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Volkswagen Golf II (3-door, facelift 1987) 1.8 GTI 16V (129 Hp)
Overall Rating
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, facelift 1987) Overview:
Volkswagen Golf (II (3-door, facelift 1987)). With 168 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.3 l/100km). Weighing only 985 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 9 s). The top speed reaches 200 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 (129 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A legendary hot hatch, delivering strong performance and a rev-happy engine, offering an engaging driving experience.
Fuel Economy
Decent fuel economy for a performance model, but spirited driving will naturally increase consumption.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Robust and reliable build quality
- • Wide range of engine options, from economical diesels to powerful GTIs
- • Practical and spacious interior for its class
- • Good aftermarket support and parts availability
- • Timeless design and strong enthusiast following
Cons:
- • Lack of modern safety features (no Euro NCAP rating)
- • Basic interior comfort and features on lower trims
- • Performance of entry-level engines can be very modest
- • Rust can be an issue on older, unmaintained examples
- • Automatic transmissions can be sluggish and less efficient
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I Cabrio: 1986 - 1990).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Golf |
| Generation: | II (3-door, facelift 1987) |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8 GTI 16V (129 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1987 |
| End of production: | 1991 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 129 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 72.4 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 168 Nm @ 4250 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | PL More details about the engine PL |
| 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 |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| 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: | 11.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 200 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.6 kg/Hp, 131 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.9 kg/Nm, 170.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 985 |
| Max. weight: | 1465 |
| Max load: | 480 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1145 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 345 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1200 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 510 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4040 mm mm |
| Width: | 1680 mm mm |
| Height: | 1405 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2475 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1427 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1422 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.5 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 185/60 R14; 195/50 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 14; 6.5J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Transverse stabilizer, Elastic beam |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Volkswagen Golf rank in your book?