Golf Cabrio Advice

Hey Guys & Gals,

I'm looking into getting a Cabrio for my daily runner.  Was wondering what model to go for?  I'm tempted by the GTI, simpl because its an engine I'm familiar with.  Also, I can only assume that a 1.6/1.8 carb would be a little under powered and un-responsive when nipping around town?

How does the carb engine stand up against the GTI?  How about when someone bolts on a weber carb - is this a big difference or just make things louder?!

I've got the very useful buyers gude off the site which I am studying in detail, I just really need to know the pros and cons of each model.  I'm downsizing from a 2.0 Audi A3, so it is likely to be a bit of a shock!

Thanks in advance.

Buy a gti deffo mate
mines a clipper and whish id have bought a gti now

Although the clipper if nippy and reliable there just not the same

good luck with the search

I thought as much.  I've got a bit of cash waiting for the right one… was 90% sold on the GTI anyway, I just wondered how the carb engine stood up against it.  I'm not looking for blistering pace, just a good spolid car with a bit of charm, character and quirkyness.

I miss giving my cars a name.  The Audi is too impersonal!

I can't compare carbs as I've never driven one, but I've driven a GTi cabby as my daily drive for years and can thoroughly recommend it!!  8)

And they're much more practical than people imagine

Don't listen to anyone's advice!

Go to a few local/national meets talk to owners grab a ride in as many as you can then make your own mind up.

T

Fair point  Theres a couple of Cabs for sale in garages locally, maybe I'll go for a cheeky test drive?!

Good point on the meets… I'll see if theres anything down my way.  Meets are certainly something I'd be keen for if I get something shiney enough to show off!

Can anyone tell me what the Weber carbs do to the 1.8 engine?  Are they somehting worth looking our for?

I have a 1.8 Clipper (no mods at all) and although I haven't driven a GTi it is still nice and quick.

Now without trying to make myself sound like a boy racer, I have had 2 recent instances where people have smirked at me at traffic lights and then tried to take off. Both times I had the last laugh. This morning it was a 1 year old audi A3 1.6 and a couple of weeks ago a 2 year mini cooper.

So whatever you choose GTI or Clipper you'll be chuffed that your 18 year old + car is as quick as some of todays cars. Have fun. Andy.

Yes all things being equal a GTI would be better than a Carb model.

However when new GTIs cost about 25% more than a GL/Clipper so less around and now that all Cabrios are old cars I'd look for one with a rust free body, clean interior and water tight unripped roof, no matter what engine.

1800 Clippers are 90bhp in a relatively light car so performance is good the only catch being the Pierburg E2E carb is the work of the devil when it's not operating correctly.

Being in the lucky position of having a Pre-Clipper body '87 GTI and a '89 Clipper automatic (with Weber) I can honestly say that…….


….in 8.5 years of ownership….

…the best one is…….


I STILL CAN'T DECIDE !!!!

The GTI is terrific….because it's a GTI…….

But the Clipper is such a cruising poser….is a absolute boon in traffic and around town because of the auto box…….and has made some boy racers blush (and scared us a bit) when pulling away from lights and overtaking - slam the pedal to the floor and keep it there - no clutch or gearchanges to think about….and the 'kick-down' is terrific for overtaking….

Both cars are used 'in rotation'….one month GTI, the next month the Clipper…and if a (regular) trip to Cornwall comes up it's alternate cars….

Both cars are kept 'topped up' with fuel and constant records of mileage kept….
The Clipper auto fuel economy is not so good (much better with the Weber)…averaging 30 to 34….but we have achieved 38 mpg.
The GTI constantly gives between 32 (booting it month) - 38 (gentle month)…….though on one recent 'eco/green/boring' trip to Cornwall it did actually achieve an incredible 46 mpg (speedo reading) /  44 mpg (SatNav reading)…according to SatNav both speedos read 2 to 3 mph fast….

…so STILL indecided !!!!

Thanks for the great (allbeit inconclusive) advice  Your enthusiasm for both cars just makes me even more keen to get on the Cabby wagon though!  Really looking forward to it!

I have a couple of cars I'm keeping close tabs on - both have their pro's & con's, and one is a Clipper with a Weber carb.  Would you expect to struggle a little more with the Clipper if it were a manual?

The other is a GTI CC  looking frward to seeing what that has to offer.

P.S.  Prowler, your wvgolfmk1.co.uk site was uber helpful!