First of all, I would say that I am very happy with the Golf in general, despite the niggles. It handles a lot better than the Fabia did. However, I have to say I still miss the Fabia, with its lush seats, high quality cabin, good ride quality, and the sheer grunt of the (standard) engine. Its a pity I didnt get it chipped. Now that I've had the Golf a while, I'd say if you drove both to 10/10ths there wouldnt be much in it, and up to a ton, it would be hard to decide on a winner. However, in most normal situations, the Fabia is much faster than the Golf, even considering its relatively heavy and has little power really for its weight. How can anyone tell me torque does not have an effect on acceleration when a car with 120+ bhp per tonne cannot out-accelerate one with only 100 bhp per tonne. Simple fact is, torque makes a significant difference in real world driving, and although I'd stop short of calling the Fabia vRS "fast", I would say that in real world conditions, I believe it is a fast car. This gives it the illusion that its fast overall, because not all that many people will really only race till they hit a ton or so, at least if they have any sense (IMHO - its not worth losing your licence to prove a point). As a point to point weapon on real roads, the Fabia is a convincing point to point car.

So Fabia owners, be proud of your car, it is a good car, and I do miss it, even though the golf has its plus points. But dont miss the point... its not really a track car or a drag rocket, so dont try to make it one, IMO. Its never going to handle the best either - my mate has put full Koni kit on his Ibiza FR and he said the handling is much improved, but he still thought it was only acceptable for the type of car it was, and not "good". And he has owned a lot of cars. Treat the Fabia as it is, a fast mini-cruiser. A poor mans BMW perhaps or something similar.

Anyway, random question, is the Golf 16v a lot faster than the 8v? I notice on specs the 0-60 is 7.5 on the 16v and 8.3 on the 8v, top speeds 125 on the 16v and 119 on the 8v. Seems a bit faster, but not massively so? Also would a Golf Mk2 16v be faster than a Saxo VTS? Reason I ask is because my 8v seems faster than a VTR, so I dont know how it'd compare (but I highly suspect i get shat on by a VTS if I ever try to race on?).

Nice little write up.

Good luck finding a 16v in good condidtion, most have been written off!

Good post Paul...

You have way too much time on your hands this morning!

You have way too much time on your hands this morning!

I know

yeah the 16v is a fair bit quicker, more expensive to run mind you. parts are also more expensive.

i had electric recaro seats in mine best seats ever!

A poor mans BMW perhaps or something similar.

Yep, a good little article for a Saturday morning!

Although I take exception to the above comment - how insulting

Steve