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what do you guys think of the 2008 VW Rabbit

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Old Feb 28, 2008 | 03:21 PM
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Default what do you guys think of the 2008 VW Rabbit

the new 08's have an updated 2.5L 5cyc engine that makes 20hp more over the previous years for a total hp output of 170hp @ 5700 and a Maximum torque of 177 lb-ft @ 4250

it has basically the same interior as the GTI minus the nice leather covered steering wheel and the plaid seats

starts at only $15,600

they have tuning support for the engines too.. people have been getting around 160whp/180wtq from just a chip and intake

so what are your thoughts guys




Old Feb 28, 2008 | 04:01 PM
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V-dubs are nice but they are electrical nightmares from people I know who have owned one. What did they do from the 07 to 08 for the extra 20 hp bump? I wouldn't mind having a TDI version of a VW so I could get 40+ MPGs though....
Old Feb 29, 2008 | 03:21 AM
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You ripped that picture from a Rabbit forum. good one.
Old Feb 29, 2008 | 03:23 AM
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I dig the rabbit....I actually was interested in them when I was watching TV and seen the first commercial advertising the VW Rabbit. I was about to get one too until I decided to get a tC. I actually didnt even want one but it was a strange story.
Old Feb 29, 2008 | 03:28 AM
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Originally Posted by chrisdiablo
You ripped that picture from a Rabbit forum. good one.
your point?

anyways i think the rabbits are cool. in 4 door and with wheels and a drop.

i actually almost traded the car in last summer for a black one, with 18s and a nice drop (H&R)

even parted out the tC (everthing except springs) but then last min when i was about to sign the papers i changed my mind....
Old Feb 29, 2008 | 06:42 AM
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Always liked Rabbits(golfs). Newest one is real slick. But yeah, veedubs have problems unfortunately.
Old Feb 29, 2008 | 07:15 AM
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Originally Posted by AAG
V-dubs are nice but they are electrical nightmares from people I know who have owned one. What did they do from the 07 to 08 for the extra 20 hp bump? I wouldn't mind having a TDI version of a VW so I could get 40+ MPGs though....
they changed alot of things but the biggest 3 are the intake manifold, the valves and the tune. there are a coupe other important things but i forget what they are lol
they also get pretty decent gas mileage too the new epa rating is 22c/29h
Old Feb 29, 2008 | 08:36 PM
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Originally Posted by AAG
I wouldn't mind having a TDI version of a VW so I could get 40+ MPGs though....
I've read in other articles that this diesel/hybrid could be for sale late this year in Europe, maybe 2010 here.......Diesel torque with electric kick? Wow. This engine is supposed to be rated at 230ish lbs/ft of torque here before the hybrid is added....

http://www.dailytech.com/VW+Prepares...icle10808c.htm


VW pairs diesels with electric motors to achieve nearly 70 MPG in its Golf hatchback


Hybrid technology is often a hot topic of discussion on DailyTech. Detractors of hybrid technology often point out that diesel engines would make a better alternative to achieve greater fuel efficiency. Hybrid proponents often point out that while diesel are more efficient than gasoline motors, they are far dirtier.

Volkswagen is looking to bring the two camps together and will unveil a diesel-electric hybrid version of its popular Golf hatchback (known as the Rabbit here in the U.S.) in Geneva. According to the German automotive giant, the Golf Hybrid will achieve 83.9 MPG (Imperial gallons) which is roughly 69.9 MPG here in the U.S. Carbon dioxide emissions are also limited to just 89g/km.

The diesel engine used in the Golf Hybrid meets all Euro 5 emissions criteria and also passes the stringent Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards here in the U.S.

Given that costs involved with producing a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain, VW is looking to spread the technology to a number of its vehicle lines. According to 4Car, likely transplants include the VW Jetta and the Audi A3. Other Golf-based vehicles that would be a prime target for the new powertrain include the upcoming VW Tiguan and Audi Q5 crossovers.

