Ok I need something a tad bigger to replace my GTI, pathetically enough my biggest concern about the P5 is that it is going to feel snail slow compared to my GTI VR6.

So how well will a P5 respond to some BASIC mods, say intake exhaust, header, underdrive pullies...... MAYBE up to a set of mild cams. I don't want to do anything drastic, my wife will be doing most of the driving in this car and she treats a car like an appliance.

Also say I do all of the basic mods including a set of cams, how much if any is that going to affect the driveability and reliability of the engine.

 

a p5 is going to feel slow compared to a VR6 unless if you turbo it. Basic mods (including cams) might get you up to 120hp at the wheels, but not much more. Are you getting a stick or an auto? If the vw was an auto and you replace it with a 5-speed pro, you might be able to deal, but if you're going with an auto p5 then forget it. Buy it based on looks, handling, and cargo space - and be glad that it's built in Japan instead of Mexico.

 

Then how about this: Let your wife decide.
First, if she is the primary driver, then it should be her choice. Second, women tend to make better decisions than men (i.e. they do not need to be "convinced" by the opinions of others).

Topic #2. Anything you do to the engine (besides bolt-ons) will affect your warranty, and perhaps reliability. Have you test-driven a P-5 yet? While not terribly quick, these cars aren't exactly snails, either. Besides, these days, the 2003 P5 is going for $12,800 in my part of the world!

 

I love my P5, dont get me wrong, (Im still gonna get flamed for this. haha) but if you want more space and power, I would go for Subaru WRX wagon. You even get AWD which is great if you live in the Northern USA or in Canada.

My 2 cents

M.

 

my brothers wrx eats gas with the stock turbo. has to go supreme and that's like $2.20/gal...
my 5 is nuts. u can get a few more hp for our cars, so i wouldn't sweat the sluggy feeling.
get the 5.
it's fun.

 

Here's a big smile:

I hope that convinces you!

 

Buy a honda

JK

 

If you wait a bit, try the Mazda3 sedan or hatchback. I think they're going to be very quick with a 170hp 2.3 engine, if they weigh approximately as much as the Protege.