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SPORT SUSPENSION ON GOLF GTI
alfaromeo
Member Posts: 210
In a Edmunds road test, it is mentionned that from
model year 2001, a sport suspension will be an
option on the Golf GTI's (and incidentally on the
Jettas as well).
I am considering to buy a 1.8T but I DO feel that
the car 'floats' a bit too much in hard cornering.
What 'MAKES UP' a 'sports suspension'? Is it
adding stiffer springs/absorbers ONLY, or is it a
package which involves anti-roll bars and other
reinforcements to the chassis?
If I purchase a 'soft' 2000 model, can I 'stiffen'
it in a reliable and performing way by simply
purchasing stiffer abs? (a helpful reader suggested
KONIs)...
And does anyone have reliable info regarding the
availability of such an option on the upcoming 2001
model? (the dealers, as usual have been useless in
answering my questions...)
Thanks in advance
model year 2001, a sport suspension will be an
option on the Golf GTI's (and incidentally on the
Jettas as well).
I am considering to buy a 1.8T but I DO feel that
the car 'floats' a bit too much in hard cornering.
What 'MAKES UP' a 'sports suspension'? Is it
adding stiffer springs/absorbers ONLY, or is it a
package which involves anti-roll bars and other
reinforcements to the chassis?
If I purchase a 'soft' 2000 model, can I 'stiffen'
it in a reliable and performing way by simply
purchasing stiffer abs? (a helpful reader suggested
KONIs)...
And does anyone have reliable info regarding the
availability of such an option on the upcoming 2001
model? (the dealers, as usual have been useless in
answering my questions...)
Thanks in advance
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Comments
A fully independent setup would make a world of difference. I'd wait for it if this is the case.
Thank you Lancerfixer and Togneter...
Though I do disagree with you Tog on the fact that the semi-independent suspension is the cause... The cause for floating in my eyes in simply because the present suspension isn't stiff enough. Granted, American roads are full of pot holes compared with the West European roads, so I guess many people don't want to sacrifice comfort for handling. But in Europe, no one in their right mind would get the GTI with suspension as soft as they come with over here! But then, Europeans drive much faster on average... different market, different specs I guess...
You can compensate for some of the Golf's shortcomings with aftermarket parts, but togneter is correct - VW's twist beam rear suspension won't provide the handling precision of a decent multi-link, fully independent set up.
I guess VW saw that people were upgrading their suspensions, so they figured that they might as well get in on the act, have their technicians do the work, and keep it all up and up.
Check on this. I'm pretty sure our local dealer is doing it. They are probably just branded versions of another company's springs, so if you can find out what kind of springs they are, you can see if they're worth it.
I'd still be inclined to wait on the factory sport suspension, though...
Like I mentioned in another thread, I belong to the crowd which is somewhat wary when it comes to 'adding' non-original parts. Though I am perfectly aware that VW, like other manufacturers, overcharge for their 'own' branded equipment (which Togneter points out is certainly outsourced anyway).
Silly me...
But what do you guys think the 'suspension package' from VW would consist of? Would it be stiffer springs/abs, or would it include antiroll bars, reinforced struts and the like? All of a sudden, it may well be that a similar aftermarket upgrade would turn out to be expensive, if not cosmetically challenged?!
I test drove the Si which was fun, but I am certain that the high revving engine would tire me on daily long highway drives... (tried that before!). Also, I think the car is seriously overpriced!
But looking around, what can I see? If I had the choice, I'd bring in a Alfa Romeo 147 or 156 from Europe... but Alfa will not distribute them in the US before 2003... (now I know Alfa does not have a good name in the US... but the 156 is a beautiful car which litterally sticks to the road, and offers a choice of powerplants from 120 to 240bhp).
We both drive Focus ZX3s. This is a GREAT handling car. Refer to the Civic vs. Focus ZX3 thread for pots from both of us on this.
I also encourage you to look at the June issue of Automobile Magazine, as I mentioned in the other thread.
I also love Alfas, but that's 'cause my family's from Italia...
It's funny though, because in Europe, you have a lot of hatchbacks to choose from. Peugeot, Alfa, Renault, Opel, Ford (Ka, Focus,...) Fiat, Seat, VW of course, but the list is so long, I wouldn't know where to start. Of course, I forgot ALL the Japanese cars. But see... that's exactly my point. Japanese cars, however good they are, are dead boring to me (and to most Europeans).
