MK5 Golf GTI
All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: berg on August 08, 2011, 05:22:31 pm
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My Eddie is my third car - had a 1.6 205 Gti and a 8v Gti (Mk 3).
The Mk5 is far superior in handling to the MK3 but still lacking compared to the go kart that was the little Pug.
Still, I am at present running stock suspension and my Bilstein B12 arrives on Wed to complement the Eibach arb's, TT wishbones and WALK already fitted.
Can the MK 5 be made to handle as well as a 205 Gti, Williams Clio or Integra Type R or will it never quite reach that high due to the extra weight etc?
What have you owned that was superior in this dept?
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Much prefer this to my previous, a Porshche 911 996 Carrera 4, which while stunningly fast thru the corners, never felt as predictable or as directionally stable. Also didn't think it drove as well on the throttle.
The GTi seems to have great predictability thru corners, as did my old MK3. Its fast enough in all environments except on the track that it won't make any distance.
For what its worth, I expect to beat my 'Ring laptimes in the Golf simply because it feels better to drive. Built better that the POrsche too, with AC that works, superb seats and a stereo you can hear, all in a car for a 5th of the price.
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I'm by no means one to give a proper account here, but I came from a 2003 Clio 1.6 Dynamique which I thought was sharp and responsive on standard suspension and decent tyres. I spun that 360degrees twice on two public roundabouts in the wet with budget tyres :grin: It was genuinely good to learn my limits (not particularly fast on either occasions, sub 35mph - but still too quick for the situation) without hitting anyone or anything.
My GTI (on AP springs with 20mm drop & ContiSport3's all round) has always been reliable enough. I've never pushed it at all and it starts to feel heavy as it pushes towards understeer, but never feels out of control or poor in my experience having not pushed it.
I also think the combination of ride quality and cornering ability is fairly good for a standard hot hatch overall. Some might say compared to an R26 or a CTR it perhaps isn't though?
If I tracked it I'm sure I'd have a different opinion as I know lots on here spend a lot on aftermarket suspension parts :wink:
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Its only now as good as my Subaru Impreza WRX PPP.
But thats after Polybushing, WALK, THS/VWR Mounts and Eibach Springs.
The thing with the Subaru? No traction control, it just went, no drama.
My friend has a STI PPP and he says that his torque steers more than mine so I must have done something right.
I have not driven one but I am led to believe that a Clio 197/200 would run rings round us on a track?
Discuss :popcornsoda:
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Still don't feel confident in the Gti.
Rolls like a barge round the bends despite Eibach springs.
What will stop this? Rear arb? :ashamed:
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I do have the GT TDI, so not going to be GTI standards.....but hey it's a great drive if you keep the revs right.
I do think it lacks some 'POW' but hoping to get this from a chip/re-mapping later this year.
Handling < so so.....I have standard shocks and springs all round which are really not good enough. Go into a corner tight, or catch a bump at speed and the front end will hit the ground EVERY time. Even low speed on speed bump I have to be carefull.....it just has too much spring in it.
Great/smooth etc. for long distance < missing the stiffness for having fun. Too much roll, understeer etc.
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Still don't feel confident in the Gti.
Rolls like a barge round the bends despite Eibach springs.
What will stop this? Rear arb? :ashamed:
Nick.Are you insured to drive any car?..If so pop round and test mine.I have the WALK kit fitted,might make a difference.
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I've had two previous GTi's - Mk1 and Mk3. It's funny but the Mk5 has a much better, firmer ride with more grip than the other two and is faster but doesn't feel as agile or as quick if that makes sense. The Mk1 was like a little go cart and you felt you could throw that thing around and also it felt much more responsive in the lower rev range and quicker off the mark. It clearly wasn't but felt like it was. The Mk3 was somewhere in between and felt heavier than the Mk1 (which it was) but still felt relatively light. The Mk5 does feel a lot heavier and almost like a saloon in comparison to the other two. But it can obviously blow both the Mk1 and Mk3 away on 0-60 but just doesn't feel like it. I've only had mine a week so am still getting used to the difference in feel. I love it, it's in a completely different league to the previous GTi's I owned, far more sophisticated and beefier. I'll be getting a stage 1 remap soon so that should make it feel more like the Mk1 experience especially in the lower rev range.
