Gti - 1.6 or 1.8??

Not sure…………………..!!

Any opinions….??

Which is the prefered model. A late 1.6 or a 1.8. I know that the 1.8 is a little quicker,etc (not bothered by that) but is there anything else that I should know or be concerned about?

Thanks

Jules

Hi, 1600  engine was the "first" GTI it had a 4 speed gearbox and they started in "76.. I had a 1980 1600 with the five speed box and later large light cluster etc. I currently own and have had 6 1800cc ones They seem friskier at higher revs with more torque. That said its down to personally tastes.. some love the early small back light swallow tail GTis with the 4 speed gearbox and tartan seats.. others late model Campaigns with the Pirelli Alloys etc..So if moneys not an object decide which one you like the look of and go for it
Points to be wary of though would be early pre 81/82 cars did not get as much rustproofing as the 82/83 one.. but tbh they are all prone to it with the age so a good restored one should have had plenty put into it..
Hope the rambling helps :wink:

The 1800 is lusty and sonerous, the 1600 is a little screamer.  Whilst they both make practically the same power, the torque is what is drastically different between the two.  Both cars are great fun and if you are looking for your first Mk1 Golf GTI, my advice would be to buy one on condition rather than look for a particular model - they are all absolutely fantastic!

Thanks for the input guys!

I have been looking to buy one for a while now. I have been looking for a Campaign model but a 1.6 has popped up that looks really nice.

I owned a 1.6 GTi when they first came out (Yup. I'm that old!) and I currently own a MK2 1.8 so I have a rough idea what they are all about!!

My dilemma is whether the 1.6 'torque' issue is anyhing to get concerned about (being old I can't remember that far back !) My Mk 2 is quiet a nice drive but there is not much point in revving it hard as the main puff comes in the mid range. I assume that  this similar with the MK1 1.8 as its much the same engine!

Anyone with a 1.6 care to add anything?

Ta

Jules.

go with the 1.6 they rock my world,  ops:

I have both and can confirm what steve has said, the torque from the 1.8 is greater and makes it seem quicker as you don't have to work it, the 1.6 is still a flyer and really loves to rev right round to the red line :twisted: it is more of a progresive power delivery. I wouldn't decide on engine alone you need to look at the whole car and its condition and choose that way. Cost wise they are both the same on insurance but to run the 1.8 is slightly better on fuel.

Sound advice!

I have looked at a few now and it does seem that, "condition" is the the watch word and if a good one happens to be in the spec. that I am looking for, then that is a bonus.

Thanks.

Jules

I've had both in the past, personally I'd recommend you try one of each to find out which you prefer.

I would say the 1.6 has more character and is smoother than the 1.8 (you really notice it come 'on cam' at 4000 rpm), but the 1.8 is a bit quicker, more torquey, more economical but a little less interesting to drive.

As said above, both are great and the difference in performance isn't as much as you might think.

Cheers,

Drew.