I think I am probably more harder in my opinions of the Golf’s old fashioned styling than a vast majority of people, however according to the number of Golf’s & A2’s on the road the facts would indicate that many drivers (young & old) prefer good old fashioned convention and proven engineering. That said the basis of debate was the aspects of performance, and if this is to include economy, drivability, tractability, comfort, and a gearbox that is a shear pleasure to use then the Golf (like a PD130) cannot be easily dismissed. If it could I would not be driving one.
Comparing any two cars will in 95% of cases end up as a bit of a joke, but as may be recalled I did try my honest best to compare some aspects of the Golf and A2 under the topic “Golf Now In Sight”
In terms of the FSI model I have not as yet read anything worthwhile (preferably from an A2 owner) of how the model generally relates to the standard A2 (petrol and diesel). Alas when I read magazine reports I am never too sure if the words and performance figures have been supplied by the manufacturer – or strongly influenced by the manufacturer. I suppose I am suspicious of much printed matter, and how right I am when we have just witnessed a bit of manipulation in someone playing around with the “book” performance figures of the Golf. Indeed take away the element of deceit, and what have you got. Answer – nothing, because suddenly the “main” claim has no credibility, and lets face it the impact of a statement like the FSI is a fast as a Golf is nowhere as “impressive” as saying it is faster.
I never ever tried a 0 to 60mph speed test in my A2, but forget 10 seconds or whatever when as a guess I reckon it took me 15 seconds to get into third gear. In fact for many cars I do seriously wonder if the figures are somehow computer calculated as opposed to actual. I can see some reality in cars where second gear can nicely fly past 60mph, but for all those where another gearbox change is required (via a dogleg path) I have strong doubts. Anyway I suppose the real bottom line is that anyone who purchases an A2 or Golf for the element of speed is a nutter – because it cannot really happen. Moreover according to those experts on the “Driven” tv programme if a car cannot be sent sideways around a bend, or perform a handbrake turn in the middle of the tarmac – then its no good anyway, and would by default fail the Tesco car park test.
Regards
John Disdale