Three real heartbreaker, the three provoked glances wherever he went: VW Golf GTI Mk1, Renault and Peugeot 205 GTI Superfive GT Turbo. Nearly four decades later, the face.

It’s been four decades of the birth of the category of GTI sports car, and the first models are already historic in its own right. The time required has done its work and it seems that now, finally, is valued for its qualities and originality to the few copies that have survived. It is therefore time to consider perspective, affection and critical sense. Of course, the choice of these three models can give a lot to talk -given the VW Golf MK1 It did not coincide with the market Peugeot 205 GTi and the Renault GT Turbo Superfive– and it could cause a controversy as sterile as a political debate unless we establish objective criteria indisputable.

Why,defining exactly GTI? In the late seventies and early eighties, had to be innovative models, designed for young drivers, two-door, the powerful and light time with an efficient chassis that would guarantee sporting qualities and of course no concessions to the superfluous.

Volkswagen Golf GTI MK1

He Volkswagen Golf GTI He introduced those three legendary acronyms exactly forty years ago now and success It was not immediately but indisputable. Two years earlier, in 1974, Giugiaro He was defined outstandingly line new standard Volkswagen. He Golf indisputably sported a modern and harmonious silhouette, especially compared to the antediluvian and Beetle, the German mark was still producing at its factory in Wolfsburg after forty years, since the end of the war. In fact, in 1972, still Volkswagen launched the model 1303, which was more boxer engine displacement and injection.

Production Golf replaced the the inveterate “People’s Car”. In front of him, Volkswagen, with clairvoyance, chose an innovative formula: a modern compact car, equipped with tailgate, front-wheel drive and agile handling. That same logic, but profusely improved, boosted Birth Golf GTI in 1976, which it became the most modern and powerful small sports sedan derived from a time and marked the advent of the GTI as a category.

Volkswagen It drew on technology Audi to give birth to her Golf, He endorsed the front-wheel drive and engines, which had already taken effect with the failed K70 and with him Passat. He 1588 cc four-cylinder and the gearbox four relations derived from the Audi 80 GT, yielding 100 hp Variant carburized. At Golf GTI, 810 kg, the engine equipped with a Bosch K Jetronic injection- He reached 110 hp. In addition to exceed hundred horses in a model in its class, configured for performance and behavior, an unattainable set for competition.

In fact, Golf GTI had no rival, since in 1976 compact models of other brands were clearly smaller and bourgeois and older and outdated concept cars. Not only it dominated by power, offering stability, dynamism and verve that clearly distinguished him from the other front wheel drive. He also highlighted by its external appearance and its equipment and completion, which erected as a reference and let him reign virtually alone until 1983, when it was replaced by the Golf II.

Nevertheless, Volkswagen He not involved in competition although there is in Germany a Stickers- cup and the Golf never excelled in this area. So when it appeared the second generation, Golf II GTI entered into direct struggle, March 1984, with its first direct competitor, balanced and powerful Peugeot 205 GTI, and a year later, in 1985, with the overfed Renault Superfive GT Turbo.

Peugeot 205 GTI

Peugeot, in the early 80, the situation was desperate and the launch of 205 1983 It was a gamble all or nothing. The strategy was modest decline in multipurpose utility model competition for the World Rally Championship became advertising showcase. Quite the opposite VW. The victory was absolute and Peugeot 205 GTI launched a blatantly copying the formula of the German model. But as times changed so quickly, originality and modernity varied French side now.

He design -by itself Peugeot-, his careful presentation, good equipment and its showy red- -moqueta inside, did infinitely more desirable than the Golf GTI II, which had gained much, was too short on his equipment, technically evolved because there was hardly kept 1,800 cc engine 112 hp derived from Golf I, especially, was more expensive.

He Peugeot 205 GTI also marked difference in the mechanical aspect. Outfitting an engine 1600 cc, all aluminum, which although started yielding only 105 hp, had character and was extremely elastic. In addition, equipped with a well-studied triangulated front axle and suspension ‘of the house’ developed directly by Peugeot-Talbot Sport (PTS), he 205 GTI He marked new standards in behavior and took over the Golf as the GTI most successful of the moment. The racing department PTS quickly transformed into race car -existía an expensive kit to get 125 hp engine with 1,6- trophies in Group N and developments Gr A, that plagued the rallies and formed a generation of pilots , which include names like Sebastien Loeb, nothing more and nothing less.

Renault 5 GT Turbo Superfive

And as no two without three, he joined Renault fashion and attacked the new small sports niche with its versatile SUPERCINCO, but with a radically different approach to his two opponents. If there was a general constructor specialist in the field of these battle-hardened “matagigantes” at the time, this was undoubtedly Renault. The Régie had fagocitado Gordini and Alpine, so she had in production with glowing references for high performance. Unfortunately, technological innovation Renault was closely linked to the use of resources to produce cheap old cars. Both R5 Cup / Alpine (93 hp) in 1976 and the Copa R5 / Alpine Turbo (110 hp) in 1981 were clearly outdated vehicles that were not up to modern Golf.