VW isn't the only company; however, that is looking towards diesel-electric hybrid powertrains. DailyTech reported on Peugeot's 308 Hybrid HDi in late August 2007. The 308 Hybrid HDi features a 107 HP diesel engine which is paired to a 22 HP electric motor. The combined system helps the vehicle achieve 69 MPG.

Diesel technology is seeing a rather large resurgence in the U.S. thanks to new CAFE regulations. VW is bringing back its TDI motors now that they meet Tier 2 Bin 5 standards, Nissan is looking to drop a Renault diesel engine into its next generation Maxima and Honda will provide four and six-cylinder diesel engines for its cars and trucks.
Old Mar 1, 2008 | 01:57 AM
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69.9mpg sign me up! lol
Old Mar 1, 2008 | 03:24 AM
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o btw here is a nice dyno chart for ya

Old Mar 1, 2008 | 11:32 AM
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the rabbit was my first choice when i was picking a new car to buy a couple months ago. but when i went to a dealer referred to by a friend, i guess they had closed down, and right next door was a scion dealership....and the rest is history.
Old Mar 1, 2008 | 11:52 AM
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man if their was no xB. id be all over a 2 door with factory lip kit and big wheel option in white.

but then their is the R32 >-O
Old Mar 4, 2008 | 08:53 PM
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This V-dub is alright, I would go with the gti for more of a better performance but I like my tC better yeaa!
Old Mar 16, 2008 | 11:33 PM
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actually for everyones information the vw rabbit was rated very good by cr in reliablity...my sister has a 07 with 40k on it and still hasn't seen the dealership so dont talk smake about them cuase those 2.5 5cyl have a lot of potential.. there is someone on vortex who doesn't live to far from me that is at 324whp with stock clutch and exhaust he will be doin 400whp soon on stock block....here is a video of his run

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yIUgSOOrjY

heres the post from vortex:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3246798
Old Mar 16, 2008 | 11:37 PM
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I'd get a white GTI in a heartbeat...
Old Mar 22, 2008 | 02:56 PM
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Nice little car
Old Mar 26, 2008 | 04:36 PM
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The Rabbit (Golf) is a very nice car and I would definitely get one except for a few problems.

Gas mileage being one. I thought it would get better mileage than the tC. For similar mileage, I could get an Impreza for AWD fun.

Electrical gremlins and cost of parts of a VW car. MkVs are much better than MkIVs but there still electrical problems from what I've read. VW parts are also not cheap.

Dealership. I know people that would not buy a VW simply because of dealership quailty and guest treatment. While dealerships vary, VW dealerships are consider worse overall than even Toyota dealerships on the whole.

Otherwise, the car is great! Plenty of space, nice driving feel, strong torque, and looks great.
Old Mar 27, 2008 | 12:13 AM
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Originally Posted by TrafficinLA
The Rabbit (Golf) is a very nice car and I would definitely get one except for a few problems.

Gas mileage being one. I thought it would get better mileage than the tC. For similar mileage, I could get an Impreza for AWD fun.
actually it does get better gas mileage then the tC

manual rabbit 22 city / 29 highway

manual tC 20 city / 27 highway
Old Mar 30, 2008 | 12:15 AM
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The car is lethargic. Too heavy and the engine has no go to it really. Would have to be considerably lighter.
Old Apr 7, 2008 | 04:55 PM
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Originally Posted by unxpectederror
Originally Posted by TrafficinLA
The Rabbit (Golf) is a very nice car and I would definitely get one except for a few problems.

Gas mileage being one. I thought it would get better mileage than the tC. For similar mileage, I could get an Impreza for AWD fun.
actually it does get better gas mileage then the tC

manual rabbit 22 city / 29 highway

manual tC 20 city / 27 highway
Actual mileage from my experience is 23-25 combined from a Rabbit in auto form.
Actual mileage from the xB is 23-25 combined.
Acutal mileage in the tC 24-27 combined.

With different conditions, those may vary, but they are pretty much the same. So between an Impreza, tC, and Rabbit, I'd probably pick the Impreza.



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