Bora V5 or V6 - Opinions

[zha50]

Hi all,

So looking around, i'm currently sharing mum's Bora V5 auto, and have recently consider looking at the higher up V6 version.

While the V5 has alright power, a little more is always fun, and I am interested in if anybody has driven both versions in their journey when purchasing one, is there much noticeable difference between the two engines? Which i gather is basically the same engine minus 1 cyclinder.

Other benefits was be the 4motion system, and possibly better power delivery from a traditional manual.

While have been eyeing a MK5 R32, however they are rather out of reach. Bottom line, does the different drivetrain and suspension setup of the 4motion Bora be worthwhile upgrade?

Thanks.

[Brisbane's Bora]

Hey mate,

I have a v5 Bora and I love it to death. I find there is plenty of power (around 3k rpms) when you want it and the interior is beautiful, despite being tan/cream.

My $.02- The v6 has lots of power, enough to worry certain heavy v8's from what I have heard. The vr6 is known as one of the best engines that volkswagen have ever made. The 4wd, though I havent been able to test it much allows some pretty rediculous launches and impressive grip of course.

The main problems with the v6 (from what I have heard) are; the 4motion begins to go wrong at higher kms- a friend who works at a German car specialist had two 4mo's come in with rear differential problems, one was locked solid and was effectivly a write off (apparently) and the other cost $2500 to fix.

The other problem I noticed when I was buying my (second) Bora was the price. I managed to pick up my v5 for under $10k, with a pretty low odometer and in good nick. The cheapest under 200k km v6 I saw was $13k and 6 months later I saw it for sale on here at 5k because the gearbox blew up.

I believe also that the interiors on the v6s are always black, which is far nicer than the tan, trust me on that one!

So V6 has the power the grip and the interior though it costs more and has more to go wrong
The V5 is truely a bargain for what I get, can have an equal interior and less to go wrong. (also cheaper to insure and rego)

Buy manual, they are great gearboxes imo and don't forget about the GTI either - the 1.8t puts down plenty.

And I'm done

[zha50]

Thanks Dan! Certainly something to consider i guess, the added costs to maintain the AWD system. I'm in no rush to buy one as yet, so at least it gives me a chance to keep an eye out for one. Im guessing the number of VR6's sold was lower so there is less on the market. Looking at car sales, depending on the condition and KM's, they seem to be around the 11-13k area.

My idea was to find one between 10-13K, maybe more depending on condition, and have some reserve money to patch things up here and there, as im sure im bound to get hit with many different little problems not too long after picking up a 2nd hand car.

The V5 we have at home now is the all black leather interior, and I do agree the all black is tons ahead of the Black + tan.

I still have a few years left on my VIC P's, so it basically rules out the GTI. The blanket ban is pretty ridicules, your not approved to drive a MK5 118TSI/90TSI without a lengthy exception process, yet allowed to take a R32 out legally.

[Brisbane's Bora]

Haha trust me, I know all about the pain of being a P-Plater, I get my opens in 6 months, but whose counting?

I have a feeling the market up here is a bit more pricey for VW's as well.

Good luck!

[Dyldo]

the v6 4mo can come in beige interiors. i have one

[zha50]

Mmm, most of the V6 4mo on car sales have the black + beige interior. I just have a bias towards the all black interor look, and while the black beige is unique, it takes some liking to. Like said I'm currently sharing with mum a V5 MY02, however its in auto and the torque converter style autos is not doing the VR engines justice.

I've grown a liking to the MK4 Bora and MK5 R32, however the latter is much out of financial reach! Compromise on looking for a decent condition v6 4mo.

Like said, is there anything I should keep in mind, especially anything related specifically to the 4mo version? Low speed tight turning?

[goodfella]

Like said, is there anything I should keep in mind, especially anything related specifically to the 4mo version? Low speed tight turning?

If you buy the V5 and then go for a cruise in a V6, you should keep in mind the cup of regret you will be drinking from...

[Dyldo]

If you buy the V5 and then go for a cruise in a V6, you should keep in mind the cup of regret you will be drinking from...

very very regularly drinking too - i might add. Seriously, don't even bother just buy the 4Mo and love it.

[kai_h]

I've owned a 4Mo and regretted selling it (although it was the right decision at the time)
It's a pretty special car - the V5 is fairly unique in it's own way, but the combination of the 24V 2nd generation VR6 engine with a factory fitted variable intake manifold and a true DOHC configuration, the Haldex AWD and the fact that the 4Mo pretty much came standard with all the option boxes ticked makes it a very comfortable car.
It was the fastest production VW around when it was released, and with it's styling it has managed to surprise a number of people at the traffic lights.
The AWD is simply incredible - I could take off in the wet in the 4Mo harder than I could launch my MkIII VR6 in the dry. It takes a bit of getting used to slipping the clutch on launch, but when you get the perfect amount of clutch slippage and wheel grip while keeping the revs up, it's capable of some incredible acceleration that's guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

[governor22]

kai_h couldn't put it better--- launches in the wet are just FUNNNN with the 4mo

also, the car has almost all options standard (except rear parking sensors and controls on the steering wheel, which didn't seem to be available on any mk4 VWs.... too bad). But the seat warmers are amazing (feels like you have a heat pack on your back after 2 minutes), and the sunroof is DOPE. Also: ABS, side airbags, stability control, DOPE audio system etc etc

Note: tan interiors were available on 4mos. I test drove one that had it. But mine is all black (the car is red on outside, so it's a great combo)...

