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Subject:Re: VW VR5's (Was Re: VW V6 ?'s)
From:Per Lindgren
Date:Tue, 17 Nov 1998 00:18:21 -0800

Yi-Ruey Wei wrote:

> I was getting the different information on VW 2.3 VR5's.  The VW web page
> said it's a 20-valve VR5 with the same 5-valve/per cylinder head design
> like the Audi's 2.8/2.4 V6 and 1.8 turbo/non-turbo I4.  But the European
> Car magazine said it's an old 2-valve/per cylinder head design.  Don't know
> which one was correct?

If I'm doing my math right, if the VR5 had a 5-valve cyl-head, it would be 25
valves totally, wouldn't it? The VR5 is a VR6 less one cylinder, 2 valves for
each cylinder, 10 valves totally. In Germany, GTI buyers have the freedom of
choosing either the 1,8T or the 2,3 VR5, the price is identical. Why two
engines with almost the same output? The 1,8T is a sporty engine, the VR5 is
more laid back. It gives the buyer a freedom to choose which engine that suits
every character of driver. Personally, I would go for the VR5, I'm no green
light racer, the calm style of the VR5 is more me. Btw, the VR5 cars are badged
V5 only, the "R" is skipped. The new generation of VR6 engines soon to be
launched is a 4-valve design, 2,8 liters, 200 hp. It will be offered in both
the Golf and Bora, maybe even replacing the present VR6 in the Sharan(2-valve,
174 hp).

PerL
88 Syncro