Series 1 v Series 2 gtis

Which do people prefer and why?
I think the series 1 has more of a classic car look going on with the design stemming from earlier in the 70s and their rarity also makes them a bit more special.  The 80s ones are very much of their time, a bit more showie and joyboy-esque with their crazy striped seats, led lights and digital clock.
I own one of each and do enjoy driving the 82 one (when it decides to work again) more than the '79 one.  I prefer the larger engine and the build quality is better.
Which would be more desirable/worth more, a series 1 gti (4/5 speed) or a series 2 campaign?
I do love the series 2s, I think the series 1s are more of a purist's/collector's version.
I just thought I'd open this up and it would be interesting to hear what campaign die-hards think.

I like the 5 speed 1600 (I would say that as I have one). Hasn't got quite the low rev torque or pull of the 1800 , but I find the 1600 engine smoother through higher revs and much more racey to drive. Never driven a series one 4 speed but look fun - think the swartz black ones look the best.

I've got a late 1600 so it to all intents it is identical to the non campaign 1800's bar the engine and lack of MFA. Had been thinking about an 1800 as quicker under hard accelaration, but think I'm going to tweak my 1600 as prefer the engine.

I also found the wider Pirelli wheels with 185 tyres on the later 1800 slightly reduce the speed at which the steering and car can change direction over the earlier 9 spokes with 175s. I found this noticable on 30-50 mph twisting B-road sections. Anyone else thought this? Having said that the wider tyres and wheels do notably free up more of the chassis handling and grip.

Of course these are all pesonal preferences rather likes and dislikes and I would be happy with any Mk1 GTI  

For me, it has to be the Series 1 of course! I have had Series 2s before and loved every minute. But the Series 1 is where it all started, in pure original form. I find the interior and exterior styling of the Series 1 to be more classical and sporty (for the GTi). Of course they are far rarer than the Series 2 and have that touch of exclusivity, which even the Campaign does not enjoy to the same extent. There is the added interest as well of finding the many changes in the life cycle of the Series 1, whereas the Series 2 did not change much through the years.

For the GTi, the 1.8 is a better every day car, but the 1.6 4-speed I find to be a bit more fun.

Cheers
Rajan

I read a lot of different opinions about the engines and I am no petrolhead that's for sure but there really doesn't seem to be much difference.

I had both cars for about a week and alternated driving them and really didn't notice the .2 litres either way.

However I definitely prefer my series 1 1600 to the 1800 i had before.

If feels more like an "old" car if you know what I mean.

funny round dials, weird seatbelts, minimal soundproofing, tartan seats, Oh yeah, and crap rustproofing.

I never see anyone else on my street with the bonnet up!

Peter.

read a lot of different opinions about the engines and I am no petrolhead that's for sure but there really doesn't seem to be much difference.

Tallpete - have to say I found a noticable difference in the characteristics of the engines. I think the 1800 gives more of a kick in the back under hard acceleration from about 3-3500 rpm. The 1600 really doesn't hit its powerband till 4000-4250 rpm - when it does its a smoother build in power. This also means that the 1600 likes to hold on a bit longer rev wise whereas the 1800 benefits in changing up sooner.

I drove a 1800 to Southampton and back last year. Got to the know the car quite well on that journey. Funnily enough at 80-85mph I didn't notice so much of a difference, but overall the 1800 sounds and feels a bit more modern. Might be the K&N panel filter I have fitted, but my 1600 seems to be louder and have more of an iduction roar - sounds a bit 70's  8)

Cheers

I have both and I'd say they have both their own qualities so I pick both  :wink:

I have to say i prefur my 1600 4 speed (65 in second) because it is the original unrevised version but i don't think performance maters as i do not drive my 79 gti hard (i have a modified 220bhp mk1 which i use to release my stress and pleasure on) but i have to agree a mk1 is a mk1

s1 all the way

Last year a "T" plate 1600 in black turned up at the Bicester scrap yard nr Oxford. The seats were in perfect condition along with the rest of the car, why the car ended up in the scrap yard is a mystery. After thinking about the early mk1 one for a few days I returned with a view to buying the car at whatever price. Guess what? car was gone!!

Kicking myself ever since!

I have an S2. but i think S1's are much more collectable, though probably less suitable for everyday use.

when i decided to go for a total restoration project mk1 i picked a s1 as it was the original GTI (not knocking the s2) and search for as early a version i could get but had to be black and no sunroof. as it happens it seem as if i got one of the last series 1's.
It was the rear lights and that fuss free interior that does it for me.

All the classic car guides still list the s2 to be worth more though.