In September 1984 saw the light Superfive, not in vain design emerged with a controversial hand Marcello Gandini, disappointing for its similarity to the original Renault 5. But neither these criticisms disrupted the plans of the Régie and a few months later, in early 1985, appeared the GT Turbo. She wore a body dressed with a genuine aero kit consisting spoiler, spoiler, side skirts and flared fins that gave an undeniable sporty touch.

Under the hood hid the Sierra same engine type in the early 60s wearing the R5 Alpine Turbo, but with a deep tuning including electronic ignition exchanger air / air and Garret turbo T2 smaller. On the contrary, he lost hemispheric butt “cross flow” forged pistons and separate oil radiator. Despite these contradictions, the strength of Sierra engine and Renault racing experience with supercharged engines were able to make the GT Turbo pump runs. A success. Its 115 hp gave their opponents a lot of trouble, either on the open road, in sections or closed circuit.

He Inside the car nor he escaped from the controversy and terminations too "plasticosas" They detracted the expected brightness. With the chassis, however, the technical team was right full. A rear end “programmed geometry” and four bars per wheel GT Turbo literally stuck to the asphalt. As if that were not enough, the explosive engine 1400, despite its smaller displacement, the performance of the Superfive put ahead of any of its rivals.

VW Golf GTI Mk1, Renault and Peugeot 205 GTI Superfive GT Turbo: face to face circuit

We meet the trident on the slopes of INTA in Torrejon de Ardoz, the same place We tried tll modern cars They are passing through the hands of Autopista.es. Until they have submitted some of these measurements, in order to contextualize figures, yesterday and today. At the end of the day these vehicles were references in his time and is not unreasonable to check what yielding three decades later, without necessarily requiring the maximum, compromising their mechanical cranks them out veterans or the side, of course.

For each came from their destination of origin with a history, a different history and a particular “book-keeping”. The oldest, VW Golf, property of Rubén García, has a enviable stamp, and not without reason perhaps the most classic in appearance. White suits her and those two round Faritos framed by a red line on the front so sharp enough cause sympathy. It is a model 1981, equipped with the 1600 cc engine, and five-speed box, and large taillights. Ruben uses it often. It’s in his element, ie it has been maintained but not restored, which is a virtue if the entertainment was adequate. And this is the case. The engine works perfectly, sounds round and certainly does not seem to acknowledge lack of power. The interior, however, presents stigmas use, but has held up well, as good Golf, and collides outdated aesthetics of the dashboard, with its bright plastics and instrumentation that retains its simplicity and functionality.

The steering wheel, VW Golf GTI MK1 surprising 1,600 elasticity, and tourist driving, do not need to upload too laps to respond with vigor. It’s smooth, progressive, easy climbs regime and up to 5,500 rpm -no went beyond- proved to be a great playful and very round motor. He Volkswagen Golf GTI chassis It is torn between efficiency and austerity. I explain. The front commands at all times. In strong support, the Golf will pass through the vertex on three wheels, but the rear never oversteer; a reassuring behavior for many drivers and perhaps boring to others. The suspension is somewhat soft, quite travel, and needs good tires hold him. They are tired, unforgiving when demand from the car and when they are finite in tire 175/70 thirteen-inch alloy, a Fondmetal Optional of the time, instead of the serial plate.

In any case, the rotation of the wheel makes the car quite lean and well into curve-driven front axle, that nothing can be done when the tires, unable to endure the effort, agonize over a long understeer. A shame because the wheel conveys so well what happens would have been a pleasure to go faster, pulling lines and checking the outstanding agility he displayed in origin.

For his part, Peugeot 205 GTI It has a discreet gray and the peculiarity that comes from France, where John Paradise bought it just over one year, at a great price and in a similar state of Golf. It is a copy of 1986 115 hp, with a body that has marked the passage of time, aches and paint the front has lost its original spoiler. Mechanically, the 1600 breathe good health. Their sound is impeccable, preceded by promising that distinctive purr with metallic tones resonance escape.

Tucked in fatigues, surprised the Peugeot 205 GTI freshness, both for its dynamism, and its easy and agile handling, barely they denote its status and thirtysomething. The engine turns up with joy, while the welcome address and precise gear change quickly go make apace. Unlike Golf motor, not too hard at low speed, or at least so it seems, as the four-cylinder turns up fast and is ebullient at the top of cuentavueltas. To control, instrumentation is complete, equipped even watch oil pressure and temperature despite a modest design.

The managed chassis provides a fun driving and the car has the same easy to enter closed curve to remain stable in fast corners. Although we will not play today, I remember perfectly what Playful turned the rear going very fast, and even how critical it could be when escaped by surprise. The brakes are very good, with discs and drums potent and dosable; and rims, inspired by the hipervitaminado 205 Turbo 16 and seasoned with 185/60/14 tires, make him aggressive yet very effective.

