Late 80s / Early 90s Hot-Hatch
Discussion
I'm looking to get rid of my underused Alfa 156 (swap anyone?) and am interested in getting either a 16v Mk2 Golf GTi or a 205 GTi (probably a 1.6). I now cycle to work and my other half has got a reliable car, so it would only really get weekend and occasional evening use. I'd quite like to buy the best, low millage example I can find and look after it, rather than take on a project, although I'm not worried about getting my hands dirty to improve something/install some subtle upgrades.
What I'm after is some advice about what the ultimate version of each of the above is, and if there are any special versions/rare options to look out for (or avoid!). Also any heads up on things that go wrong and are often bodged rather than done properly due to the expense, would be appreciated.
I'm going to drive both once I know what exactly I'm looking for, but would like to hear from anyone who has owned both for pros/cons of each.
Thanks
What I'm after is some advice about what the ultimate version of each of the above is, and if there are any special versions/rare options to look out for (or avoid!). Also any heads up on things that go wrong and are often bodged rather than done properly due to the expense, would be appreciated.
I'm going to drive both once I know what exactly I'm looking for, but would like to hear from anyone who has owned both for pros/cons of each.
Thanks
Had a modified (Avanti Motorsport) Fiat Strada Abarth 130TC with about 170BHP in the 90's which was very fast and ate Golfs and 205's. I know that you can modify anything to be quicker than the next car, but when you start with something so focused in the first place, it makes for a very memrable car.
Also had a 1992 laser green 205 1.9 GTI with power steering. It was standard, but still pretty quick, handled bumpy country roads well and was a great daily driver.
Also had a 1992 laser green 205 1.9 GTI with power steering. It was standard, but still pretty quick, handled bumpy country roads well and was a great daily driver.
1.6 205 gti, mine was great, bar the rattly bottom arms, when i owned it i actually started to think that it was impossible to blow up, it just never stopped revving!
if you want a everyday hot hatch from the 1990's id recomend a bog standard mk 1 vts, they are very like the 205, bar the abs and power steering - the handeling and slight lift off oversteer is very similar.
i ran my vts for five years and loved it, they are perfect for everyday use
if you want a everyday hot hatch from the 1990's id recomend a bog standard mk 1 vts, they are very like the 205, bar the abs and power steering - the handeling and slight lift off oversteer is very similar.
i ran my vts for five years and loved it, they are perfect for everyday use
I ran three Peugeot 1.9 GTI's from 1997 until 2003 and had few problems. The interiors were not built from the highest quality plastics, torque steer was always fun and don't lift off mid corner. Obviously no airbags, no side impact bars as such, loads of glass, but very light and madly fast.
Could struggle to start if hot and not great in traffic, but over 70,000 in all three cars I had NO mechanical failures. Gearbox was a tad weak, but it just kept on revvvvvvvving!
Golf GTI's are a top buy MK II's are wonderful cars but not as quick nor as agile.
LAD used to do a great Peugeot rebuild offer and improved the exhaust, brakes and suspension. Give them a shout and see what you can get for not much cash.
Could struggle to start if hot and not great in traffic, but over 70,000 in all three cars I had NO mechanical failures. Gearbox was a tad weak, but it just kept on revvvvvvvving!
Golf GTI's are a top buy MK II's are wonderful cars but not as quick nor as agile.
LAD used to do a great Peugeot rebuild offer and improved the exhaust, brakes and suspension. Give them a shout and see what you can get for not much cash.
belleair302 said:
Golf GTI's are a top buy MK II's are wonderful cars but not as quick nor as agile.
They also had a yawning chasm between 2nd and 3rd gear you could park the QE2 in and brakes that make my XK150 look stunning. At least when you reached the bottom on the motorway slip road with totally faded out brakes it would manage to go round the corner at the bottom :-(I've already had a punt on the Fifth Gear competition! I've heard that the 205 was a bit more agile than the Mk2 GTi, and to be honest I think I prefer the 205 anyway. What are the main differences between the Phase 1 and 2 cars, and was there a 'golden' specification to go for, i.e. a 93 pre-cat 1.9?
Cheers
Cheers
OPC100 said:
Also had a 1992 laser green 205 1.9 GTI with power steering. It was standard, but still pretty quick, handled bumpy country roads well and was a great daily driver.
My brother had an identical car about 10 years ago. It was a fantastic little thing; went like stink (it was one of the last pre-cat models), superb handling with the 'legendary' lift-off oversteer to keep one amused, and looked brilliant. Peugeot haven't made a car anywhere near as good as this since, imo. We went to Le Mans in it in '98 and that was a great trip. Memories of a near-130mph blast back to the ferry at Caen with a 535i Beemer springs to mind!
belleair302 said:
LAD used to do a great Peugeot rebuild offer and improved the exhaust, brakes and suspension. Give them a shout and see what you can get for not much cash.
Don't they are shocking cars and well renowned for it in 205 circles. Later J/K cars suffer from chassis leg rot also the laquer fades badly. Your best bet would be to find a G/H car 1.9 or 1.6 either are good. The 1.9 has as standard 15" wheels, half leather and discs brakes plus the lazier but more powerful engine over the 1.6.
The limited edition Miami Blue and Sorrento green cars were only available on a G plate. They came with a full leather interior either black or grey and a dark grey carpet. They have the later dash but it's grey in colour, BE3 gearbox (Reverse under 5th) and orange indicators, sort of classed as a phase 1.5.
These colours became an option from H onwards hence people seem to think the ltd edition covers all. The later cars have the same dash but all plastics interior and exterior are black, the seats are black and green and the carpet is green.
Two other 'rare' colours Topaz blue and Lazer green are worth keeping an eye out for. Also Steel grey (not graphite like mine) is a really nice colour available on later models.
I've had mine over 8 years now. Started as an 8v. 4 years on it gained 16valves, bigger brakes blah blah blah. Hardly drive it these days but still puts a smile on my face when I do.
www.205gtidrivers.com
Edited by Simes205 on Saturday 4th October 21:04
Rum Runner said:
Toyota corolla GT coupe , the way forward RWD, rev to 8000 rpm , discs all round ,slippy diff , oil cooler , close ratio box , sideways central.
Seconded! The hatch would do just fine though if you wanted the practicality.Edited by Rum Runner on Friday 26th September 08:33
Both hatches in the UK market (did booted version in other markets) not a lot if difference in room , ones got a longer boot and one taller. The coupe rear seats fold down as standard hatch.
Oh and the coupe prices seem to be on the way up ! , so get in quickly .
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/721549.htm
Oh and the coupe prices seem to be on the way up ! , so get in quickly .
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/721549.htm
Edited by Rum Runner on Monday 6th October 16:42
L100NYY said:
alex_p said:
I would like an Abarth Strada but they seem a bit rare! Does the 309 GTi handle better than the equivalent 205?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/735646.htm
all is forgiven that is a very nice example you've spotted there!As far as I'm aware the longer wheel base of the 309 makes for more forgiving lift off oversteer and the wider track should help aswell. A good friend of mine had a 309 GTi and has followed it with 2 205's and he says the 309 is the sweeter handling of the 2 and he still misses it!
yeah a good 309 gti is/was a better handler, but if you are buying it for the fun of owning a classic 80's hot hatch the 205 will make you smile every time, even just looking at it parked in front of your house, whereas the 309 cant do that, and they are nasty inside as well so a 205 is a better bet especially if you have enough budget to get a really good one..
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