Manuals are fun. Ever since owning a manual golf, then upgrading to this, I would NEVER consider going back to an auto (unless it was maybe DSG).... The stock suspension on this car is also just amazing.

I'm not taking a dig at the V5. I've never driven one, but they look beautiful when i overtake them, lol. Just saying that you won't regret purchasing a 4mo, just get in inspected at a good garage pre-purchase, make sure good history etc etc

OK, down to business.
What do look out for:

Haldex/rear diff issues common with this model. ***Make sure the car has had its haldex oil changed regularly (forget what interval it is), just check the log books etc. Mine hadnt been changed in over a year or so, and it was BLACK with some metal shavings at the bottom. Luckily, they changed it over, and it's performing much better, although still a bit edgy on those U-turns....

Check the control arm struts. Mine were cracked right through (resulting in a horrible 'shudder' when you brake). Only a couple hundred to fix up.

Check gearbox is in OK nic; if it's been driven hard, you'll know it. These things can be driven for 300,000km easy, but if it's been driven hard, it won't be as nice to drive.... greater risk of **** going wrong etc.

also check for water or air leaks-- mine apparently had these on last service...

Apart from this, should be all good. I paid 13 grand for mine back last July (it only had 93,000 on the clock, thought pretty good price, one owner etc). Should be able to get one closer to the 10 or 11 mark now.... There's a red Bora oettinger in North Sydney (if it's still for sale) that was just sex to drive.... If he's still selling it, i reckon he'd let it go for 13 (was originally asking 14 and a half)....

if you need more info on this car, plz let me know. They're just so damn good.

[WhO]

Although its a late reply i'll throw in my 2c.

In regards to a comparison between the V5 and 4motion i've owned a 4motion for over 4 years whilst my partner had a V5 for ~ 3 years in which time i drove both cars about an equal amount.

As a direct comparsion both cars feel nice and punchy off the line, the V5 Triptronic auto almost feels like it has lower gearing as it keeps up reasonably well off the line, its actually very impressive just how well. Both engines feel nice and torquey down low However given any length of road the V6 will easily do away with the V5, if traction conditions aren't optimal the V5 never even comes close.

Suspension setup is also very different. The V6 has a much more sure footed feel. I found stock for stock the 4motion to have a more comfortable and controlled ride although it was firmer it was better dampened (both cars same age & km). The higher ride height of the V5 (and i'm assuming softer dampening and springs) definitely lead to more body roll and surprisingly with its softer dampening still didnt ride more comfortably than the 4motion. I think the 4motion having IRS must help out a great deal here in both ride quality and handling.

Hills driving again another big plus for the 4motion system as it really does let you get power down early in the corners, where as in comparison driving the V5 in a similar manner sees the ASR light flashing away on the dash, but then thats not really a fair comparison as you need to drive AWD cars differently to FWD cars to get the most out of them.

Fuel economy i found the V5 to be slightly more frugal but in honesty the 1-1.5 L/100km it saved only ended up being $6-8 a week so i'd rather pay the extra running costs and have the 4motion.

Finally another big plus for the 4motion is ESP. It works, trust me! Although its no replacement for driving safely and within your limits, when a Big Red Jumps infront of you and you've got nowhere to go it might just save you life !

Edit: Testamant to the strength of the V6, i'm sure i'm pushing the 4motion well past its original design limits and *touch wood* so far its been faultless

[kapowww]

*touch woodgrain*

Might as well add to this thread.. I love my V6 but it's a bit on the heavy side and the turning circle requires a 6-lane freeway to do a u-turn. I also had Haldex/rear diff issues as it wasn't serviced at the right intervals, but luckily it was under warranty and was replaced after some screwing around with Consumer Affairs.

Even though there are a few negatives I see myself keeping this car for a long time as I usually change cars every year. It's has the perfect looks/power combo for me. I used to have an Audi A4 B6 1.8T Quattro and I think this is the poor man's version of it (I'm a poorer man because it kills my wallet at the petrol pump). Ideally I'd like more power but there aren't any worthwhile power mods that are bang for buck unless I slap a turbo on it as above.

I have the black on black combo which I think is very nice!

[bundabora]

Hi
I have a V6 4mo which I bought second hand rather than a new V5. Once I drove the V6, I knew it was a 'driver's car' and although I liked the V5 and my wife probably wouldn't care which one we had, to me it's an easy decision...