Mk2/Mk3 Weight Differences - Reasons?

[DaBigGinger]

I was just wondering - what actually makes the weight differences between Mk2 and Mk3 Polo's? IIRC, a Mk2 Polo's dry weight is 720kg and a Mk3 is 810kg. That's quite a difference between two cars which are essentially the same bar a few basic trim details, one is fuel injection etc. I can see a bit of extra weight in the G40 what with the charger, intercooler, ECU, wiring, fuel pumps etc. Okay, each doesn't weigh much on its own, but it adds up. So, what else is there? Any ideas?

[PeteG40]

a servo.... mk3 g40 has a rear arb.. late mk3 have door safety bars. late mk2/mk3  struts sre beefier than early mk2.
early mk2 have a smaller radiator, no header tank.  - cables on the mirrors?  more speakers? bigger door cards

mk2 dash is prob lighter, probably more sound deadening on a mk3

[hayesey]

the front of a mk3 is longer too.

720kg seems a bit low though.  I thought they ranged more like 750-780 or so depending on the model.

[Tav]

I thought GT was circa 780 and G40 was about 810-830?

[DaBigGinger]

Ah yes... I'm sure all these bits add up. Good shout! Paul, I had no idea the mk3 was longer! Is it just by an inch or two?

[hayesey]

there's not 50kgs difference in a G40 and a GT.  10-20kgs at the most.  Can't seem to find any reliable actual figures though.

[PeteG40]

mk3 tailgate is a lot meater too i think.

[Alex]

I can tell you that mine weighs 828.5kg with a half tank of fuel and full interior. Weighing it up it can't be that far from factory, possibly a few KG heavier?

I doubt there's much difference between a GT and G40 either. Charger is a few kg, a few more for boost pipework and intercooler, then aside from rear speakers it's all the same.

That low Mk2 kerb weight must be an entry spec 1.0-litre car with nothing in it. No audio, no centre console, the skinny spare wheel, etc, and don't really early cars have a smaller tank?

[Andy]

All the little bits that aren't on the basic models add up too: vented discs are heavier on the G40; tyres are bigger/heavier; steering damper; extra wiring harness to beesting aerial; arch trims; larger bolstered seats; rear brake bias valve and extra pipework; etc. etc.

[hayesey]

yeah but a GT still has most of those too.  Or do you mean in comparison to a mk2?

[Andy]

True, which is why I said "basic model". 

Like you I'd be surprised if there were 50kg difference between a GT and G40, but 20kg I'd believe.