Whats better a 2003 gti vr6 or a 2003 gti 1.8t really need reality like advise?

Question

basically to modify to max potential?

Answer 1

the vr6 is much more fun to drive. if you read around on forums on the internet you will see that people love the vr6 with the manual trans

Answer 2

The 1.8T is the engine you want. You will get better gas mileage, the VR6 has a pain in the *** timing chain instead of a belt, and the 1.8T has more tuneability than the VR6. With a few hundred $'s, you can get an ECU remap (chip) to make it faster than the VR6, and it will maintain the same gas mileage. Oh yeah, 1.8T's get the street cred over VR6's as well.

But, it all matters how much $ you want to spend on parts and how much time you want to put into it. You could put a turbo on a VR6, but it is a high compression engine and it will grenade if you don't upgrade all your internals and precautionary measures. You can make a 1.8T something like 330hp before you hafta pull it apart and do rods, rings, etc.

Answer 3

It's really a judgment call on your part...

Do you like the feel of a silky smooth, powerful linear engine like the VR6?

or...

The instant power delivery and wide power band of the 1.8T?  

I own a 2002 VW Jetta 1.8T. The 1.8T engine is stunning. Lots of power and good gas mileage.

It's also highly modifiable. For instance you can gain 20-30+ horsepower and 80-90+ foot pounds of torque just by getting an APR Engine Control Module. Add a bigger turbo, new exhaust and those figures skyrocket.  

A turbocharged engine is loads of fun, but for me, I would rather have a naturally aspirated engine like the VR6. A turbocharged engine never calms down and becomes civilized. When you are driving you are always a "Boy Racer" accelerating out of corners and racing to the next stop sign...

I test drove a 2008 Subaru Impreza (base with non-turbo 2.5 engine) with the same performance figures as my Jetta and would take that engine over 1.8T any day of the week. It was smooth, fast and civilized.

So go make your own decision... You won't be wrong either way. Just keep in mind one day you are going to enjoy your drive instead of racing to your destination.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

typically a non turbo car will outlast a turbo one...  they are both about the same down a track, my preference is for the 1.8 as it gets significantly better fuel economy.

Answer 5

the vr6 is very nice, but the 1.8 will sound a little cooler, not to mention look a little cooler, and if your looking into the future, the 1.8 will most likely last longer.

Answer 6

1.8t is good for gas but the vr6 is not to good on gas.