only skin deep to give an improved appearance of quality.

To me the best GTI is the MKI - the original from which all the others evolved. It was a motoring history milestone as the 'hot hatch' was born - a true modern classic

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I hear what you're saying Snoopy & TT and respect your opinions. I guess it's as you say, Snoopy, I see quality differently no doubt like the next man would. Having owned all the evolutions of the hot hatch, for me they have got better and better with each marque and I cannot fault the V for quality over its predecessors. Out of the I, II and IV, the II was definately my favourite, but it will never come close to the V for me. I'm sure others will disagree, but it's interesting and healthy to hear everyone's opinions. +++

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've had too many Mk2s to remember and I've recently bought another one - model run-out Oak Green 16v.

I don't think you can even compare it to the Mk5 in terms of build quality, safety or luxuries. It was designed in 1980 and launched in '82 over here. There's 20+ years separating the design of them :eek:

It really is a comical blast back to the 80s when you get into it, but that's why I love it - it's just the bare essentials. OK, so the late model's got central locking and electric windows, but there's no ABS, traction control or anything like that.

It's a much more enjoyable drive than the Mk5, because it weighs just over a tonne, rather than the lardy Mk5, but that's understandable because of the safety features and luxuries in the Mk5.

Is it quicker cross country? With standard suspension and engine, not a chance.

Is the Mk2 the best GTI ever made? If it's a late model 16v, then undoubtedly, yes +++

But who said anything about keeping it standard? As much as 200bhp in a Mk5 or even 230 in an Ed30?

Pah... :secret::P

Link to comment
Share on other sites

....

I only really know the Mk5 but of all the other Mk's the Mk2 16v would be the natural choice. However, I'd miss all the great practical features like electric windows, rain sensors, comfort, Xenons, heated wing mirrors, M-way lane change indicators, and many other features....But most of all DSG!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've had a couple of MKI's, in convertible form, a MKII 16v - D92GSP, gunmetal grey and I loved it, missed out the 3 and 4 as they were lardy and crap, MKV - Loved it awesome allrounder.

The question is, which would I like to own most, probably a MKI - campaign model, but the best of them all for me is the MKII GTI 16v, so yes I agree, it is simply the best GTI of them all.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...

I'm still running one of the last of the GTi Mk 2 8V as well as a GTi Mk 5 MY2007. Here's how I compare them:

Mk 2

- better looking

- better engine noise

- better visibility

- more fun, chuckable

- better ride over small bumps

- less roll in corners

- more feel from steering

Mk 5

- faster

- more comfortable

- better ride over big bumps

- more toys

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm still running one of the last of the GTi Mk 2 8V as well as a GTi Mk 5 MY2007. Here's how I compare them:

Mk 2

- better looking

- better engine noise

- better visibility

- more fun, chuckable

- better ride over small bumps

- less roll in corners

- more feel from steering

Mk 5

- faster

- more comfortable

- better ride over big bumps

- more toys

Hope you don't mind me asking Chuck but what did you do when five o said "freeze!"?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I recently bought an oak green gti 8v , and by todays standards of comfort ,and smoothness etc it doesn't come close , my wife has a mk5 tdi , i have an a4 avant. The golf has no safety features etc and isnt that fast , but i would say i love the golf and just like the other two. I know it is like comparing apples and pears but for me the mk2 especially in oak green or atlas grey is very special, but then i also like the mk1 campaign model in helios blue .

Edited by ivor2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...