Golf mk4 1.8 20v VS 2.slow

[Green Mk3]

Hey Guys,
My mate wans to buy a Mk4 golf..but the 1.8L it is a 92kw 170nm engine and wants to know how it compares in performance to a 2.slow. I know the figures on both the engines, but when i drive the 2.slow it feels like it has better mid range punch and the 1.8 needs to get higher in the revs before it starts to pull. My personal experience with this engine has been some what disappointing and most cars have a problem with the throttle body which tends to be expensive to fix. Is it worth going this engine or going up to the turbo.. he wants to get away with it cheap if anyone knows of a GTi up for sale it would be greatly appreciated. i know that both the cars aren't pocket rockets but he says that he wants an A to B car..

[GoLfMan]

id say buy a GTi, there are heaps of performance upgrades for them out there and its isnt tooo sluggish stock

[Green Mk3]

Thanks for the input atm because we can't find a gti in price range can we compare the 2.slow and the 20v

[mikinoz]

I think that the other consideration is insurance costs of a turbo.

A generation sport 2.0 with 16's and the sport suspension is a good buy IMHO.

Or get a 1.6

[ausgolfer]

There are also some decent A3 2doors 1.8 20V NA kicking around for sale.

[YellowDieselGolf]

I've driven a couple of 1.8 20v NA's and I prefer them to the 2.0. But, they were only available in 98-99 (?), so they're not common and a 2.0 will be newer.