I have a dilemna here. I want to get an 80s project rally car but I am kind of torn between two cars. There is the volvo 240, which is a proven great beginner rally car, and a mk2 gti. The volvo is rwd, where as the gti is front wheel drive. My gf loves volvo 240s for some reason, and wants me to get one of those, which is a blessing to begin with since she isn't really into cars. But shes getting better. But the mk2 gti might be a safer car to learn in since fwd is a little easier to control off road I think. I don't know what to do! They are both about the same price, and I won't be able to even afford this until late summer, but I am trying to make a decision now.<BR>thanks
rally decision
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What series are you going into? The rules governing it would want to play into it.<P>I know you aren't planning on wrecking, but the 240 will probably hold up a little better. Downside to that is it is also heavier. However, 240 turbos can come pretty darn cheap to buy, and, depending on the rules, the power can more than make up for the weight differences.
Plus, as you might already know, putting a V8 into a 240 is very common for tons of power if that is something that you are interested in doing. I am not sure what kind of engine options you would have for the MK2 GTI, but you might want to post the question at VWVortex as well, for the other side of the coin.<P>-Drew
yeah, pretty much I am going to get told to get a volvo here, and a VW there, I posted there first, and have been told get a mk2, haha, I posted in a neutral place too though, we'll see what they say there <IMG SRC="http://www.swedespeed.com/ubb/smile.gif">
Depends a lot on the rules. Will the turbo engine have any penalty against it, and what type of engine swaps, if any, are allowed.<P>The Volvo 240 is good because it's a safe and solid car with a heavy duty rear axle (Dana 30, cheap LSD's), very good brakes, fairly strong transmission, and the turbo version can be tuned to 200-250hp. The weight balance is about 53/47, and almost 50/50 in the 245. Sway bars and chassis braces aren't very expensive, and the springs from a diesel 240 can be used to cheaply gain ground clearance. You could install a 4.10 rear end from a GT and an M45 or M46 box mated to a B230FT making 225hp, and have a very fast car. Be sure to find a car with no rust, especially none around the strut towers and rear suspension mounting points.<P>A 244 weighs about 2900-3000lbs., but you can get it down to 2500-2600. The big advantage to a Mk2 Golf/GTi will of course be the weight. With a high-revving 2.0L 16V engine, it could also be made very fast. Or you could do a 16V turbo, or a turbo'ed G60 motor, or a VR6 swap. I'd probably stick with a 4cyl. to keep the weight lower and more in balance front to rear. I'm not sure about what to expect from the chassis and drivetrain, as to whether it could hold up to off road rallying.<P>If I didn't already have a 240, I'd probaby go with an early Golf, but having driven my car for a while, it would be my choice as the starting point. How about a Mk1 Scirocco? I think they're about 1900lbs, but it may be hard to find.<P>
Watch this movie to get an idea of what you have to look forward to with a Volvo (or any RWD). Lot's of tail-out driving! I don't think this 740 Turbo even uses a front sway bar!<P><A HREF="http://www.turbobricks.org/pics/Jardevall.mov" TARGET=_blank>http://www.turbobricks.org/pics/Jardevall.mov</A><P>
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