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Not as good as my old 106gti. That thing with a stock setup was evil on the corners. It was however, very french and im glad i sold it before it broke!!
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Think my car handles far better than the type R civic :smiley:
My friend will vouch for the handling, I think pepole need to look at the speedo when on the twists! I feel the car is very effortless in all ways, you don't realise the speeds your doing were as you will in your pocket rocket due to
Noise etc....I thought my old G40 was slightly faster than the ed30 but that's because it was lower,louder, heard more wind noise etc....but when you look at the speedo your realise that these cars really do handle! :congrats:
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@Jackg Agree with you. It's only when you look at the speedo you realise that you are going faster than it feels. It's very quiet and smooth. Still feels heavy though around corners.
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I came from a 2009 championship White edition Civic type r (with LSD as standard). That was A LOT sharper than the golf and could carry a lot more speed off a roundabout :congrats:
Now I have the H&R springs on the golf - the gap is closer. WALK & ARB's for me next. . .
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Still don't feel confident in the Gti.
Rolls like a barge round the bends despite Eibach springs.
Aye? Cant understand that my Ed30 is pretty planted not much roll at all. I do live in Peak District though and its pretty bumpy....
On with topic, had previously (still have) Corrado VR6 which had much better steering feel and although Gti is pretty new to me would probably say adjustability on throttle mid bend also. Although the Gti is so much faster in every situation that I dont really play with it as much on road. If I could change one thing about the Gti it would be to reduce the amount of steering lock, would improve it no end IMO
Oh yeah brakes are not amazing either, but then again Corrado's are truly terrifying :grin:
Matt
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Very, very different to my previous car, a 2004 BMW 325ci with the M Sport pack. The BMW was sublime in long fast corners, whereas the Golf can feel a little unsettled, and not as planted. However (with the right tyres) the Golf changes direction far better, though is can sometimes struggle to hide it's weight. The BMW was an awesome car to trail brake, something I really miss being able to do with the Golf.
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Still don't feel confident in the Gti.
Rolls like a barge round the bends despite Eibach springs.
What will stop this? Rear arb? :ashamed:
Full set of ARBs worked for me, TBH its not too bad standard
You can get the GTI to handle very well IMO i still dont think you will get it to the level of a DC2 integra, and its not going to feel like a 205 GTI either, but i was really impressed with GTI and ive had E30,E36 and E46 M3s, Good list of mods there thats pretty much what i had along with the AP brakes you would give a lot of things a alot of things shock !
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Question....are the following fitted with the same setup from factory? or different?
GTI -
ED30 -
R32 -
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Question....are the following fitted with the same setup from factory? or different?
GTI -
ED30 -
R32 -
Gti and Eddy are the same
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Still don't feel confident in the Gti.
Rolls like a barge round the bends despite Eibach springs.
What will stop this? Rear arb? :ashamed:
Nick.Are you insured to drive any car?..If so pop round and test mine.I have the WALK kit fitted,might make a difference.
I'm not sure actually Al. I've only just re-insured. I'll ring up today and find out :D :pomppomp:
Thank you for the offer :happy2:
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A rear ARB made mine loads better in term of canceling out understeer!
My old car was a mk5 1.9 tdi and the difference between that and the GTI are massive.
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Need to be 25 Al :fighting: :fighting:
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talking of handling and grip has anyone run toyo r1r-s through the winter? I dont mean snow but just temps below 7 degrees - wondering whether will be ok or whether is suicidal...
