FatFreeVW

its an easy way to get power. I dont like that the vr6 is an understeer pig, but the power you can get out of it is great.

The gti is about affordable, fun to drive car. And ever since the mk4(except for the r32) they have been overpriced, heavy, luxury wanna be cars. They just keep getting worse

Swank4

seems to be a common trend...increase power and weight at the same time but with the intention of increasing the power:weight ratio.

The newer GTis are faster than the older ones, that's for sure (stock for stock).

I agree, though, that it's a shame the Mk4 chassis has breached the 3000lbs mark. Most of it in the name of safety and luxury.

FatFreeVW

just isnt what you would expect in a GTi. the 16v was a fun car to drive and you could toss around the corners. The MK3 GTi(vr6) had the torque to back it up. Make you FEEL like its fast, which certainly adds to the fun to drive factor. Not as easy to throw into a corner(unless you know how to handle FWD understeer or generate oversteer without the ebrake).

Then the mk4 because really SLUGGISH. yes it had the weight. But the springs were EXTREMELY soft. Which means you cant through it around the corners w/ ease. The r32 you can, but thats still a pretty penny. But for a daily driver I would love and r32 over the STi and EVO. Not being biased. Just dont think those cars are designed to be daily driven. Just beat up in a straight line.

MazdaSpeed has a great thing going for them. The latest two cars they have released are outright a BLAST to drive and VERY affordable.