Volkswagen Golf II (3-door) 1.8 GTI 16V (139 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 4.5 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Volkswagen Golf:

The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car/small family car produced by the German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen since 1974, marketed worldwide across eight generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates – including as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada , and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico. Historically, the Golf is Volkswagen's best-selling model and is among the world's top three best-selling nameplates, with more than 35 million units sold as of 2019....(Read more on Wikipedia)

II (3-door) Overview:

Volkswagen Golf (II (3-door)). With 168 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11 l/100km). Weighing only 1035 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.6 s). The top speed reaches 208 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.8 GTI 16V (139 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

The pinnacle of Golf II performance, offering excellent acceleration and top speed, making it a true hot hatch and an enthusiast's dream.

Fuel Economy

Decent fuel economy for a performance engine, though not its primary focus, still manageable for spirited driving.

Best Use Case: Enthusiast driving, track days, spirited road trips.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Iconic design and heritage with strong brand recognition
  • • Wide range of capable engines, from economical diesels to high-performance GTIs
  • • Practical and spacious for its class, offering good utility
  • • Robust build quality and reliability for its era, known for durability
  • • Extensive aftermarket support and a vibrant enthusiast community

Cons:

  • • Dated safety features compared to modern vehicles
  • • Basic interior on lower trims lacks modern amenities
  • • Prone to rust in certain areas, especially older, unmaintained examples
  • • Older technology and driving dynamics may feel unrefined to modern drivers
  • • Fuel economy can be poor on older carburettor models without careful tuning

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (3-door): 1985 - 1987).

General:
Brand:Volkswagen
Model:Golf
Generation:II (3-door)
Modification (Engine):1.8 GTI 16V (139 Hp)
Start of production:1986
End of production:1987
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:139 Hp @ 6100 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:78 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:168 Nm @ 4600 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:KR More details about the engine KR
Engine displacement:1781
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:4 l
Coolant:6.3 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:81 mm mm
Piston Stroke:86.4 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:11 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.6 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:8.6 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:8.6 sec
Maximum speed:208 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:7.4 kg/Hp, 134.3 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.2 kg/Nm, 162.3 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.2 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1035
Max. weight:1400
Max load:365
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:320 l
Fuel tank capacity:55 l
Size:
Length:3985 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1665 mm mm [15mm less]
Height:1405 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2475 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front overhang:810 mm
Rear overhang:700 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.5 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size185/55 R15
Wheel rims size6.5J x 15
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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