Mk3 Golf GTi 16v or VR6?

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Wed 28 Sep 2005 12:02
Mk3 Golf GTi 16v or VR6? - Alex147
Am interested in opinions & experinces on the above 2 vehicles.
Which would people choose and why?

I lean more towards the 16v, as it is far more economical and not that much slower. However, they appear to be raer than the VR6.
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Wed 28 Sep 2005 12:31
Mk3 Golf GTi 16v or VR6? - nutty_nissan
Is economy a primary concern to you? How many miles do you do a year? Perhaps a Mondeo TDCi as they are very frugal ;-)

If you are after a performance car, then the VR6 would be my choice. Most V6s offer a totally different driving experience to 4 cylinder cars. Not always superior, due to the extra weight though. Less gear changing with the VR6 too.
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Wed 28 Sep 2005 13:10
Mk3 Golf GTi 16v or VR6? - Alex147
It is of importance, although not the primary concern. I don't want a car as large as the Mondeo. Anyway, most diesels sound like tractors, even now.
I am really only interested in the Golf, as we already have one car. They are fairly cheap, very reliable and well built and good to drive. Before anyone mentions it I hacve tried the Mk4 GTi Turbo, it's a good car but the "GTI hot hatch" fun factor is missing - it's a far more grown-up car if you know what I mean.
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Wed 28 Sep 2005 13:23
Mk3 Golf GTi 16v or VR6? - VR6
The VR6 is very nice to drive. It doesn't feel as fast as it is as the power delivery is very smooth, but only really gets going at about 3.5k rpm.

I own one as my daily driver, and it really comes into its own on the motorway. Doing motorway speeds I average 30mpg. Overall town driving you should expect about 23-26 mpg.

The VR6 isn't really a hot hatch - its too heavy and on the VR6 the suspension set up is on the soft side, so does roll quite a bit.

But, buying a VR6 can be a bit of a mine field. There are a couple of major things to look out for before purchase.
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Wed 28 Sep 2005 13:56
Mk3 Golf GTi 16v or VR6? - Roger Jones
I've had a VR6 Highline since new in December 1996. It's wonderful and I'm not going to sell it.

Running up to the purchase, I also tried a GTi. It felt much quicker off the mark and altogether more eager, but the VR6 is in a completely different league of refinement and comfort. I enjoy the smooth power delivery and the relaxed high-speed cruising, and its handling is fine as far as I'm concerned, although I have seen others describe it as soft -- I guess I just don't push it hard enough to notice.

I get 29 mpg from it. I have seen the trip meter exceed 37 mpg on a gentle journey through the countryside. I have had no significant repair bills, but the middle exhaust box has just failed (approaching nine years and 45k) and the wheels need refurbing now.

Every time I have considered selling the VR6, I have backed off. Having acquired a fourth car this past spring, I got as far as writing the advertisement, but couldn't actually bring myself to finish it off. Nah, superb little car, too good to pass on to anyone else.
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