Anyone know what the curb weight is on an MK4 GTI Golf with a 1.8T motor? And whats the HP/TQ output on those in stock form? Trying to figure out power to weight ratio compared to a 1.8L V6 Mazda MX-3 GS. Also curious what the turning rate on the GTI is as well? My searches havent come up with anything, and I have no clue about the German cars (I hate em bad experiences with VW).

Anyone have answers?

[This message has been edited by Xerces_Blackthorne (edited 02-04-2011).]

the 1.8t had 2 versions in the mk4 99.5-2001 was 150 hp and 2002-2005 was 180hp
both were avab. in auto and manual 150hp was a 5 speed, in 2002 when they switched to 180 it also got a 6 speed

i have a 2000 VR6 GLX , 5 speed, but vortex says curb weight on a 2001 Golf GLS 1.8T is 2915 lbs
that will change depending on options, the mk4 had anywhere from 15" -18" wheels in stock form
auto, 5 speed or 6 speed tranny, 2 door or 4 door ect... lots of options and vairations

[This message has been edited by $Rich$ (edited 02-04-2011).]

quote Originally posted by $Rich$: i have had 5 vw's over the years 2 mk3's 2 mk4's and 1 mk5 my wife and i both drive GTI's and we love them i would drive a VW any day over a mx3

Wow, that's a hard one for me. I have had a couple of VW cars and I loved them... but then I really like the Mazda styling... Nah, I'd choose the VW to.

Thanks Rich Main reason I ask is because my buddy has I believe a 2000. But he either swapped (or ordered from factory) a 1.8T from an Audi TT in it behind a 5 spd. Outside of cranking the boost up and upgrading boost lines and installing a Nuespeed CAI, its still pretty stock with stock 16" alloys. He guestimates about 240 HP on it, and I'm curious what his power to weight ratio really is. And I really want to know the turning rate in G force of the MK4.

After owning am 88 Duke auto Fiero, I've come to realize I don't care so much about the power. I want the handling And the MX-3 has a rate of 0.89g (8.7 m/s²) and weighs 2,580 lb. I am really leaning towards the MX-3 since its lighter than the GTI and has a smaller wheel base but more cargo room.

Plans are to do weekend autocross with it occasionally, possibly swap in a 2.5l KL-ZE from a Probe and turbo it (future plan, maybe, depending on gas prices and whatnot), for hill climb and rally races. Planning on driving it daily for awhile before that even happens though. I like the style of them better too than the GTI. Smooth and sleek, sexy curves (god I sound like PK86 now ), and its not as common to see on the road as a GTI golf...

I've a soft spot and a hard on for small, nimble, quick 2 door cars Blame the Fiero dammit! hehe

[This message has been edited by Xerces_Blackthorne (edited 02-04-2011).]

quote Originally posted by Xerces_Blackthorne: Thanks Rich Main reason I ask is because my buddy has I believe a 2000. But he either swapped (or ordered from factory) a 1.8T from an Audi TT in it behind a 5 spd. Outside of cranking the boost up and upgrading boost lines and installing a Nuespeed CAI, its still pretty stock with stock 16" alloys. He guestimates about 240 HP on it, and I'm curious what his power to weight ratio really is. And I really want to know the turning rate in G force of the MK4.

the TT has 2 versions 180 hp and 220 i believe the only difference is software (chip) and maybe cam in the 220 HP(not sure)
id bet its a line of BS and jsut a stock 1.8 with maybe a chip, you dont just "crank up the boost"
what software is he running?
depending on the tune for instance GIAC. here is from their site

"GIAC performance software for the 2003 - 1999 Golf ®/ Jetta ® 1.8T M3.8.3 Drive-by-cable smoothly delivers a 25-40HP and 35-90FT/LBS gain. For optimum performance the software must be coupled with exhaust and intake. "


harder hoses on the turbo/intercooler wont really do much maybe allow the boost to come on a milisec sooner.

240 is pushing it unless he has upgraded a few more things


"And I really want to know the turning rate in G force of the MK4."

i dont know what you mean by this, what the mk4 did on the skid pad in g's?
i think it was around .88, bbut there was several choices and options of spring rates

[This message has been edited by $Rich$ (edited 02-04-2011).]

From what I understand it started out as the 220 1.8T. He installed a manual boost controller, upped the boost a few lbs, has the true CAI from Neuspeed, etc. He said the main difference is larger wrist pins on the TT (21mm over 19mm on the regular 1.8T). It is the 20v though, that I do know for certain.

Far as I know he's not running any software...I dont know though for certain. Not my car and I don't know the VW's. The 240 was the top estimate. He said somewhere between 235-240 guess. If he's running anything for software though, its probably custom tuned by him. He's an electronics and programming genius.

As for the turning rate, how does it handle? I'm guessing it would be skid pad numbers, not entirely certain though. Again, the MX-3 had 0.89g for the rating with stock suspension and was rated among best in its class for handling. Not sure if that was slalom, skid pad, etc., but maybe someone can chime in and elaborate a bit more than me on how they get these numbers?

[This message has been edited by Xerces_Blackthorne (edited 02-05-2011).]

my mk4 being a VR6 is a little heavier, and the front sits a tad lower
i am running 1.6" drop springs, upgraded bushings, Koni FSD's strut bar, bla bla bla
and it will go where i want it right NOW, no issues, the car handles like a dream and a blast to drive

i have not driven a stock suspension mk4 for many years, but i know mine is night and day dif.

i am not too smart on modding the 1.8t, most people that mod them do the basics exhaust chip intake, (big 3)
from what i know you do not/ can not run a MBC, there is far to many electronics, n75 valve, weak diverter valves ect.. and will put you in limp home mode

that reminds me...He did mention a new BOV also. I knew there was something I forgot.

Couldnt tell ya if he did any suspension upgrades. Looks stock height, so if anything he put stiffer springs and struts in. As for the MBC, not sure if its still on the car or not, but it was one he got from me when I sold off the 3000GT and the parts I had. He said he put it on the VW, but it may very well have come back off, who knows...

I want to take him to a rally track though when I get my MX-3 and see which car outperforms the other I've ridden in his car and it is damn quick for an MK4 (compared to the other GTI MK4's I've ridden in), so I think it'll be a pretty good match up for the track. Plus there may be a running bet on it too hehe