So! What's the difference between the Golf GTI and Octy VRS under the skin?

I'm sure I heard Needel say that the steering racks where different on the cars, when he did that stupid head to head on 5th gear. Any other bits that we are not aware of??

The Octy is longer.

HTH

That accounts for the inferior handling. But what about the proper engineering??

That accounts for the inferior handling. But what about the proper engineering??

No, thats probably more to do with the different suspension setup.

I think the dampers, springs and arb's are different.

What do you mean by proper engineering?

The Golf, LEON Octy II and several others all share the common VAG A5 platform.

Engines are shared thoughout the group as ar gearboxes.

Much of the switchgear is the same as are ancilliaries such as ABS and Electronics.

What do you mean by proper engineering?

The Golf, LEON Octy II and several others all share the common VAG A5 platform.

Engines are shared thoughout the group as ar gearboxes.

Much of the switchgear is the same as are ancilliaries such as ABS and

Electronics.

The mechanicals, I would class the steering rack as quite significant, maybe it has different gearing which could make it slower to respond to input? Is this true. Do the cars differ in this area? When you say Platform, does this include suspension components? if the springs and dampers are different then this is not the case, they are not the same.

The boot would make it marginally heavier, so hence marginally less responsive?

I didn't say Chassis I said Platform - Much like the Mazda 121 used to be almost identical to the Ford Fiesta or that the VW Sharan, Ford Galaxy and SEAT Alhambra are very similar.

I'm not sure the Steering rack is different. THinking back the problems there were with Steering racks the Golf suffered as well as the Octy II.

Springs and Dampers may vary as chassis weights will vary. It's not for sure though. Looking at part numbers some GTi have got the same as vRS but some haven't.

I drove a golf the other day as a courtesy car. I'd have refused to drive it if it hadnt had stickers on the outside telling people it wasnt mine, trim qulaity appalling and what a pile of stinky stuff, my rs has a far better qulaity feel to it.

So, I guess the difference is, I'm happy to own a Skoda, wouldnt contemplate owing a golf

Never driven a Golf GTI, but my guess is the springs and dampers are different from the vRS and from the Leon FR (which I have driven). The Leon is bone-hard in the ride department.

I know the Leon Cupra has several unique front suspension components, in alloy rather than steel to reduce unsprung weight. The Golf certainly sits lower than the vRS (on OEM springs) and test reports suggest the ride is more compliant.

I didn't say Chassis I said Platform - Much like the Mazda 121 used to be almost identical to the Ford Fiesta or that the VW Sharan, Ford Galaxy and SEAT Alhambra are very similar.

I'm not sure the Steering rack is different. THinking back the problems there were with Steering racks the Golf suffered as well as the Octy II.

Springs and Dampers may vary as chassis weights will vary. It's not for sure though. Looking at part numbers some GTi have got the same as vRS but some haven't.

I know, I edited it when I saw my mistake. What I am driving at, is maybe VW don't want the octy to outperform the GTI dynamically. Maybe they chuck the odd part the CZ way that does not quite cut the mustard. Not that I believe in conspiracy theories.

I know, I edited it when I saw my mistake. What I am driving at, is maybe VW don't want the octy to outperform the GTI dynamically. Maybe they chuck the odd part the CZ way that does not quite cut the mustard. Not that I believe in conspiracy theories.

Far from it the cars are very alike except really for cosmetics associated with styling differences. The are obvious specification changes as well.

Look up the Climatronic Mod for an example.

I know the Leon Cupra has several unique front suspension components, in alloy rather than steel to reduce unsprung weight. The Golf certainly sits lower than the vRS (on OEM springs) and test reports suggest the ride is more compliant.

The alloy suspension components are from the 3C Passat, these are just a later development of the original A5 platform.

I test drove a Golf GTI and an Octy vRS (2.0 TFSI ) several times while deciding which one I wanted to buy.

They felt quite different to drive. The GTI had a more nervous, quicker responsive feel to the steering and engine, with louder induction and exhaust, and a firmer ride. I thought that the GTI was set up to "feel" faster and more responsive even though it wasn't really much different. The Octy was much more relaxing to drive when pootling around, but the GTI was better when pushing a bit harder, it seemed to "encourage" you to drive harder.

Interestingly, the GTI had 17" wheels, while the Octy had 18", but the suspension tune would lead you to believe it was the other way around.

I was under the impression that the Golf GTI had a different steering rack to other Golfs.

As far as I know its just programmed differently.

As far as I know its just programmed differently.

Interesting. So I guess the obvious next question is - is it possible to reprogram the VRS one similarly?

Lee

Interesting. So I guess the obvious next question is - is it possible to reprogram the VRS one similarly?

Lee

Beat me to it Lee!!!

Yes I would think so given the correct equipment. Not sure if it would do any good though.

I had a hire Golf 1.6 from Hertz the other day and thought that the instruments glowing bright RED were naff and rather offputting at night. I am used to the gentle Skoda green glow. I was less than impressed with the engine which was grossly underpowered, and really struggled to haul the Golf about.

I was less than impressed with the engine which was grossly underpowered, and really struggled to haul the Golf about.

Its no better in an Octavia either.

I like the 1.6FSI - thought it was rather good!

I had a 1.6FSI courtesy car and I was surprised at how well it went.

Drive it like a diesel however and it's as much good as a chocolate fireguard

it does intrigue me how VW managed to get the mk4 gti so wrong, the mk1 octy eclipsed it easily.... and yet the mk5 is a much nicer drive than the mk 2 octy....

just shows what a difference the suspension tuning makes.

.... and yet the mk5 is a much nicer drive than the mk 2 octy....

Interesting you say that, I strongly preferred the vRS steering/suspension/handling setup to the Golf GTI, especially on the crap roads we often get around my way. I had narrowed it down to a two-horse race, and was buying whichever one I enjoyed driving the most.

The Golf was more fun when fanging along on a smooth, windy road, but I do much more of my driving just cruising around sitting on the speed limit (better economy and you get to keep your licence), so the Octy was the convincing winner for me. Of course others have different preferences and priorities, so make different choices.

Which model/s Golf and Octy did you drive, and what was it you specifically preferred ?