Volkswagen Golf GTI (Mk1)
With a wheelbase of just 2,400mm and a track width of 1,404mm, its footprint was dinky, plus it weighted just 840kg, so a four-cylinder motor producing 110hp had little trouble in making the GTI a proper pocket rocket. 62mph came in 8.1 seconds and top speed was 113mph, far exceeding its rivals 鈥榪uick鈥?offerings. But what really made the car鈥檚 name was the way it handled; it was buzzy, energetic and response, with the added flair of lift-off oversteer. Back in 1975, despite managerial nervousness regarding its introduction, the GTI immediately became a hit on the continent; although it didn鈥檛 reach Blighty until 1977 and even then it was offered only as a left-hand drive model. Even better, it became something of a fashion statement, with those understated, mature but - to those in the know - purposeful lines, accented with a red outline on the nose and those stuck on wheel arches.
Then there was quirkiness, including a golf ball gear knob and, on some models, side stripes above the sills. It was fun, practical and absolutely classless. Little wonder it would be adored and driven by people from all walks of life - perhaps more so than any GTI to have followed it (although they all fit the same blueprint). It certainly held a healthy advantage over rivals for long enough to establish an almost unrivalled hot hatch image for those three letters on its grille. Today鈥檚 Spotted is a 1983 example which looks like it鈥檚 been frozen in time the past 36 years. With 17,000 miles on the clock it ought to be as mechanically sound; the engine bay certainly looks as clean as the cabin and the alloys don鈥檛 have a mark on them. But, of course, this all means it comes at a rather steep price: 拢28,995. Also known as brand new hot hatch money - you could bag yourself one of the best of today鈥檚 class, the Honda Civic Type R, for not much more. But the Mk1 Golf GTI stands on the shoulders of giants like the 911 as a car to have gone where no other had before - plus, well, look at it. Hot hatches don鈥檛 get cooler than this.
Mark Twain famously wrote, "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics." Judged on statistics and track numbers alone, the 2011 Volkswagen GTI would be one of the least desirable of the currently available sport hatchbacks. But that's a lie. In reality, the GTI is a front runner among the competition. Sure, the 2011 Volkswagen GTI isn't as quick to reach 60 mph as the competition, nor can it weave through the slalom or cling to a skid pad as tenaciously. How then, you ask, can the GTI rank so highly in such a sport-oriented segment? The answer is two-fold: refinement and drivability. The VW GTI's interior is quite simply, the best in its class. It's so nice, in fact, that it could be mistaken for a cabin from sister company Audi, save for the plaid fabric seats. The GTI also boasts surprising amounts of rear legroom and useful cargo space considering its compact overall size. Drivability is the other main advantage the 2011 Volkswagen GTI has over other sport hatches. Output from the 2.0-liter turbo engine is smooth and linear, and that power is more manageable in the real world than that of more feisty rivals. Competitors like the 2011 Mazdaspeed 3 and 2011 Mini Cooper S suffer from torque steer -- the sensation of the steering wheel tugging in your hands under hard acceleration -- that many drivers find distracting. In addition to the Mazda and Mini, other performance hatchbacks to consider include the all-wheel-drive 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart and 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX. Certainly, there's a lot to like about all of these cars. But if you're like Mark Twain and don't blindly go by the numbers, you'll find the 2011 GTI an ideal pick -- the sum of its parts can't be quantified with statistics alone.
How much is my 2004 volkswagen jetta worth? It's in good condition. No damage or dents. I want to lease a new one. Will they give me credit? Kelly is usually the highest of the used car appraisers however comparing between the three will give you an idea of consistency - if two match then they are probably accurate. The big things needed to get the value are Make, Model, Engine, Transmission, & current Mileage. Other items with less impact are wheel type (cast wheels or steel with hub caps) anti lock brakes, moon roof, & stereo type. They won't give you much! That should get you headed in the right direction. Kelly is usually the highest of the used car appraisers however comparing between the three will give you an idea of consistency - if two match then they are probably accurate. The big things needed to get the value are Make, Model, Engine, Transmission, & current Mileage. Other items with less impact are wheel type (cast wheels or steel with hub caps) anti lock brakes, moon roof, & stereo type.
