Afternoon all, couldn't think of a better place for this so if the mods feel it's better elsewhere that's ok. I currently have a mk7.5 GTi non PP manual which is totally std on 18's. It replaced a Mk7 GTD, which also was totally standard but on factory fit 19's. I'd watched a number of videos and the consensus was that the GTD rode better and was more compliant, this is definitely something that I agree with through back to back driving comparison. So, where are the main differences in the set ups? I understand that the GTD engine is probably heavier so that would affect spring and damper rates otherwise I would guess everything else is exactly the same. Any ideas? Cheers.
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MK7 GTD Vs GTi suspension
- Thread starter Capt_Webb
- Start date
golfdave
Autocross Champion
- Location
- Scotland (U.K.)
- Car(s)
- Mk7 Golf GT Estate
Suspension wise its exactly the same links, hubs etc...the only differences is damper & spring rates....& possibly front & rear anti-roll bar diameters/thicknesses.
Funnily enough with my GT estate, it appears that VW only made the 2lt 150PS diesel available for press usage.....& they didn't like the handling......"crashy" was the term used....
Thing is when I went to test drive a GT estate (before I ordered one) the dealer only had guess what?......a 2lt diesel!!!......& it was "crashy".
My 1.4lt petrol which has a much lighter nose weight (by 82kg) is way better....
Funnily enough with my GT estate, it appears that VW only made the 2lt 150PS diesel available for press usage.....& they didn't like the handling......"crashy" was the term used....
Thing is when I went to test drive a GT estate (before I ordered one) the dealer only had guess what?......a 2lt diesel!!!......& it was "crashy".
My 1.4lt petrol which has a much lighter nose weight (by 82kg) is way better....
Thanks for the quick reply golfdave, I'll look into getting the car into a specialist to look at corner weights etc. and go from there. I was thinking GTD springs and dampers plus either lighter aftermarket wheels to reduce the unsprung weight or dropping to lighter 17's. That appears to be std fit in mainland Europe and maybe the States. Another option is one of these for the rear: Golf GTI Rear ARB
I replaced one on my Saab 9-3 years ago (not the sports saloon version), not the same vehicle but FWD, hatchback and showed similar issues with suspension. It was completely transformed afterwards.
I replaced one on my Saab 9-3 years ago (not the sports saloon version), not the same vehicle but FWD, hatchback and showed similar issues with suspension. It was completely transformed afterwards.
golfdave
Autocross Champion
- Location
- Scotland (U.K.)
- Car(s)
- Mk7 Golf GT Estate
I dropped 2kg per corner swapping from the factory 17 inch alloys to my TD Pro Race ones....& the alloys & tyres were the exact same sizes!!
Handling improved!!
However, I then added another 1kg per front corner when I went from 288mm front brakes to the GTI/GTD 312mm front brakes.....but the weight is in the brake disc which is closer to the hub & not as far out as the wheel!......so less rotation forces...!!