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I've recently come from a 350z which probably couldn't be more different to my '54 GTi. The zed was awesome on the right road, a proper involving, mechanical and quite raw experience but I couldn't hack the lack of practicality, poor ride quality and terrible road noise.
I do miss the exploitable RWD handling, the quick steering rack and most of all the superb brembos (oh and that v6 noise is irreplaceable) but the GTi still impresses me with how fun it is every time I show it some twisty roads. It's not as sharp a tool, especially as mine is on 17's, but the balance is great and grip is very progressive. The best bit is when you want to switch off 'hoon' mode it instantly becomes a cosseting, silent and economical cruiser.
In various guises I've owned every mark of Golf platform over the years from 2 upwards (Mk2 Golf, Mk3 GTi, Vento, Ibiza, Octy vRS etc). The Mk5 has the familiar family traits but I would say is the best all-rounder so far.
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Need to be 25 Al :fighting: :fighting:
Young un.... :signLOL:
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Question....are the following fitted with the same setup from factory? or different?
GTI -
ED30 -
R32 -
Gti and Eddy are the same
Not entirely true. ED30 sits 15mm lower doesnt it? Plus my ED30 feels a lot tighter than my mates std Gti. Although that could be down to mine being a 3 door and his a 5 door...
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Both Gti and ed30 sit the same
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Both Gti and ed30 sit the same
No pretty sure ED30 sits 15mm lower :happy2:
http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/Volkswagen-Golf-2.0-GTI-edition-30/223546/
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Both Gti and ed30 sit the same
No pretty sure ED30 sits 15mm lower :happy2:
http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/Volkswagen-Golf-2.0-GTI-edition-30/223546/
Absolutely positive it does not :happy2:
Autocar is fine for passing the time when taking a dump but shouldn't be relied on for anything factual.
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Previous cars. Focus RS out handled and braked the golf. So did my Astra 888. 888 was cheating as that had full eibach suspension and 4 pots as standard to help matters.
Have to say it does out brake and handle my old mk3 ibiza lol. If that is any consolation?
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Yes maybe but they both had a serious issue.
One was a Ford and the other was a vauxhall.
:sick:
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The article doesnt say 15mm lower than GTI it just says lowered 15mm.
I find the GTI wollows a bit round corners and the initial turn in is a bit slow at speed would have preffered a slightly faster rack or as mentioned in the polybush review maybe some solid bushes. Previous car was a 1.6 focus zetec with standard sport suspension but some low profile tyres on 17" wheels and with the reduced mass (and potentially the not realising I am going faster than I used to) I used to chuck it around corners and down lanes with a greater level of confidence than the GTI.
I have been on a drive in a car with coil-overs (no other suspension mods) and have to say it cornered flatter and had greater grip and poise (it did have TD's on and porsche light weight brakes) but the compliance was great as well, it installed a great deal more confidence in turn in and highspeed long sweeping corners. So considering this as a potential upgrade along with light weight NQSBBK to counter my heavy monza's! :grin:
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The article doesnt say 15mm lower than GTI it just says lowered 15mm.
It obviously means over car it is based on.
Every review I have ever read has something in it like this:
"The only thing I have noticed recently is quite how hard the ride is and things can get a little bouncy at times. Whereas the slightly stiffer and lower suspension makes the Edition 30 great fun on the right twisties the car is undoubtedly better suited to smoother surfaces."