However, on this occasion, the jewel in the crown of the republic, or is the Renault Superfive GT Turbo Phase 1 (115 hp) 1986 Óliver Elqaoud. His GT is very close to what we consider a state contest, painted black and with a gleaming mirror finish. But beneath the skin, Renault is fully restored, even improved because it takes a special piece as aluminum intercooler replaces the original “who used to burst over time,” Oliver tells us. It is a work of several years in which it has spared no expense to achieve the perfect result.

He Renault interior Superfive GT Turbo It is like new, which can immediately see which is the most basic of the three, with little fanfare or refining equipment and instrumentation topped by a plastic visor doubtful in the box main clocks. The spelling fluorescent orange is maintained, and although not watch oil temperature does have a pressure gauge turbo visible.

Because look where you look, this car is all heart, passional. Accelerating unceremoniously, at 4,000 rpm the “great challenge” is triggered turbo, which raises the speed and heart rate as lightning, causing an irresistible acceleration and a Machiavellian smile on the driver. The feeling is intoxicating and gives the impression of being at the controls of a small "dragster", whose greatest flaw is its greatest asset: the turbo. Attention !, because the response time of the turbo and massive understeer which can cause, not everything goes. Based on gearshifts, with accuracy and good touch selector- to keep the turbo charging, the Superfive leaves no options to Golf or the 205, and get overcome thanks to a chassis Renault Sport wizards got to the asphalt welding . And this despite small thirteen-inch wheels, similar to the Alpine Renault V6 and equipped with tires 175 / 60R 13.

The inclined very short Superfive, going hard, the steering is quick and precise, divinely slows their four discs and, ultimately, has the character of race is expected of him. He turbo whistle is part of the “standard equipment” the car because the engine sounds poorly. Oliver has remedied a leak that has a characteristic gurgling sound echo reminiscent of R5 Turbo Cup. His appearance with all the added plastic gives an aggressive car look ready for the competition, although aesthetically loses points because its shape is not as modern or as successful as the Golf and 205. But intoxicates its turbo engine to old-fashioned way: brutal and irresistible, so their owners appreciated in his time and earned him an undeserved bad reputation.

With the perspective of today, you can only exclaim: What daring, what fun! And fast, of course. Simple to the end of the concept, past thirty years, there seems to force considering the increase in size and comfort, technical complexity and power multiplication presenting the current GTI. Modern and attractive at the time, these three strollers managed to convey strong feelings and even satisfy the amateur pilots. Each with its own style and his argument has a very strong personality and persuasive and seductive because they share some essential principles: sportsmanship without filters and an enviable figure. No power steering, but weights below 900 kg, important but reasonable powers chassis and tuned suspension and, of course, no control electronics in a wrapper flatter any youthful and brash ego. Such is the magic formula for fun with lots of sparkle.

In conclusion, aim at these three great memories cars: VW Golf GTI Mk1, Peugeot 205 GTI and GT Turbo Renault Superfive, three authentic 80s heartthrob.

Peugeot 205 GTI 1.6. Data sheet

Motor

4 cylinders in line, block and alloy cylinder head and liquid cooling. Position: Front cross. Displacement: 1,580 cc. Power: 115 hp at 6,250 rpm.

Transmission

At the front wheels. Clutch: I monodisco dry. Change: manual 5-relations.

Dimensions and weight

3-door compact sedan. Wheelbase: 2,420 mm. Length x Width x Height: 3,705 x 1,572 x 1,355 mm. Fuel tank: 50 l. Empty weight: 865 kg.

Benefits

Maximum speed: 196 km / h. Acceleration: 0-100 km / h in 8.8 seconds

Renault 5 GT Turbo Superfive. Data sheet

Motor

4 cylinders in line, block cast iron alloy cylinder head and liquid cooling. Position: Front cross. Displacement: 1,397 cc. Power: 115 hp at 5,750 rpm.

Transmission

At the front wheels. Clutch: I monodisco dry. Change: manual 5-relations.

Dimensions and weight

3-door compact sedan. Wheelbase: 2,407 mm. LargoX Width x Height: 3,592 x 1,596 x 1,367 mm. Fuel tank: 43 l. Empty weight: 865 kg.

Benefits

Maximum speed: 197 km / h. Acceleration: 0-100 km / h in 8.6 seconds.

Volkswagen Golf GTI MK1. Data sheet

Motor

4 cylinders in line, block cast iron alloy cylinder head and liquid cooling. Position: Front cross. Displacement: 1,588 cc. Power: 110 hp at 6,100 rpm.

Transmission

At the front wheels. Clutch: I monodisco dry. Change: manual 5-relations.

Dimensions and weight

3-door compact sedan. Wheelbase: 2,408 mm. Length x Width x Height: 3,700 x 1,630 x 1,390 mm. Fuel tank: 40 l. Empty weight: 890 kg.

Benefits

Maximum speed: 190 km / h. Acceleration 0-100 km / h: 8.6 seconds.