Renault 5 GT Turbo vs Golf GTI Mk2 - 80s Hot Hatch Shootout Reloaded!

By the mid 1980s, the hot hatchback game had evolved, the class-leading Golf GTI now in its second generation to step yet further ahead of the competition. However, Renault's flawed but feisty 5 GT Turbo offers more power for similar money these days, so could it be the better bet...?

- Music -


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Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:56 Renault 5 GT Turbo
4:42 Golf GTI Mk2
9:21 Which Is Best?

[monty]

Had my R5 GTT 12 years from 1991 to 2003 . Lowered and just a bleed valve it ran faultless covering 92000 miles .

[alanwayte]

I loved my 5 Turbo so much back in the day, not so much the clutch pedal as cable kept coming off, had five GTI Golfs since, but 5 Turbo is the one I smile about

[andydio]

I had red 1989 GT Turbo back in 93 for about 5 years. Fortunately my brother was a Renault technician so he knew all the issues. I kept it standard so never really had major issues. I wish I never sold it. Such a great pocket rocket.

[jasonk]

Shedding a little tear for my dearly departed tornado red big bumper GTi 8 valve 😢

[samh]

Mk2 all day long, still own 90’ oak green 16v! had it 23yrs now

[SnakeyUk]

Surely the Renault 5 turbo should be fighting against the Fiat Uno Turbo that's if they haven't all turned to brown dust lol, any how still nice to see 80s classic hot hatches and in good condition :)

[russ]

I can still remember picking up my brand new Pearl white GT Turbo back in ‘89. Swapped it for a green 205 1.9 gti a year later….still wish I had both now

[bobbyfraser]

My 1st car was an 8v 3dr Mk2 GTi and that was me hooked! 3 red 16valvers next and now I'm in a Corrado 16v. Still love the Mk2. Great video boys.

[andrecastro]

The GTi for me!! Had one many years ago exactly the same as the one here and it was amazing!

[gaddmeister]

Ha!.... I had 2 GT Turbos. First one was knackered. The second had a new engine and 3 head gaskets! I traded it in for the MK2 Gti. Never looked back and never let me down. GT Turbo was fun, but never knew when it would let me down which was unnerving. Ive had a MK2 valver and they are an absolute blast! Miss it!

[melvyncox]

That Golf was my old car!Nice to see it still running.Had it for 151/2 years.A few alterations since l had it, but still recognisable from when l had it, even some of the stickers are still there.Hope it's still running, and as enjoyable for the current owner as it was for me!

[mattwebb]

My Dad had a red Renault 5 GT turbo back in the day and its still on the road. He sold it in the mid 90s. Luckily I've tracked down who owns it now so lovely to know its in safe hands.

[paulthorpe]

The pushrod engine in Renault is so smooth when the turbo chimes in - loved mine !

[RS]

Excellent video! And absolutely right what they say! Had a GT Turbo beginning of the 90’s and bought one again 3 years ago. In summer I drive the 5 GT Turbo in the weekend as explained in the video and I also absolutely love it. Got a 993, boxster s, 986 CS and cayenne turbo but I just love my GT turbo as this one puts a big smile on my face.

[markonmotoring]

The MK2 may have been my favourite Golf but the R5 GTT is the car I've wanted since I was a child. My first car was an 1108cc R5 and my dad owned 4 R5s. When it came to hot hatches in the 80s the Pug 205 GTi an the R5 GTT just seemed to somehow make the competition look like the warm up act.

[jonathonbrett-qnic]

Mk2 golf Gti for me
Love these cars and both put a smile on your face.

[JohnJohn-cunk]

First time I saw a white GT turbo racing a white nissan Silvia in Blackburn 88 . Police had shut down a party and Everyone had gathered in the town centre .Loved them ever since

[shaneweightman]

I had a highly moded. R5 turbo in 94, was like a rocket, and my brother had a mk1 and mk2 golf, mine had a hybrid turbo, , ,quickest car to a ton, I’ve ever had, including a moded wrx, sti, and a moded z350 Nissan, took me down memory lane, cheers lads, Shane uk 🇬🇧

[russcattelli]

I drove plenty of Golf GTi's when I worked at a VW dealer, I bought a 205 GTi. Meanwhile my now wife had a Mazda MX3 V6 in Germany, before we met. That is a rare little gem.

[jbland]

Having owned both these in the past they were so very diff! R5 GTurbo Tungsten grey was this colour same as the one I had t was fiddled with higher boost etc it went like a stabbed rat used to frighten me to death! Was bad for cracking piston liners bad weak point on those 1.4 engines. VW Golf GTi mine was red not as quick but so well built and what an engine you hit 5500 rpm al day and it just laughed. Only prob was they suffered from water ingress on the rear arches but both iconic 80's cars fond memories! Try to find either today to buy as a toy and their prices now are eye watering. They're worth more now than when a few years old!