special section featured in our cars to remember: the Peugeot 309 GTi. It was a sports version that he had to deal with cars of the Opel Kadett GSi height and VW Golf GTI 2.0 MK2.

In an era where so-called sport compact were powered cars hundred or horses, before arrival of the versions of 16 valves, Peugeot 309 GTi It highlighted by an ability to cope exceeding that of its competitors slow roads.

So, if you are looking for a sporty driving fun 80, the Peugeot 309 GTi is a highly recommended purchase. Its qualities are much higher than the interest aroused in the market. That kind of cars are the most interesting for those who want a classic to drive, rather than for resale. In addition, it is your mechanics are relatively simple and does not solve expensive problems in general, regardless of how this each particular unit.

Not easy to find a Peugeot 309 GTi second hand or scrapyards to find body parts. Engine parts and transmission can be found in other models.

Peugeot 309 GTi: some details

The 309 GTi 205 GTi is not something bigger and conducted otherwise, if only for the fastest direction and assistance (few 205 GTi had power steering). The 205 has a slight performance advantage not only for the weight difference.

Although not as much as 205, he 309 GTi is nervous reactions compared to equivalent versions of a Ford Escort, an Opel Kadett, a Renault 19 or VW Golf. Whoever wants to keep a brisk pace, better take the reflection of full throttle oversteer if (only in front-wheel drive, of course). Then we called fun ( “gives the ass”), now you would another name, in that we have changed.

It has also changed a lot the production cost. In 1987 a 309 GTi without air conditioning cost the equivalent of about 12,900 € that in constant currency, are a € 19,500 today. For that money Peugeot has for sale a 308 131 hp; not the top end, as was the 309 GTi, but superior in equipment and technology, of course.

Peugeot 309 GTi: engine and transmission

He Peugeot 309 GTi engine without catalyst has the D62 XU9 code (up to 1990) and D6B2 (up to 1992). It is equal to the 205 GTi and similar Citroen BX and Peugeot 405 (D6A) and the Citroen ZX (D6E). The main differences are in the injection and distribution but there are many parts that are interchangeable. It is a generally solid and durable motor. In 1992 there was a version with catalyst, with less compression, less power and injection Bosch Motronic instead of LE2 Jetronic uncatalyzed versions.

What worse over time supports this motor is the flowmeter and the distributor. The trouble is that, if they fail, have similar symptoms: bad cold start, idling unstable and tugs. Between 1989 and 1991 there were problems in units valve seats that were noticeable in engine noise and excessive exhaust smoke. Otherwise, just a normal inspection to check their status.

He change management was good at the time, but with a quirky touch (like a little disjointed) marches they entered accurately. If not, possibly due to the kneecaps and the rods are out of step with time. Runs around the species that change needs multigrade motor oil instead of transmission oil and is not true. That was in some gearboxes the first units (in 1986 only), it is best to stick to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Peugeot 309 GTi: chassis

He Peugeot 309 GTi is a noisy car (mechanical and aerodynamic), but there are certain noises that are not normal. The “cloncs” in the back usually come from the shaft sleeves, they wear out. If the noise is in the front, usually it comes from the anti-roll. And if to take the steering wheel to one of the stops, there is no uniform noise may pump power steering will fail.

In addition to a Normal check discs in stationary and moving, if a retemblor may be noticeable because of the rear clamps, that an extreme case can cause uneven wear of the disks.

The rims They are very exposed to the curbs. Beyond having poor appearance, should check tire pressure if they lose (only if the seller has not done before) and that management does not tremble.

He 309 GTi It is a time when Peugeot was manufactured their own cushions which, although not gas, they gave an excellent result. Should not skimp when changing because the car is sensitive to worn or do not have a minimum quality.

Peugeot 309 GTi: body versions

There was two body: until the summer of 89 and up to 93. The main difference is that, in the second, the lower edge of the trunk was the level of the bumper. They are also distinguished by the rear lights or grill.

Rust is not a bigger problem than other cars of the era. Nevertheless, the body parts are few (new or scrap). Some elements can take advantage of five-door versions, but not many. In some places you can read that the doors are the same as the 205 GTi and not true.

Peugeot 309 GTi: Indoor and electricity

Almost all cars sold in Spain have the front bumper with four headlamps but there is one that only has two (fog). What is more likely to cause problems inside are the controls to open the windows compass, which are mechanical. Should check that the six indicators of instrumentation work properly and are well-lit.

The taillights of the first body sometimes let in water in the trunk. To fix this, Peugeot produced a kit that is no longer available.

Peugeot 309 GTi: family tree

– 1985: Launch of the Peugeot 309 to replace the Talbot Horizon. The body design was derived from Vera Vera Plus and Profil prototype.

– 1986: Launch of the GTi version, initially with three-door body and a year later, the five-door that was not for sale in all markets.

– 1989: In summer there is a body remodeling aesthetic and practical changes, plus some mechanical adjustments also affect the GTi.

– 1992: GTI version catalyst with reduced power to 122 hp and engine changes.

– 1993 ceases production of GTi versions (8 and 16v).

Peugeot 309 GTi: key technical data

technical data	Peugeot 309 GTi (1986-1993)
Motor	Inline 4-cylinder and electronic injection Bosch LE2-Jetronic
displacement	1,905 cm3
Power	130 hp at 6,000 rpm
Transmission	front-wheel drive and 5-speed manual gearbox
Maximum speed	185 km / h
Acceleration 0-100 km / h	10.5 seconds

Peugeot 309 GTi: contemporary models

– ZX Volcane (1991-1993): And even more modern than 309 GTi stability, although not as fast as the difference in weight. Like the 309, highly recommended as sports.

– Ford Escort IV XR3i (1986-1992): Finish better than the 309, the XR3i of this generation was not up to the 309 GT or stability or performance, with any of the two engines had.

– Opel Kadett GSi 2.0 (1986-1991): Its engine was far superior to any competitor for power and above all, by elasticity. Stability, however, was clearly behind the 309 or golf.

– MK2 Golf GTi VW (1984-1991): very well finished, very stable (not as agile as the 309), with an elastic and underpowered engine. Surely better buy than the 309 GTi even if it costs more.