I agree that the Focus is a very good and cool car. It's just that I've never been a Ford nor Opel (GM) kind'a guy. But maybe I should try one!
WHAT DO I THINK IS REALLY A HOT HATCH?
CHECK OUT THE LINK AND LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!www.alfa147.com/
I agree with you regarding the Acura Integra. Drove it, loved it!
Anyway, I don't have more to ad nor ask regarding the suspension topic for the GTI, so I guess I will leave this forum a bit idle for the time being...
Again, thanks to both of you for wonderful input and see you soon to discuss the ZX3!
I love it...marked improvement over the standard suspension (Continental tires from the Passat,as well).
-Enjoy
I love it...marked improvement over the standard suspension (Continental tires from the Passat,as well).
-Enjoy
Moral of the story:
All this talk about sport suspension makes you wonder...The car magazines say the Integra handles nice. Why? Because it comes with Bridgestone Potenza's or something decent. The Volkswagen is 'soft', 'rolls too much', blah, blah... If you have 'touring' tires, the sidewall bends more and the tire is made for a mushy ride and also harder, resulting in less grip. Why does VW put such silly tires on a good sports car? Try putting on a decent set of tires before worrying about changing the suspension or anything like that. I did, and it was the best $600 (CAN) I ever spent in my life.
Cheers!
Also, back in Europe, the cars have 'overall' a stiffer suspension than they do here in the US. I do not advocate stiff suspensions for use on 'all' roads in the US since there are a lot more potholes here!
It's a matter of preference at the end of the day. I like my car to lie flat while cornering, at the possible expense of a harder ride.
I don't really know... if it says so, I guess it is!
How do you like your car? - and why did you choose it over the VR6? In my case, price would be one answer to that question, plus I've heard from several that the 1.8t also handles better...
For Golfs, the 1.8t is only available on the GTI model, so that means, acording to VW, that it has a "sport suspension."
I am still pondering between the GS-R and the 1.8t... very different cars, but I really like both, and the Integra can be bought under 20K which is not a lot for a pretty nice sports hatch in my opinion...
Regarding the sports suspension, I think VW have it all messed up... either they don't know what they put into their cars, or their customer service people are completely off touch. They confirmed that the 1.8gti would be equipped with sports susp as of 2001 models...
It sounds to me like Volkswagen should get their act together, and that concerns the dealers too. They should know their product. Basta!
http://www.sema.org/fedleg/warranty/index.html
I found it interesting, although I don't know if I would use a chip either.
By the way: I prefer the VR6 because of its vastly superior torque.
I've driven both. You can feel the difference.
carlady/host
I love the VR6 engine.
The replacement K04 turbo and chip for the 1.8T is supposed to make around 225-230 HP. Throw in a good intake and exhaust and you should be looking at around 250 HP for around 2500 bucks. But I'd be a little leary about a 1.8 make 250 HP. Almost 140 HP per liter. I could totally see some serious problems with the setup. Anyone know if the 150 HP 1.8T has the same internals as the 225 HP Audi 1.8T? It seems like they're identical, with the exception of the turbo and the amount of boost, but they could have some difference below the surface. If the 225 horse Audi engine had the same internal components I'd feel a lot better about getting 250 horses out of the 1.8T in the GTI.
Thanks.
Much appreciated.
Much appreciated.
Though the Turbo is quite strong and has almost no lag (I have an '88 Saab Turbo, so I know about lag), I honestly prefer the six cylinder. Turbos tend to be jerky and rubber-band-like in their power application, which I assume is why companies such as BMW eschew them, preferring a smoother, revvy-er approach.
The salesman didn't seem to know whether the car I drove had the sport suspension (it was a 2001 model built in Brazil). It had signicant body roll, so I suspect it did not. Personally, I'd go for the VR6 and consider firming up the chassis later.
I just bought a 2001 GTI GLS (1.8t).
Check out the Vortex site, and you can read about the improved sports suspension standard on those cars.
It's NO RACING SUSPENSION, but it's stiffer than the one on the outgoing model from 2000.
It's a 'compromise' solution for everyday use, which feels smooth enough for your commuting, while offering better cornering. I guess that those wanting 'the real stuff' will have to resort to the aftermarket. Depends what you want your car for.
Anyway... the car is great!