Hi everyone,

I'm new to Briskoda but I'm considering a mk1 Octy VRS as my next car, I love the look of the VRS but my only concern is that it's front wheel drive... whereas I'm used to rear wheel drive but would be quite happy with 4x4 but it wouldn't be the VRS I've been dreaming of... I'd quite like to get it remapped just to give it that lil bit extra too.

Just wondering what are the differences between the 2, the tunability of both and which would be the better option? any opinions greatly recieved as I'm new to all this...

Thanks

James

The vRS has a nice (but hard to keep clean) interior and a few extra bits over the 4x4

The 4x4 may only have a 150bhp engine but it will remap to about the same as what the vRS remaps to (210bhp)

The 4x4 gets slightly less mpg than the vRS due to the 4x4 (that was my reason for buying the vRS over a 4x4 Octy or the Audi A3 quattro)

I believe the 4x4 also has a better rear suspension set-up than the vRS.

I'm of the opinion that if you want a decent performer out of the box, the vRS is fine, but if you are going to throw ££££s at modifications the 4x4 might be a better choice in the long run.

HTH

The 4x4 only came in Elegance trim so has got some bits the vRS doesn't have too, like the centre arm rest & ESP rather than ASR.

The interior is easier to keep clean:) (as said) & the engine will remap to approx the same BHP & Torque.

The haldex system is designed to run in FWD until it senses the need for the rear wheels to drive too, so don't expect it to feel like a RWD car.

Which ever you decide to get I am sure you will be suprised & pleased like most of us were.

If I had my choice again I'd probably go for the 4x4, then aquire the vrs or mk4 golf interior, oh and the vrs front bumper

the only things the vRS gains over the 4x4 is lower suspension, sportier seats(similar seats are cheap enough at about £250 for a full set) and 312mm brakes but then thats only the caliper carriers and discs that are different so a very easy upgrade. spec wise the 4x4 gains a sunroof, esp and a centre armrest as already said.

personally i went for the 4x4 but thats only my opinion

oh yeah for the whole 4x4 activation thing you can get an uprated haldex controller that not only puts more power to the rear but also does it more often and quicker as it reacts to throttle input rather than wheel slip.

I'd got for the 4x4 also and fit an uprated controller so it did more in 4x4 rather than front wheel drive.

You need to ask yourself do you do track days? drive your car on the edge alot? are you going to get that big turbo at some point? if yes then get the 4x4 if no the vrs.

The vrs comes straight from factory with the big brake and sports looks and requires no messing also i have yet to see a 4x4 match vrs performance with just a remap.

Depends on how far you want to go with mods and how much you want to spend.

id go with the vrs , but then im biased

I have the 4x4 and I suppose its better in poor weather (4x4) but it looks like its on stilts and unless you remap the power can be a bit of a let down. I got the 4x4 intending on really modding it as I did with my Subaru Legacy Turbo but my 'priorities' have changed so the max. at the moment is the remap I have which has totally transformed the car...the quickshift and uprated panel filter are the only other mods. Don't forget 4x4 or VRS always get good quality tyres. Both are good cars in their own way...VRS have heated seats as well don't they and larger sportier alloys.

I had been thinking for a while that I had made a mistake buying a vRS over the 4x4. But putting some Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetrics on and then the remap I am now more than happy with the result. It grips well, goes very well and unless I'm really being an idiot, stays on the road without too much drama. I reckon my next mod will be an ARB and leave it at that. However, the modding bug has bitten so we shall see.

I had been thinking that the 4x4 was the thinking man's vRS as it could be made pretty much the same with minimal mods plus it has the advantage of 4x4. But on reflection, the 4WD only really would benefit me personally in traffic light races and if I was heading down the big turbo route and needed to put huge power down.

p.s.

...VRS have heated seats as well don't they...

Mine doesn't and I'm pretty sure none of them did as standard or even as an option.

110% 4x4 model...

I went 4x4 as they are a lot cheaper to buy than the vRS(and the TDi). that saving then went towards the LPG conversion, which gives me better economy than a diesel and once the remap and brakes get done at least as much fun as a vRS. got to say though the seats are not the best so on the lookout for mk4 Golf or Leon leathers!!(preferably heated:D) Oh and the steering wheel is horrid! vRS gets a nice leather three spoke instead of the crappy four spoke plastic thing I got(looking for one of these too)

Lummox. how much was it for the uprated Haldex and how different does it feel to drive? I have only had the traction light come on when very icy?

