From what I can tell, the 1.8 is considered the better engine. Anyway, why is this, and what are the differences between the two engines. The reason being, is that I am seriously considering selling my Aurora and getting a Golf or GTI in the next 3-6 months. So, and advice on differences between those two cars and the two engines would be much appreciated.

Golf has 5 doors, the GTI has 3 doors. They're the same size its just the Golf has two extra doors and as far as I know is only available with the TDi or the two point oh (2.0).

1.8 is turbo and the 2.0 is not. Therefore the 1.8 has 150 to 180 hp while the 2.0 is left behind at around 115 hp. Really the best way to think of it is the 2.0 is "Entry" (Quotes because most VWs are too expensive to ever be considered true entry). The 1.8 is "Sporty" (Quotes because if lined up against the American and Japanese compition the VW seems really soft). And the VR6 is Luxury (No quotes because the VR6 decked out GTi is one of the nicest highway cruisers ever).

I'm not looking to buy one new, I'll most likely go with a 2000 - 2002 model. Am I wrong that the Golf came with the 1.8T in 2000 / 2001? I know it doesn't anymore, but I thought it used to.

Anyone have specs on the 0-60 ratings on these? I'm really not going to drive the car hard, I just need a economy car that I can use for work, since I drive over 400 miles a week for it. That, and I love VW's design. I just can't convince myself to go to a Civic , Focus, or Corolla.

Well I'm not much of a zero to sixty guy but I do know that the 2.0 is at best weezy and definately would make you wish that you kept your V8. The 1.8T sounds like it would be perfect for you though. The VW engineers have mastered the art of removing turbo lag and it feels like a bigger engine than it is, that and the sound of turbo spool can be quite addicting. I would almost recommend that you get a tiptronic for it because I hate with a passion VW manual shifters. I'm pretty sure that no golf came with a 1.8 but I'm going to look into it.

Edit: looks like I was wrong they did have a 5 door 1.8T.

yes 5 door golf 1.8T's were produced in limited numbers.

the 2.0 is a twin overhead cam four valve design with no turbo, the 1.8T is a twin overhead cam five valve design with a tiiiiny turbo.

Are there modifications available for the 2.0? I know there is a huge market for the 1.8T, which is why I am tempted to pay a little more for it. Its just that the less I can get the car for, the better. My job title sounds nice, but my employer is cheap.

They make nitrous kits and such but in reality unless you're willing to dive headfirst into a car and spend oodles of money dont look for more than 20 horsepower gains.

So, I guess the question is, is the 35 extra horses worth the $2k-$3K price difference between the used GTI and Golf models? I really don't want the big V8 feel, anymore, which is mostly why I am selling my Aurora. I love the car a lot, but its just too much of a nuisance for me.

2.0's single overhead cam with 2 valves per cylinder, b00st.

And yes the 1.8T is really worth it. The 2.0's weezy, gets the same mileage as the 1.8T, is rougher and older, etc. The 1.8T has V6 smoothness, V6 power, and 4-cylinder mileage (granted, it's not very good mileage for a 4 cylinder, but it's good considering it's v6 like power)

Yes, because the difference between the GTi and Golf aren't just about the doors and engines, there are more.

Why do you hate the manual transmissions in ALL volkswagens?

I LOVE the VW manuals! They're slick and really easy to shift with great gate spaces, a light clutch, and I think their reverse lockout solution is the best conceivable in an H-pattern.

VW manuals are floppy sloppy. The Passat is by far the best VW shift I ever laid hands on.

True, the Passat's the best, but all the others are good.

In clark's opinion. I prefer a snick snick like in the RSX.

Yes, in clark's opinion. I like my manual transmissions as smooth and slick as possible, at the expense of the snick snick (i actually hate that snick shick feel when it's overdone....it just translates into needless effort to me, like in the WRX )

deffinitely go for the 1.8t

It's not called the 2 point slow for no reason.

What you should really be asking yourself is

OH GOOD LORD NOT AGAIN

people here don't know enough on the subject to argue it

The VR6 might be nice, but I think the 1.8T is my best option. Gas mileage is one of my primary concerns. I don't have a garage, so the TDI is out, because the fuel would gel for sure in the winter.

I think the 2.0 would just make me wish I had gone with the 1.8T. Anyway, thanks for helping a VW newb out. No more GM for me. I've had enough.

2.0 - 1.8 = 0.2