MTLVR6
Legacy Member
...the Mk3 VR6?
http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publish/article_1219.shtml
http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publish/article_1219.shtml
Der Ölmesser: The Best GTI Ever Made Is...
March 1, 2005
by: Brad Beardow
The Mk3 GTI VR6. Here’s why…
When criteria such as affordability, mod-ability, livability, and an over all fun-factor are considered, the 3rd-gen GTI with a VR6 engine comes out on top. Don’t believe me? Check this out:
The Mk1 GTI is a blast to drive, no doubt. If you can find one still running and not rusted out, it’s a good buy, and yes, there are a million different modifications available. Compared to the newer generations of GTIs, the Rabbit is just too cramped and rickety to be lived with on a daily basis, especially when modded for more performance. It’s a great car with tons of charm and I’d love to own another one, but not if it was my only form of transportation.
Many have called the Mk2 GTI the ultimate GTI, and that each version after is some sort of proof that VW lost their way – hell, even Herr Pischetsrieder admitted as much. But for me, in the year 2005, this just isn’t true. Decent Mk2 GTIs are getting scarce, and most by now have some pretty big miles on their early-‘80s technology chassis. Like the Mk1, the Mk2 chassis was never very stout to begin with, and age has taken its toll, especially if you’ve ever owned a car with a newer, CAD-developed structure. Let’s face it – Mk2 chassis rigidity is measured in decibels, not megahertz. And just as with the Mk1 version, this 2nd-gen GTI has no ABS or airbags for those who both want and need them. The interior, while much roomier than the Mk1 cars (at 6'3", I don't fit in those very well), [Okay, at 6'4 I fit fine] still feels very old. Don't get me wrong - old can be very cool; but I suppose I just never thought much of the Mk2 interior, even when they were new. Too angular for my tastes then, and even more so today.
The Mk4 GTI is the stiffest Golf chassis to date, but it’s also the heaviest, too. Used examples are still rather expensive, as are many of the parts used to modify them. They can be made to perform well, but in my opinion, the fun-factor just isn’t there. Steering feel is way too light and numb, and not being able to easily adjust front wheel camber past a pretty static setting is a cardinal sin as far as I’m concerned. Drive-by-wire throttle technology bugs the hell out of me, too, so the Mk4 really comes up short according my own set of GTI criteria.
The Mk5 GTI is not here yet, and though all signs point to it having a wonderful chassis with a great combination of engine, steering, and braking performance, that not-so-irrelevant fact that it’s not available here yet (and that I’ve yet to drive one) automatically takes it out of the running for this go ‘round.
So, as you can plainly see, it’s the Mk3 GTI VR6 that comes out on top this time. It’s been around long enough to be affordable to buy and to modify; yet it’s new enough to possess a fairly stiff structure, along with good interior space and ergonomics. The steering has almost perfect weight and feel, and the ABS brakes are well beyond adequate. Dual airbags are there as well – just in case. Simply stated, the Mk3 is new and comfortable enough to not piss-off your significant other or your mom on a long drive, yet it’s old enough to be affordable to purchase and insure.
Best of all, this version of the GTI came with that glorious narrow angle 15-degree VR6 engine. No stoopid electronic throttle body messes with your wishes, either – there’s a good, old-fashioned cable connected to your right foot. Every possible bolt-on mod is available, and there are now actually an almost countless number of forced induction kits from which to choose.
Contrary to popular opinion, the Mk3 GTI VR6 can be made to handle, if that’s your thing. Front camber is easily adjusted (Hallelujah!) and if you’re considerate regarding your combinations of spring/shock rates, front and rear roll stiffness, wheels/tires, and alignment settings, there isn’t another VW you need fear on your average road course – well, you know what I mean…
So there you have it – scientific proof that the Mk3 GTI VR6 is the best GTI ever produced for the North American market.
Now, if it’s possible I’ve only written this silly column to justify my potentially irrational love for the Mk3 GTI VR6 (quite possible, actually), then I guess I may soon have to put my money where my mouth is, as VWvortex plans to gather an example of each GTI generation and put on a five-way shootout sometime this summer. I’m not worried.
