Mk6 GTI or Mk5 GTI Pirelli

[Corey_R]

People keep saying that this is the same engine as the S3. And whilst I do understand that it does have some of the upgrades of the S3 over the base GTI engine, is it really the IDENTICAL engine to the S3?

If it really is identical, then why are there separate ECU updates from the tuners like APR? Why do those updates take the Pirelli engine up to a lower figure than the S3/TT-S/Golf R ECU updates?

I've never really looked into it, because I had no interest in the Pirelli model (I really don't like the interior, and disliked that it didn't have several options that the regular GTI had), but I just believe that if it really were the S3 engine then it'd take the same ECU and have the same result in power... which it doesn't.

[elisiX]

I thought the only difference was the lack of Quattro/4WD.. but perhaps there's more to it?

[trueman]

Thanks for replies, all very helpful.
Should learn to use search engine before jumping in with new thread but great to get up to date advice.
Really just looking to get into GTI sooner as new to vw. I am not concerned with resale as usually keep cars far too long.
Love the pirelli .... even the seats
Rang the dealer again and got different salesman who says the pirelli (silver 5dr, rear sensors not sat nav) is 49,999 demo with 3000K on clock seems extravagant as the mk6 I have ordered with 18s Xenon ACC etc is less then this (corp discount). I guess the 42-45K price I was initially told was a furphy.

However they have moved the pirelli off the floor as need thee space so maybe I can offer a lot less

[triode12]

Thanks for replies, all very helpful.
Should learn to use search engine before jumping in with new thread but great to get up to date advice.
Really just looking to get into GTI sooner as new to vw. I am not concerned with resale as usually keep cars far too long.
Love the pirelli .... even the seats
Rang the dealer again and got different salesman who says the pirelli (silver 5dr, rear sensors not sat nav) is 49,999 demo with 3000K on clock seems extravagant as the mk6 I have ordered with 18s Xenon ACC etc is less then this (corp discount). I guess the 42-45K price I was initially told was a furphy.

However they have moved the pirelli off the floor as need thee space so maybe I can offer a lot less

$50K is too much for one esp w/o satnav and in Silver.
Mine with satnav and rear parkers was $49K and that was with a trade in on which I received a good price for (this was 7mths ago).

[triode12]

I don't know about that triode12. The MKV is just as much "as common as muck" as the MKVI will ever be. And in my opinion, unfortunately the Pirelli may get lumped in with the regular MKV GTI just like the OP assumed. "end of the line publicity stunt". For enthusiasts, they will know better, but the general public will not I don't think. The Pirelli represents very good value for money in the current equation when comparing the MKVI GTI and Pirelli, but it comes at some sacrifice to taste (seats) and features (new bits on the MKVI). For outright performance you cant argue with the Pirelli's advantage and its own additions over the MKVI GTI such as turbo etc.

Exactly, the MKV GTI is a common sight while the Pirelli has subtle differences (subtlety VW is known for) like a different front lip and 18" Pirelli mags/P-zero tyres. You rarely see a Pirelli while you do lots of the regular MKV GTI and R32 (and even the R36).

While not as exclusive as the MkIV R32 (200 numbered units), it is pretty exclusive in it's own right.

The MKVI will follow the MkV's footsteps in a year of two -when people start receiving their orders.

To the OP - test drive both the Pirelli and MKVI back to back and tell us if which in your opinion is better.

[elisiX]

I saw a Black Pirelli today actually on my way back from lunch in Ultimo - looked great.

The subtle differences (wheels mostly) stood out to me and it was very nice.

[triode12]

I saw a Black Pirelli today actually on my way back from lunch in Ultimo - looked great.

The subtle differences (wheels mostly) stood out to me and it was very nice.

There are a few low km Pirellis on carsales at the moment.
You still have time to change/cancel your order...

[triode12]

I thought the only difference was the lack of Quattro/4WD.. but perhaps there's more to it?

The intercooler is different I believe.

[gareth_oau]

go the Pirelli I recon!!

Its a Audi S3 without AWD plus you chip it and it goes to like 220kw's!!!!

I'd have it over a mk6 any day of the week

OEM Pirelli is 169KW vs the OEM S3 at 188KW.

A difference like that must be more than just a tune, why would VW rob themselves of marketable KW if it was merely down to a tune (which would cost them the same to produce?)

[elisiX]

Good point Gareth.

And there's no chance I will be canceling my GTI order for a Pirelli... MKVI R perhaps.