I don't know why, but I kind of like the car recently, especially the 4 door one. What's anybody's opinion of this car? I know a chip for this car will make it go much faster, but how much faster? Any info would be great!

 

IMO you have to rework the suspension. I like hatchbacks and drove it several times but the body roll and handling was unacceptable. VW reliability was pretty poor some years ago so you might want to research the current record.

 

If i didn't purchase a sports car like the s2k and was looking for something more convenient yet sporty i would go with the VW GTI VR6. What i can say for the car is i love the hatchback look, as only europeans can. VW has a bad reputation of having many electrical problems with the car. (My friend has the Jetta VR6 and he's constantly in the shop fixing one thing or another.) The car is quick and light, although i agree with cdelena, you're going to want to tighten up the suspension as handling can easily and vastly be improved cheaply. The GTI VR6 does not come in a 4-door model...only a 2-door. So if you could put up with the electrical problems i would say go for it...i would love to have it as my beater. =)

 

I owned a VW GTI VR6 for only 6 months, then traded it for a BMW. I HATED the torque steer affects when I gave it the gas going around curves.

 

Anyone know how much hp increase from installing a chip?!
I've seen a comparison between the GTI and civic Si and I couldn't believe the Si beat the GTI in straight line performance.

 

I've owned a '92 and '93 VR6 Corrado, a '98 GTI-VR6 and an '00 GTI-VR6. They are all great cars. The suspension needs help - even simply adding shocks helps a ton. The newer ('99+) chassis is a HUGE improvement in rigidity and suspension geometry. Lowering springs, shocks and a bigger rear swaybar actually make the car tossable... and a cone air filter and exhaust make the engine note sweet (just like a BMW straight 6.) They are much better on reliability - the GTI's are still made in Germany, so the reliability is good. The Mexican made Jettas are worse. I've got my eye on the new Jetta Station wagon as a daily driver, although I don't know if I can justify the S2K, '93 Corrado, '01 F150 AND a Jetta wagon. You can never have too many cars, right?

 

BTW... chips can add around 5hp and 9lb.-ft. With a filter, chip and exhaust it will probably be putting out 185hp and 190lb.-ft. of torque. Not too shabby! The real #'s can be put up by 1.8t GTI's and Jettas. You can get them up to 195hp and 240lb-ft of torque with just a chip!