I'd test drive both and see which one you prefer, or if possible test drive each one which has been played with.

If I was buying again, i'd definately go for the 4x4 and make it a sleeper

Good luck!

Lummox. how much was it for the uprated Haldex and how different does it feel to drive? I have only had the traction light come on when very icy?

Have a read of the link below:

Awesome > Haldex ECU TT/R32/S3/V64mo

Interesting thread. I'm also lookign to buy a car soon and I am/was close to deciding on an Octavia vrs. Whenever I had seen a 4x4 come up I immediately discounted it generally because of it's less sporty looks/trim, interior, higher suspension and "lack" of performance. The 4x4 system if anything just makes me worry more of costs if anything goes wrong, and I read that they are slower than a 2wd even if they had the same power as some of it is lost through the 4x4 system. Then there is the supposed less MPG but I am not sure how much less we are talking? Tiny bit? Quite a bit?

What I am surpsrised about since I have never realised this, is that someone above said that they remap to about the same as a vrs anyway. I was under the impression that the 4x4 150bhp versions, only remapped to 180bhp but it sounds like the 150bhp and 180bhp lumps are the same but in different states of tune? Is this correct or are there considerable differences such as turbo used?

The 4x4 versions do seem to go for a few hundred less than a vrs and can be bargains, but I think if I'm honest it would end up costing the same if not more than a VRS to make it....like a VRS. i.e. Interior trim, brakes, suspension, bumper/trim. If you know you are going to do more than a remap and eventually run big power than it seems a no brainer. If like me you just want a VRS with a remap and thats all you will do....im not sure it's worth it.

But once you have modded a bit it gets very hard to resist doing more!!!

But once you have modded a bit it gets very hard to resist doing more!!!

Simple in my case....no money

4x4 every time

The lower mpg on the 4x4 is due mainly to it having slightly shorter gearing so runs at slightly higher revs when cruising, + is better acceleration when mapped. The gear cluster from the VRS box fits straight into the 4x4 box if this worries you greatly but you would need to do a lot of mles to get the saving on fuel back

What I am surpsrised about since I have never realised this, is that someone above said that they remap to about the same as a vrs anyway. I was under the impression that the 4x4 150bhp versions, only remapped to 180bhp but it sounds like the 150bhp and 180bhp lumps are the same but in different states of tune? Is this correct or are there considerable differences such as turbo used?

from what I have read the standard 4x4 remaps a bit better than a standard vRS due to the "twin cat" arrangement (que the jokes) apparently better flow than a standard vRS exhaust. although the 4x4 backbox is not as nice as the sporty oval on the vRS (but if your after a sleeper - all the better) one of the hardest bits to get hold of cheaply is the caliper carriers for the 312mm disks - mainly because they use them on the Fabias as well, so when they come up on fleabay there is a lot of bidders.

Have a read of the link below:

Awesome > Haldex ECU TT/R32/S3/V64mo

will need a win on the lottery for that one

4x4 every time

The lower mpg on the 4x4 is due mainly to it having slightly shorter gearing so runs at slightly higher revs when cruising, + is better acceleration when mapped. The gear cluster from the VRS box fits straight into the 4x4 box if this worries you greatly but you would need to do a lot of mles to get the saving on fuel back

Just fit a TT 6 speed box

Just fit a TT 6 speed box

i agree but its not quite as simple as that and cost a lot lot more simply down to amount of bits needed.

i agree but its not quite as simple as that and cost a lot lot more simply down to amount of bits needed.

I know bengie, but it has been done

I know bengie, but it has been done

Isn't it easier to just fit the 5th cog from a TDi box for cruising economy?

Isn't it easier to just fit the 5th cog from a TDi box for cruising economy?

possibly not loads easier and the 6 speed box is stronger by design, which is good if you're planning on driving like my brother

I know bengie, but it has been done

it's deffo been done, and when it's back on the road his will have a 6 speed box but there's a fair bit of related gubbins required to fit it