Sorry I was thinking more of the MK1 fiesta XR2 released in 1981 and the comparable GTI 1.6 at the time rather than 1.8 which I think was released slightly later. Having said that fiesta was probably lighter and more nimble. Would love to drive both so probably talking rubbishpvr wrote: ↑Fri May 24, 2024 12:11 pm Here is one: https://fastestlaps.com/comparisons/pzggtu6jho2v
Conclusion: Verdict
Golf GTI 1.8 is the fastest by a huge margin.
In those days, XR2s were not even seen as a competitor of the Golf GTI.
Even the XR3 was not a competitor:
https://fastestlaps.com/comparisons/66etzrmk67dl
Only driven the XR2 which was a 1981 car and it did drive and handle well.
Tim.