VW Golf GTI Mk1 vs Golf GTI Mk7 - Old vs new drag race challenge

Ever wondered if those iconic classic cars can still hold their own against their modern counterparts? We decided we would put them head-to-head with their descendants in a drag race with a twist. To make it more interesting the old cars get a head start decided by their age. But can the new cars with more power still beat them?

We’ve brought together the original and the latest model Volkswagen Golf GTI and Mazda MX-5, the Vauxhall Astra GTE and current VXR, as well as the Ford Fiesta XR2 and latest Fiesta ST.

In this video we pit GTI against GTI.

[yippie]

This is stupid, 1 second per decade advantage. Who decided that? Just do a normal drag race so we can see the difference.

[JoeAchilles]

It might have been closer if she didn't take 19 seconds to change from 2nd to 3rd hahahaha I crack me up! (but I'm serious)

[longtailgt]

Sorry Rebecca but those gearshifts were pretty crap. Would prefer to see a proper drag race and hopefully you get the shifts right.

[skyfly]

oh God those gear shifts dear dear. don't be mad at the car

[nrnccrdn]

Please lady, do not drive anymore. You missed gears like mad... get a DSG version next time.

[Jerubei]

I'm sure the MKI has lower emissions ;)

[lonersanonymous]

A few more miles to run in the gearbox? Do you think we're all morons? You fluffed the gear changes which kinda matters when doing a drag race for a channel about cars watched by car enthusiasts. Yes, we care about accuracy and credibility.

[GrotrianSeiler]

Who cares about the numbers? That early Golf was a HOOT to drive, never seemed lacking for power, and was supremely comfortable and practical. Great car!

[appelpower]

If given a head start, the Mk7 GTD can win any drag race by choking the driver behind him with its emissions.

[kaylinclaudepillay]

im sorry but this lady cant drive..Short shifting and so slow gear change....u dont need more miles to run in the box.

[Samfamson]

At 2:36 she took a full second just to shift to another gear.... Re do the race with another driver...

[mubziv]

The new GTI has 40% higher emission than the MKI😉

[andreipop]

it sounded like she missed one or two gear changes.

[evoermine]

Gorgeous! The cars aren't bad either.

[Skoda]

Yippie said:

//"This is stupid, 1 second per decade advantage. Who decided that? Just do a normal drag race so we can see the difference"//

Indeed.
And if you absolutely desire to give a head start anyway, it should be based on the differences in the power to weight ratio.
Not on the age of the car.

[TheCuriousNoob]

It'd be great to see a run that isn't handicapped as well.

[gabrielvieira]

The MK1 is not that far behind, it would be better to do two drag races, one with the seconds off the start and another one head to head start.

[stevenwatson]

I owned a mk1 GTI 25 years ago, and if properly driven, it would stay with the latest 0-60.I drive all sorts of modern stuff these days, but a well driven mk1 GTI is an animal pound for pound.

[Ro.nttt.de-m]

Is she making sandwiches between shifts lol? Kitchen is calling her girl, back now!

[hobdecj]

The most fun I ever had driving my old mk1 - 1800 with the 4 speed box from a 1600. Handled like a roller skate. As pointed out this mk1 was the final campaign model with the Pirelli P's from 1983/4. Also had a leather steering wheel as I remember?