Well Friday night my friend and I drove down in his 2002 GTI 1.8T from northern VA to Orlando FL. He drove to about Richmond, then decided he wanted to sleep so I drove from Richmond to Savannah Georgia. I also drove yesterday from here to the Gulf of Mexico and back....
This was my first drive in a 1.8T for the most part, and here is what I thought:
- The turbo sounds really really cool from 2500 - 4500 RPM
- There is no power under 1500 RPM, kinda annoying for second gear starts
- After 5000ish, the power is also gone
- Great pull however in the mid range
Things I did miss....climatronic, the MFA, and rain sensing wipers. If it was July 2000 and I was buying my GTI again, I honestly don't think I would have changed my mind from the VR6. It has great pull everywhere, awesome sound, and the cool features that you can't get on the 1.8T. Also, I am comparing stock to stock, if anyone says "chip it", I'm gonna flip out.
And as for this weight difference, I didn't notice a difference at all in handling.
Anyways, just thought I'd share.
- Anthony
This was my first drive in a 1.8T for the most part, and here is what I thought:
- The turbo sounds really really cool from 2500 - 4500 RPM
- There is no power under 1500 RPM, kinda annoying for second gear starts
- After 5000ish, the power is also gone
- Great pull however in the mid range
Things I did miss....climatronic, the MFA, and rain sensing wipers. If it was July 2000 and I was buying my GTI again, I honestly don't think I would have changed my mind from the VR6. It has great pull everywhere, awesome sound, and the cool features that you can't get on the 1.8T. Also, I am comparing stock to stock, if anyone says "chip it", I'm gonna flip out.

And as for this weight difference, I didn't notice a difference at all in handling.
Anyways, just thought I'd share.
- Anthony