VW Golf GTI Generations DRAG RACE

We’ve got our hands on EVERY generation of Volkswagen Golf GTI, and they’re about to go head-to-head in an epic drag race!

We’ve split it into two heats - the Mk 1, 2, 3 & 4 in the first heat, after which we’ll have a second race with the 5, 6, 7 and 8.5 to see just how the Golf GTI has evolved over the years!

It all starts with the Mk 1. It's powered by a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder that produces 110hp and 140Nm of torque. This power is sent to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual, and the car weighs in at just 810kg. When it was new, it cost around £6,500.

The line-up then goes up to the new Mk 8.5 edition. This is powered by a 2-litre 4-cylinder turbo that puts down 265hp and 370Nm. This power is directed to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and it weighs 1,391kg. As new, the car costs around £39,000.

So the newer car is likely to win, but will any of the older models spring a surprise? There’s only one way to find out… LET’S RACE!

[IAmTbang]

“Has Sam got a manual” is one of the most iconic moments in Carwow history.

Didn’t know I needed this, but now I’m going to push it and ask for every variant of R. From the VR6 to the current R.

[kaumohlamonyane]

South Africans will go crazy for this one🇿🇦

[AutoAddictionMedia]

Basically everyone in this episode: *talking*
Sam: Hahahaha!

[fireman]

In South Africa, they only stopped production of the MK1 shape in 2010. So you had a classic looking car with modern fuel injection, abs, airbags, and for Rory, air-conditioning. It was my favourite car ever. The Golf Velocity 1.4i and gave me 20km per litre. 😊

[Harrock]

1:40 the legendary 5-Speed gearbox with 6 gears 😂 😂

[bafanamachika]

Golf R generation drag race please mk3 vr6 included

[ZylonFPV]

1:38 - “drives the front wheels by a 5 speed gearbox”.. okay, why does it have 6 gears then?! 😂

[luuanlive]

Mk7 was peak Golf design, it will age like a fine wine

[JackMaslovCZLive]

The excuses and the reversing at the end after the braking test were hilarious. 😂 Couldn't stop laughing

[Beautiful-ModelBarbara-Hut-sj]

This MK3 is no 16V, the "16V" badge is missing and they clearly announce 115 hp, which is the power of the 8V. The 16V has 150. I had a 8V and got crushed by a MK1 just like in this video. A 16V would have been in front of the MK1 and MK2 and maybe even of the MK4, due to the lesser weight.

[mktk]

We now need a race between every generation of Golf R (Golf 3 VR6 included)

[rockervdrive]

This was a good one! Still a happy MK7 GTI owner with over 150k+ miles. Only failures so far have been the water pump and left rear wheel bearing.

[idknils]

MK1: Hood stick
MK2: Hood stick
MK3: Hood stick
MK4: Gas struts
MK5: Gas struts
MK6: Gas struts
MK7: Gas struts
MK8: Hood stick

[miguel]

Absolutely love the evil laugh from Sam hahahaaha

[AK-Brian]

The subtle "CSI: Miami" yell when Sam drops his shades was top tier. :)

[stigonetv]

Sams villan laugh😂 when he passes Rory 😂

[brkecheckd]

MK 5 and 6 aged like fine wine. Still look great

[paulmcewan]

The MK3 isn’t a 16v, it’s the 8v version 115bhp, I’ve got a 16v 150bhp, mk3 16v has ABF engine 8v has AGG I think, there’s a big difference performance wise

[ncaxo]

Mats accent when asking Sam if his car was a manual is so funny 15:03

[anelesixaka]

Thanks Matt for accommodating us in South Africa 🇿🇦