Old vs. new: Volkswagen Scirocco

The legend

Launched in the UK in 1974, the Scirocco takes its name from a North African desert wind. Based on its Golf relative, the four-seat sports coupé was designed by Giugiaro and assembled by Karmann for Volkswagen. Front-wheel drive, the mk I Scirocco was initially powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine with either 70- or 80bhp engines. Light, agile and neatly styled, the mk I Scirocco was produced until 1981. It was then followed by a new model, which, thanks to bigger dimensions, offered a more commodious passenger compartment. At its peak the mk II delivered 110bhp in GTI guise. The Scirocco remained on sale until 1993 in the UK.

The newcomer

Volkswagen didn't forget coupés between this all-new Scirocco and the mk II model. The Corrado filled the gap for a short while, but despite much praise for it Volkswagen canned it, leaving a coupé-sized hole in the range until this third generation Scirocco arrived in 2008. Conceptually identical, the new Scirocco features front-wheel drive, four seats and a hatchback. Again, Volkswagen's coupé shares much of its underpinnings with the Golf. Rakish looks, a wide range of engines and impeccable build quality has been to the new car's benefit, as has VW's sensible pricing strategy. While adding style doesn't remove all practicalities, the current Scirocco has moved with the times and is even offered as a diesel model.

A worthy successor?

Comparing like for like there are obviously many similarities, but the differences between the original and new Sciroccos are just as apparent. The three decades that separate the two demonstrate just how far cars have come in some key areas - specifically safety and economy. Whereas the modern Scirocco comes with more airbags than you hope you'll ever need, computer-designed crumple zones, the latest pre-tensioning seatbelts, anti-lock brakes and stability and traction aids, the old car has none of that. Sure, it's got seatbelts, but you wouldn't want to crash it.

With some of the new models boasting more than double the power of the original, the new car is unsurprisingly faster; its engines are also far cleaner and more efficient. The old car fights back with its lovely poise and precision; the controls all feel natural and offer feedback, where those of the new car are a bit muted in comparison. What's key is that they're both fun, the new Scirocco managing to retain the original's sporting aims despite having to fulfil a host of modern requirements that the old car didn't. Worthy indeed then, the latest Scirocco able to justify wearing the same badge as the mk I car.

What are my options?

Original mk I Sciroccos are rare things today, with nasty old knackered ones available for little more than scrap value and coveted cars costing several thousand. You could likely buy a serviceable example for the cost of a few choice optional extras on the current car though. The new Scirocco is offered with diesel engines, which make the most sense for everyday driving, but the petrol machines are more enjoyable. A range-topping R model is due soon, with an output of 261bhp.

And the winner is

It's impossible to recommend the original over the current car as a daily proposition. But if you just want something to covet and enjoy on occasion then buy a mk I, garage it, tinker with it and enjoy it at the weekend. Alternatively, get the current car, spend a little less on options or chose a non GT spec model and have both. It's what we would do.

Kyle Fortune