Early v Late GTI

[Damo88]

Hi all, I'm looking at possibly getting into the mk4 game soon with gti but I was wanting to know what differences there were between early and later Australian delivered models, for example a 99 v 03? I know there are some, even Wikipedia mentions a difference in length but I wouldn't have a clue why.

What you guys own and experiences would be awesome!

Thanks!

[dubbed]

Some (all?) early ones had no remote central locking, they had beefier Recaros, sunroof standard, no MFD (trip computer screen), other small things like different side indicators.

[YellowDieselGolf]

02+ have generic sport seats, but they're not recaros.
Earliest models have montreal wheels - The later wheels are the more common Monreal IIs.
Earlier models have external locks on both doors - 02+ is only the drivers.
The sunroof became a $1900 option, but most cars seem to have them.
Early cars have blue tinted side mirrors - The very lastest (MY03.5?) came with aero wipers which look much neater.

I guess the choice you have is genuine recaros vs sport seats and trip computer. Otherwise, they're all essentially the same.