Hot-hatches continue to deliver the perfect affordable mix of power and handling, but which is king from the first chapter of this popular automotive revolution - the Volkswagen Golf GTI or the Peugeot 205 GTI?
As is often the case with simple ideas, the hot hatchback is still very much alive. Even though modern incarnations offer higher speeds, advanced technology and safety equipment we now wouldn’t be without, they somehow feel devoid of the soul engineered into the two best 1980s examples.
We are, of course, talking about the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Peugeot 205 GTI - both were must haves during their original run, but dispute still lingers over the winner’s title. The Golf may have been the first mainstream GTI car and praised by the masses as the origin of the affordable road-rocket, but it was the Peugeot 205 GTI that took the crowning trophy as car of the decade during the 1980s. So, gloves off, it’s time for a punch up of steroid proportions.
Styling and Interior
Styled by Giugiaro, the square yet practical design of the Golf GTI appears to have survived the test of time better than any counterpart. Almost Land Rover Defender worthy in its classlessness, you could take a Mk1 Golf GTI pretty much anywhere without apology. The world still holds the original Golf with such high regard that other GTIs are barely considered, but for us the Peugeot 205 GTI is far more appealing when appearances are considered.
Because the Peugeot arrived a tardy nine years after the Golf, it can be argued that the 205 GTI had a rather handy German template to work from. However, the real secret card was having Pininfarina tailor the entire 205 series - with the three-door GTI bodyshell offering the finest looks from this range. Where the Golf is square, the 205 is curvy and the waistline is lowered to provide a more determined stance - but don’t think the same quality is carried into the interior.
The Golf holds the best cabin out of the two, by a long way. Peugeot slashed away costs on the interior and it shows - from wonky seat stitching to dubious materials splattered over the dashboard and inside door panels. The glare off the dash is supposedly so bad when the sun is out that sunglasses are strongly advised.
The Volkswagen offers a grown-up yet tasteful quality that we have now come to expect from Germany’s finest, even if the seats and trim aren’t quite as colourful as Peugeot’s offerings.
Power and Handling
The previous round is almost inconsequential in comparison. Power and handling are the main commitment from these cars and this encounter is incredibly close.
When it boils down to punch, the Golf sadly slinks away with bruises into the corner. However, this is to be expected from a car nine years the 205’s elder. It’s a testament to how competently the Golf GTI was engineered with such a tight 0-60mph battle and so little difference when achieving respectful top speeds. The 205 GTI can blast to 127mph, churn out 130bhp and rip up a 0-60mph sprint in 7.8 seconds. The Golf GTI can top 114mph and achieve 60mph from a standstill after 8.3 seconds from 112bhp.
Don’t think the Golf is out of action, though. Almost like a wise mentor, the Golf GTI has handling toned to perfection, while the young Peugeot can get you into serious trouble. The Golf offers truly sensational grip, with clear and direct response from the steering wheel. There is a slight nudge of understeer, but it doesn’t leave you cursing wet roundabouts or tight corners. In fact, you’ll look forward to any challenge requiring a sharp tug of the steering wheel.
The 205 allows an orderly weight to the steering but there is a dark, murderous tyrant lurking beyond the cheerful spurring through twisting A or B roads. The lift-off oversteer is chronic when misbehaving with the Peugeot, and it’s hard not to, driving this car sedately is like ordering a prostitute and only asking for a back rub. Many a 205 GTI has disappeared into the scenery after a tyre smoking about-turn, and it can strip the enjoyment factor right out of any driving experience if careless.
Living With Them
Living with either of these two isn’t going to be difficult - with boot space for shopping, back seats for passengers and fuel economy that won’t cause tears. Both can push 30mph and parts are relatively easy to source and purchase, with advise spread up and down the country thanks to several devoted clubs.
They will require care and attention with such highly strung engines, but take care of the mechanicals in a timely manner and the miles will disappear, almost as fast as your front tyres if you are looking for a bit of fun.
Verdict
Both are huge fun, both are strangely practical, both are fairly economical for what they are and both melt our hearts upon mention. Picking a winner is incredibly tough, like choosing which big-eyed puppy to rehome, but we have made up our minds after violently heavy debate.
It may not be built or handle as well as it should, and it did arrive late to the party, but the Peugeot 205 GTI offers looks to die for, speed to raise eyebrows and enough charm to reduce any petrol head into a tarmac chewing, rally-cross driving maniac. It’s also quite good for going to the shops, too.