VW introduces a new 2.0T

[MrCritical]

I would mention them in the same sentence in everything but interior quality.

The SS has the new track record in it's class at Nurburgring by 13 seconds. That's an eternity, and that track includes braking, handling, and acceleration.

And that's no stripper, at $22995. The only options are a sunroof and LSD.

 

[Patman]

Originally Posted By: rjundi


IMHO most people don't spend life in the 1/4 mile. The VW/Audi engine has a better torque curve (full torque starting @ 1500RPM) which makes the car feel much more powerful and usable in everyday driving. However the extra $5k goes into the interior which GM cannot touch a candle to VW/Audi products (admittedly).



I agree there, after spending a lot of time behind the wheel of my mom's 2001 VW Golf this past winter, I have a new appreciation for VWs. Even with 100,000km on it, the car feels as tight as new, no rattles at all. And the interior is excellent, I was very comfortable in it. And I agree about the torque, her normally aspirated 2.0L engine definitely feels stronger than it's power numbers suggest, it's got great throttle response.

But even still, part of me just can't get over the fact that when you spend a lot of money on a car it should have more power than it's competition. And the 2.0 turbo VW/Audis are expensive up here.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Patman
True, you can always improve the performance of turbo cars with a little more boost via custom programming, but the point is that people shouldn't have to do this. For the type of money the GTI, Audi A3 and A4 costs, it needs more than a 211 hp engine.


Except to the few of us who both like cartridge oil filters, and wish that the car could be had with 130 hp, and 35+ MPG in such a nice vehicle. Noneed to go fast, just have a safe, nice car that has decent engineering built in. My 04 saab was a value champ... >35 MPG, and much cheaper new than a similarly equipped camry or accord. The rabbit is a value champ, but overpowered.

JMH

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: Patman
True, you can always improve the performance of turbo cars with a little more boost via custom programming, but the point is that people shouldn't have to do this. For the type of money the GTI, Audi A3 and A4 costs, it needs more than a 211 hp engine.


Except to the few of us who both like cartridge oil filters, and wish that the car could be had with 130 hp, and 35+ MPG in such a nice vehicle. Noneed to go fast, just have a safe, nice car that has decent engineering built in. My 04 saab was a value champ... >35 MPG, and much cheaper new than a similarly equipped camry or accord. The rabbit is a value champ, but overpowered.

JMH

Why in the world would you like a messy cartridge filter setup (one that is mounted upside down, underneath the vehicle) that costs $12/element and requires an $80 tool to properly service.

 

[VeeDubb]

Originally Posted By: Patman


But even still, part of me just can't get over the fact that when you spend a lot of money on a car it should have more power than it's competition. And the 2.0 turbo VW/Audis are expensive up here.


The raw HP numbers don't tell the whole story. The 2.0T "only" puts out 200HP but 0-60, it will give an Accord V6 a run for its money.

 

[VeeDubb]

Originally Posted By: The Critic

Why in the world would you like a messy cartridge filter setup (one that is mounted upside down, underneath the vehicle) that costs $12/element and requires an $80 tool to properly service.


This is the dark side of only a VW. Routine maintenance is a real hassle. Fortunately, my dealer charges only $24.95 for an oil change when I bring my own oil. That includes the filter, the labor, all fluids topped, a car wash and interior vacuum. It beats doing it myself anyways.