Author Topic: Mk2/Mk3 Weight Differences - Reasons?  (Read 3969 times)

Offline DaBigGinger

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Mk2/Mk3 Weight Differences - Reasons?
« on: June 17, 2014, 09:03:35 pm »
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?

Offline PeteG40

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Re: Mk2/Mk3 Weight Differences - Reasons?
« Reply #1 on: June 17, 2014, 10:57:54 pm »
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

Offline hayesey

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Re: Mk2/Mk3 Weight Differences - Reasons?
« Reply #2 on: June 18, 2014, 09:50:48 am »
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.

Offline Tav

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Re: Mk2/Mk3 Weight Differences - Reasons?
« Reply #3 on: June 18, 2014, 02:15:31 pm »
I thought GT was circa 780 and G40 was about 810-830?

Offline DaBigGinger

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Re: Mk2/Mk3 Weight Differences - Reasons?
« Reply #4 on: June 18, 2014, 11:45:15 pm »
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?

Offline hayesey

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Re: Mk2/Mk3 Weight Differences - Reasons?
« Reply #5 on: June 20, 2014, 01:15:00 pm »
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.

Offline PeteG40

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Re: Mk2/Mk3 Weight Differences - Reasons?
« Reply #6 on: June 20, 2014, 01:55:21 pm »
mk3 tailgate is a lot meater too i think.

Offline Alex

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Re: Mk2/Mk3 Weight Differences - Reasons?
« Reply #7 on: June 22, 2014, 05:16:21 pm »
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?

Offline Andy

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Re: Mk2/Mk3 Weight Differences - Reasons?
« Reply #8 on: June 22, 2014, 08:13:43 pm »
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.

Offline hayesey

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Re: Mk2/Mk3 Weight Differences - Reasons?
« Reply #9 on: June 23, 2014, 09:18:49 am »
yeah but a GT still has most of those too.  Or do you mean in comparison to a mk2?

Offline Andy

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Re: Mk2/Mk3 Weight Differences - Reasons?
« Reply #10 on: June 23, 2014, 12:19:24 pm »
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.