And my ED30 is DEFINITELY lower than my mates std Gti and is harsher on Peak District B-Roads to boot :popcornsoda:
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ok look up parts for shocks at vw both ed30 and gti are 100% the same end of story simple :smiley:
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ok look up parts for shocks at vw both ed30 and gti are 100% the same end of story simple :smiley:
I would prefer to put my trust in the 'Gays' as they know everything there is to know about style :wink:
http://www.pridelife.co.uk/MOTORING/409/Allow-me--to-introduce-you-to-the-Golf-GTI-Edition-30--
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i don't think they have a clue :stupid:
i have had both ed30 and gti bits in my hand they are the same they don't sit any lower than each other its more the ed30 front splitter that makes it look lower but its not :rolleye:
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i don't think they have a clue :stupid:
i have had both ed30 and gti bits in my hand they are the same they don't sit any lower than each other its more the ed30 front splitter that makes it look lower but its not :rolleye:
No worries I will believe you :smiley:
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:grin: :grin: :congrats:
Leonard. Maybe you have 'sleep lowering'. It's very similar to sleep walking, but involves several tools and you wake up abit mucky with a lowered car.
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:grin: :grin: :congrats:
Leonard. Maybe you have 'sleep lowering'. It's very similar to sleep walking, but involves several tools and you wake up abit mucky with a lowered car.
LOL maybe. Still swear mine is harsher than my mates. I even drove them back to back last week LOL
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that could be down to tyre pressure and make of tyres also wheels too it all adds up
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The only differences between the GTi and ED30 other than engine are all cosmetic.
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The only differences between the GTi and ED30 other than engine are all cosmetic.
You forget bragging rights... :grin:
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The only differences between the GTi and ED30 other than engine are all cosmetic.
You forget bragging rights... :grin:
LOL Yes at least there are some differences. Not like the Corrado VR6, Corrado Storm debate we used to have all the time over on http://the-corrado.net/forum.php :signLOL:
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The only differences between the GTi and ED30 other than engine are all cosmetic.
yup, but everyone agrees that vW really should have uprated the brakes even if they left the suspension the same, bit irresponsible of them I say...
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all gti have crap brakes simple its just a gti golf thing :roll eye: crazy i know
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My Ed30 is the best handling car out of the box ive had so far.Previously had a mk4 GTi and the difference is night and day between the 2.Wasnt happy with the mk4 until it was fully poly bushed, kw v2 coilovers and eibach front and rear bars.Problem however was that i got fed up of having to avoid avery bump in the road due to the harshness of the ride.
With the Eddy i have found that i can get the best out of the way the car handles and brakes by changing the way i drive and learning the characteristics of the car rather than just lowering it and stiffening it up to feel like the cars im used to driving.
My car came with the Superchip Bluefin and i drove the car for almost a whole year before i switched it on. Just wanted to get used to the car first.
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Still don't feel confident in the Gti.
Rolls like a barge round the bends despite Eibach springs.
What will stop this? Rear arb? :ashamed:
that's just how i feel about mine. but compared to the mk2 which has a diff, arb, koni suspension and pollybushed its bound to feel like this. i find im ok in the mk5 if i haven't driven the mk2 for a few weeks but if i have all my confidence goes in her again.
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i am really impressed with the mk5 gti's handling so far...i havent pushed it to be honest, but it's very fluid, i am aware of what the car is doing under me and the grip levels seem good. i previously had an impreza sti prodrive and i feel far more confident in the golf than the scooby. i think the predictable and safer nature of a front wheel drive vehicle is the grounds for increased confidence. wouldnt go back to 4wd.
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As a fast road car it's brilliant. As a track car, it's undoubtably a bit soft, but I've got another car for that so for me it's perfect. I think you have to look at it's competitors in the sector and what it's designed for. Compared to the Focus ST, it feels less nose heavy and is considerably nicer to be in. Compared to a Civic Type R, it's got maybe 90% of the handling but is considerably easier to do miles in.
Out of the box it's got great balance and is compliant enough not to get thrown off line by bumps, something which my Octavia vRS Mk1 was terrible at. If you read any contemporary reviews, it's generally considered to be the benchmark in the sector. EVO certainly liked it, and compared to the Mk4 it couldn't feel more different! It's a very well sorted car and shines in a lot of areas. Remember that stiffness/roll stiffness doesn't necessarily make a car better, especially on our roads. You're actually better with some initial compliancy on turn in to allow the car to respond progressively.