Standard VTS vs GTI suspension differences

[VTS_guy]

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum 😊

I've heard that the 106 GTI handling is superior to the Saxo VTS.

What things do I need to change to get my VTS to handle identically?

My car is a 2003 VTS with 83,000 miles on the clock and though it grips well, it feels a bit soft and slightly unpredictable in the corners.

The other thing is that the steering is really light and vague which I'm told the 106 GTI didn't suffer from.

Please can someone advise what the differences here are?

Any help from the experts appreciated 😊

Thanks guys 👍🏼

[stevo67]

Check your tyre pressures,if they're over inflated steering will feel light.

[VTS_guy]

Thanks, Stevo I have them on 32 all the way round, is that ok?


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[VTS_guy]

Can anyone tell me which dampers are on the standard 106 gti then and if they would fit my Saxo?


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[westwell_22]

Pretty sure the only difference between the vts and gti is the 24mm rear anti roll bar on the gti

[VTS_guy]

Originally Posted by westwell_22

Pretty sure the only difference between the vts and gti is the 24mm rear anti roll bar on the gti

Thanks, I think you're definitely right about the rear ARB.

I also heard though that Peugeot tweaked their own dampers, think they might be bilstein but I wouldn't know which model, do I call Peugeot?



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[welshpug]

Peugeot made peugeot dampers.

Peugeot made Citroen Dampers.

Part numbers for both vehicles dampers are different so they certainly appear to have taken a different approach to the damping, as well as the spring rates and ARB, front springs are different part numbers as well.


Tyres and age of dampers will make the most difference, the later VTS ran a 15" tyre also.


steering should not be that different, this is one place where they will be nigh on identical, the feel will be the toe settings and tyre pressures, as well as condition of balljoints and top mount bearings.

I would not say the VTS was inferior to the GTI, i know many that preferred the VTS, being a little softer on the limit than the slightly snappy GTi.

[VTS_guy]

Many thanks, Welshpug

Do you know if the Peugeot dampers, springs and ARB would fit my VTS?

Or am I better off just upgrading the whole lot anyway?

I've seen a couple of aftermarket kits that I *might* be interested in if I cant go the standard GTI setup route.

They are the Apex sports suspension kit (25mm or 50mm) £228

Or the more expensive Bilstein B8 with eibach sport line springs £617

I've read that it's best to go with the most expensive setup that I can afford but I only have about £650 to spend now and I'd really like to get an aftermarket exhaust too.

(I have Simota intake, 4-2-1 manifold, and decat at the mo with standard exhaust)

Would getting the standard 106 GTI suspension cost the same or more than just buying the Apex, Bilstein etc?

I'm not going to be tracking the car, i just want to have fun on the back roads and have confidence in the corners.

I used to have an MG ZS180 and that best the best handling standard car I've driven to date. Stiff with no roll and excellent feedback from the wheel.

I partly bought the VTS because I heard that top gear rated the GTI the 'second best handling car in the world' and I was told that the VTS is the same car.

But I've had it 3 months now and it rolls man, it's only done 83k but I hate how it feels in the corners :'(

Thanks for taking the time to think of and write out replies by the way, it's very much appreciated




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[VTS_guy]

So an update, I decided to get some Apex coilovers to lower the car 25mm. Do I have to lower the torsion bar 25mm to match the front? Please advise


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[MartinObviously]

Handling wise there's virtually no difference. I've had both.

The part numbers are different, but said items are physically the same. If you don't believe me go and measure the spring thicknesses with a caliper.

Personally for 25mm I would leave the torsion bar the way it is - but that's how I prefer my car to handle with a bit of rake as it makes the back end "light" and improves turning in. your old springs have probably sagged more than 25mm anyway so you'll see no difference.

I wouldn't be lowering the car anyway more than that, There's no handling benefit because you change the angle of the steering arms and lower arms etc.