Mk6 GTI or Mk5 GTI Pirelli

[Nath]

Personally, and I know I'll take hits for this, I am not a fan of the Pirelli, I mean its a golf, but that interior with the stiching turns my stomach.

Yeah it has more power thats a given but well I just prefer to look and feel of the mk6, even the mk5, over the Pirelli.....

Aunt has one in Tassie, damn thing was brand new and she had all sorts of issues wouldnt start, then would, for about 2 months it was like a woman, then they worked out what was wrong and its been sweet since then, maybe thats part of the reason I got turned off them... no idea what was wrong either.

Anyway its a personal thing, as someone has suggested drive them back to back and then make your call.

*ducks incoming fire*

[Corey_R]

@GoLfMan and @kryten2001, whilst I'm not an expert on this subject matter, I still doubt it's because of the reasons you have stated - due to FWD or 'market differentiation' respectively.

If what you are both saying is true, then an ECU update from a company like APR or Oettinger who aren't phased by 300KW through the front wheels or concerned with 'market differentiation' should put the tune at 240KW / 435NM - but it isn't.

Although the S3 comes in at 188KW stock, and the TT-S comes in at 200KW stock, because they DEFINITELY have identical engines, after an ECU update they both have the 240KW / 435NM using the same update.

The Pirelli uses a different update and only has 229KW.
Therefore I'm certain there is some other different which hasn't been mentioned (or maybe it's the intercooler like triode12 stated?)

[GoLfMan]

@GoLfMan and @kryten2001, whilst I'm not an expert on this subject matter, I still doubt it's because of the reasons you have stated - due to FWD or 'market differentiation' respectively.

If what you are both saying is true, then an ECU update from a company like APR or Oettinger who aren't phased by 300KW through the front wheels or concerned with 'market differentiation' should put the tune at 240KW / 435NM - but it isn't.

Although the S3 comes in at 188KW stock, and the TT-S comes in at 200KW stock, because they DEFINITELY have identical engines, after an ECU update they both have the 240KW / 435NM using the same update.

The Pirelli uses a different update and only has 229KW.
Therefore I'm certain there is some other different which hasn't been mentioned (or maybe it's the intercooler like triode12 stated?)

I think its some miscellaneous parts that differ, but im CERTAIN that the Pirelli has the same engine as the S3

[Corey_R]

Personally, and I know I'll take hits for this, I am not a fan of the Pirelli, I mean its a golf, but that interior with the stiching turns my stomach.

Yeah it has more power thats a given but well I just prefer to look and feel of the mk6, even the mk5, over the Pirelli.....

No need to duck, I agree 100%

I think its some miscellaneous parts that differ, but im CERTAIN that the Pirelli has the same engine as the S3

Fair enough, cheers

[kryten2001]

It's really simple - buy the MKVI GTI with new features (options) and updated (nicer) interior or the older established and proven Pirelli with extra power.

Isn't that what I kinda said?

I reckon the relli's interior looks bloody brilliant myself...!

[kryten2001]

Kryten,

The Pirellis have the S3 intercooler? I didn't think that was the case..

yeah it is. I've seen pics of regular GTIs that have had their intercoolers upgraded. What came out of those looks nothing like what came out of mine..

The IC I've got sitting in a box in my shed is almost the same size as the upgraded APR IC. The only difference (dimensionally) is thickness.

[tinto]

S3 has different cams apparently.
As for the stitching... it's a comical complaint that i've heard plenty of times, but how often do you look at your wheel/seat when you're driving?
I see it as basically the same as the red - just as crap, just as cool.

plus, it is clearly quite disgusting on a lambo...

[Corey_R]

So kryten2001, what do you think the different is between them which requires different ECU's and power levels from the aftermarket tuners?

[triode12]

yeah it is. I've seen pics of regular GTIs that have had their intercoolers upgraded. What came out of those looks nothing like what came out of mine..

The IC I've got sitting in a box in my shed is almost the same size as the upgraded APR IC. The only difference (dimensionally) is thickness.

I see! woohoo!

[kryten2001]

@GoLfMan and @kryten2001, whilst I'm not an expert on this subject matter, I still doubt it's because of the reasons you have stated - due to FWD or 'market differentiation' respectively.

....

The Pirelli uses a different update and only has 229KW.
Therefore I'm certain there is some other different which hasn't been mentioned (or maybe it's the intercooler like triode12 stated?)

Beleive it if you see it measured on a dyno. Personally I think half these numbers are made up.

The engine is from a S3 though, as is virtually all the running gear. The idea behind the pirelli was to run out the last few thousand GTI's, and the best way to do it was to slot in bits they had in the 'spare parts bin'....

The S3 has a 2.0T and a K04.. So does the relli.. The engine internals (which aren't a huge difference) are the same. Fuel pump too, not that it would make much difference.

There may be subtle differences in the tune (who knows, guy maybe?) but it's the same hardware.

[kryten2001]

So kryten2001, what do you think the different is between them which requires different ECU's and power levels from the aftermarket tuners?

Who knows? programming for the DSG/AWD, different fuelling/shift points, different exhaust configuration?

I have no idea...

Personally that area is a huge black box to me. I had to get different tunes on my car with/without the exhaust - so there's clearly other differences out there...

I'm not the one to ask - this question is best left to the tuners.. But the hardware spec is the same, including (tinto) I'm pretty sure the cams too.

I wish i'd kept the resource (I read it quite some time ago) but the list of hardware upgrades on the engine, as well as an press article that explained the grafting from the S3, left no doubt whatsoever.

[triode12]

So kryten2001, what do you think the different is between them which requires different ECU's and power levels from the aftermarket tuners?

Ahem...marketing?

[Nath]

S3 has different cams apparently.
As for the stitching... it's a comical complaint that i've heard plenty of times, but how often do you look at your wheel/seat when you're driving?
I see it as basically the same as the red - just as crap, just as cool.

plus, it is clearly quite disgusting on a lambo...

Just because its in a Lambo doesnt make it any more appealing, as the saying goes, just because you have money doesnt mean you have taste.

[elisiX]

Maybe the Audi badge makes the S3 more powerful than the Pirelli.

I think the point still stands - why would the tuners give a ****? They're not going to differentiate the Pirelli from the S3/TTS because of 'marketing'.

[kryten2001]

Maybe the Audi badge makes the S3 more powerful than the Pirelli.

I think the point still stands - why would the tuners give a ****? They're not going to differentiate the Pirelli from the S3/TTS because of 'marketing'.

Yeah mate I really dunno. There has to be other reasons not limited purely to the engine that could cause it.. I also seem to recall reading the Aus pirelli and the overseas pirellis ALSO have different tunes. Something to do with heat or something?....

A tuner could answer the question better than I ever could, I wouldn't have the foggiest.

If you think about it logically, why would VW pull apart a 2.0T to change components on an engine it already had coming down the production line for a S3..... They don't, they do it via a tune...

Good luck getting the answer officially from VAG though....

Anyhoo...... To the OP, depends on your criteria.. It's a tough question to answer.... Depends entirely on what appeals to you, really....