Yup. There was a time when I used to switch oil weights for seasons, but the thinner stuff always burned more - while the summer weight basically burned none (less than a quart per 5k miles).

This does sound a lot like VW ruining their reputation during the mk4 era.

I love how we act surprised every time there is an global oil supply issue, yet no one had issue when prices were low - so low that domestic suppliers severely cut back on investing in additional production which would no doubt pad these spikes.

I’ve had bolts that did this.

Oh - and while the Tiguan seems “Americanized” the thing sells great in Europe now, it was especially on a massive roll pre pandemic.

The Arteon and especially CC were/are more premium than any Passat. The Passat in the current US market would be marginalized anyway, simply because few want sedans. Engine options are reduced, but this is generally across the entire industry - as are trans options.

They did with the Jetta and the Passat.

VW’s been doing the upmarket thing for 25 years. It’s what sells for them in the US. They always try to bite at Audi’s heels without stealing from their market.

Both 95 and 98 axle versions I saw had the tube (integrated sway bar). The 8v version might not have, I don’t remember. The main differences for the vr6 ones I had were the spindles/brakes and then minor things like mounting points for things like brake lines, etc. It’s been 5+ years, so I don’t remember the exact…

Also, someone might call me out as wrong - but I don’t know if there was a “GTI” with a vr6 in europe.  I seem to remember them being branded as “Golf” highline cars.

I don’t remember that being the case, but I could be wrong. I do remember the lots being littered with 2.0s and always seeing them, but rarely a vr6.

Yup.  16v.  But not in the USA.

I am aware, I’ve owned a GTI-VR6 since new (and have gone through most of it by this point).

US and Canada received a GTI with the 172hp VR6. It included plus suspension, the cable operated 02A and a bunch of other upgrades. It was suspended with soft shit suspension and awful Monroe shocks, but was otherwise the more functional Corrado SLC with a better chassis, less bullshit, and less cost.

Most mk3 GTI’s were actually the 115 hp 2.0l 8v ABA, but there were plenty with the VR6.

It’s not always about running on the actual roads. “Street” or no prep drag racing events (legitimate, legal ones) are super popular these days because it’s more challenging. Yes, it’s fairly easy to make big power with an LS (although not all of them). Getting the a car to work in varied conditions more difficult.…

The drag race calculator agrees with the relative power number, assuming a lot of weight hasn’t been taken out. It’s fairly popular these days to list whp, as that is far easier to test and doesn’t allow for stupid correction numbers.

Sure, but 500whp is not 1300 whp. You can buy 500whp from a dealer. You can get there with a ton of cars using only bolt on mods or fairly little effort.

Do you realize that’s pretty cheap for 1300+ whp? Especially in something that is streetable and flexible (want big power? Run e85. Want to drive around? Flex fuel on a different map for 91-93oct). More so in something with four doors. More so in something basically new that’s not a shitbox racecar build.

My point was that it’s the modders boosting the used market (Think Turbo Supra, GTR, Fox Body, etc). Especially considering the car isn’t available new right now and arguably the next gen is more interesting for other performance related purposes.