EARLY 4 SPEED GTI

Being the owner of an early 4 speed gti registered 1/8/79 i'm interested in how many 4 speeds were made and when did the 5 speed take over? Theres not much info about the early gti, spec etc. Like to hear from anyone else who has an early gti..what date did the first RHD versions go on sale in the uk? :?

Hi there

I own two 4-speed early GTi's and they are indeed a rare breed these days. I know of 17 small tail light GTi's in the UK, but they are in varying states of condition and originality (there are many parts unique to the pre-August 80 GTi's). I am thinking of starting a register of these early GTi's  (or all early Mk1s) just to record the numbers left and condition. The register would be part of this new Mk1 Golf club.

The 5 speed box was fitted from 08/80, but many people retrofitted the 5 speeder for better economy and more comfortable cruising though the 0-60mph time was increased due to an extra 2nd to 3rd gearchange.

RHD went on sale in the UK in July 1979 though LHD imports existed from the 1976 launch.

Post some pics of your GTi and congrats on owning the original original GTi!

Cheers
Rajan

I am thinking of starting a register of these early GTi's (or all early Mk1s) just to record the numbers left and condition. The register would be part of this new Mk1 Golf club.

Good plan. I'll sort out a database for you! Consider yourself in charge! :wink:

Cheers,

Drew.

I would be interested if there was a register for early gti's

Wouldn't be good to get a register for each flavour?

though the 0-60mph time was increased due to an extra 2nd to 3rd gearchange.

Don’t want to sound pedantic but not sure about this, had a long conversation about this with a mate a while ago. I have seen many figures that would indicate a 5 speeder is faster than a 4 speeder. Yes there is an extra gearchange but the ratios are shorter and less effort to get through. This is also particularly relevant with the high revving 1600 engine as the power doesn't really come in till over 4000rpm. A five speeder will be much quicker through 2nd gear than a four speeder and, although there’s an extra gearchange, will have hit that 2nd gear power band much sooner.

With a four speeder you have lees gear changes but also taller gears that take longer to get through plus only two power bands! Everywhere I have seen performance figures four a four speeder it is quoted at 9 sec 0-60, whereas the few cases (including a roadtest) that quote the 5 speed 0-60 say around 8.7 secs. The 1800 is usually quoted at 8.2 secs.

Check out http://www.vw-one.co.uk/XR3.htm roadtest. Interesting battle between Xr3 and 1600 GTI

Cheers

Peter Noad's figures from VWM magazine which most think are pretty reliable (VW's figures are fairly optomistic but referenced in many road tests!) show 8.6 s for the 4-speed and 9.2 s for the 5-speed. Having had both I think the 4-speeder is better for sprinting from rest, but the 5-speeder is quicker for in-gear acceleration, economy and road noise.

Cheers
Rajan

The figures I recall were…

8.6 for the 4-speed 1600, 9.1 for the 5-speed 1600, and 8.3 for the 5-speed 1800.

I had a 1600 5-speed and it definitely needed two changes to get to 60 without venturing into Honda V-tec territory!

Cheers,

Drew.

Drew

You have PM regarding the "early" register! :wink:

Cheers
Rajan

Still not convinced (although when it comes down to it the important part is driving these cars and not looking at their vital stats   ). I Never seen any article/roadtest refering to the 4 speeder as doing anything other than 9 or 9.1 secs. Often this figure is given for both the 1600 4 and 5 speeder. However, on the occasions I have seen a 5 speeders 0-60 given separately it is 8.5 or 8.7 secs.

The 1981 What Car articlce in which they did their own testing stated the figure as being 8.7 secs for the 5 speeeder. I dont't think the extra gear change is that significant when you consider the shorter 2nd gear ratio of the 5 speeder would mean the car was way into the 2nd gear powerband before the 4 speeder and therefore moving quicker. Anyway thats enough of my anorakisms  :roll: .

Would be great if some of the Gti (and standard golf) stats could be listed on the site in future plus any old road tests that could be found.

Cheers

Would be great if some of the Gti (and standard golf) stats could be listed on the site in future plus any old road tests that could be found.

This will be possible using the "Submit Article" option, I think :?:

Simon

1.6 gti, 4 speed

1981 W reg black

facelight version