How much power could a GTI handle before it becomes a handful?

**whichonetoget** · 22-10-2010, 06:23 AM

Being FWD and all....

**team_v** · 22-10-2010, 06:48 AM

The Stage 3 APR GTI was only a second or 2 behind the Stage 3 Golf R at the recent tuner shootout in the wet.

It was also very close when Guy ran them at lakeside raceway.

Stage 2 or 3 would probably be a bit wild so it depends on your ability to control/feather the throttle.

**Tim** · 22-10-2010, 07:05 AM

depends on driver skill. Some people complain at stage 1 that they cant get traction. Ive driven GTIs putting out over 200fwkw and theyre fine so long as you dont treat the throttle as an on/off switch.

In my opinion the turbo choice really is what makes them driveable or not. A fwd that boosts very hard is much more likely to break traction. Its also important to do the appropriate supporting mods as well. Better suspension tune means more traction.

**whichonetoget** · 22-10-2010, 07:24 AM

Cool. I can't decide between a VI GTI and V R32. While stock, the R32 is more exciting to drive + wicked soundtrack. I'm sure a GTI with some mods will run rings around the R32 though, but still lack that sound.

**team_v** · 22-10-2010, 07:25 AM

I would go the R32.
Linear power delivery, suitable car from the factory.

**Tim** · 22-10-2010, 07:33 AM

it certainly is a hard choice to make.
Both cars are awesome but for very different reasons. Most people will tell you just to drive both and then pick.

I chose the GTI over the R32 because although it was technically slower and has more compromises when it comes to getting the power down. It was those things that made it more fun to drive. With all its pops and farts and squirming under brakes and grabbing for traction. There is a lot more driver involvement taking place.

Each to their own though. The above things are why some people refuse to drive a GTI. But yeah as a daily driver for me it was about having fun not about being stupidly fast. (not that theyre slow)

**gareth_oau** · 22-10-2010, 11:10 AM

throw in an LSD and it gets even better.

read last month's motor magazine to really understand how good Guy's APR GTI is.

If you are tossing up (off?) between two cars, why not get an insurance quote between the two - the modded GTI's insurance might help you make a decision

**Guy_H** · 22-10-2010, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by whichonetoget

Being FWD and all....

285 - 315kw's is a nice level

chassis set-up makes it all usable without a problem.

Can't wait to take ours out against a new Focus RS (actually I want to drive a Focus RS myself)

**dave_r** · 22-10-2010, 03:49 PM

Originally Posted by Guy_H

chassis set-up makes it all usable without a problem.

Was gonna say, people always look at power figures but at the end of it all, if the chassis isn't upgraded inline with the power side of things, it is always going to be a dog.

Unforunately a lot of people neglect to spend appropriate amounts on the handling/braking and just chase power figures.

**DEMIGODGTI** · 22-10-2010, 06:04 PM

Originally Posted by dave-

Was gonna say, people always look at power figures but at the end of it all, if the chassis isn't upgraded inline with the power side of things, it is always going to be a dog.

Unforunately a lot of people neglect to spend appropriate amounts on the handling/braking and just chase power figures.

I think this applies to people who spend all their time on dynos collecting those papers lol