Let's see. I have driven Golfs in 5 incarnations. MkII Golf GTI The original, but slightly larger and refined a little. A good direct handling experience, but perhaps not one for people who aren't sure of what they're doing. None of this new-fangled ABS, EDS, etc. Direct steering with lots of feedback. What more could you ask for? MkIII Golf GTI An early model of this Mk. Not as good as the MkII. Suffers a little from a similar-spec engine, strangled by power steering, catalytic converter, and a hod of extra weight, probably for the benefit of crash safety. Much more comfortable than the MkII, though. The suspension on ours also collapsed rather, making for a vicious ride for those sitting in the back. This may have been to do with the amount of weight we typically carried in it driving to the UK at Christmas. This poor car ended up being stolen in Prague. MkIII Golf GTI Special Edition What looks to be the MkIII with all the early creases ironed out. More feel in the steering, a little better power. The replacement for the one stolen in Prague, this one was written off by a rear-end collision from a dopey person (I was stationary, waiting to turn, at the time). MkIII Golf CL A solid, comfortable car, without the GTI pep. MkIV Golf GTI A few extra bags of horsepower, to go with a car that is apparently 2x the weight of the MkI Golf. Turbocharger boosts the power at low revs, giving a torquey engine with an almost completely flat power curve. Steering has also been improved from the previous version. Interior comfort has definitely become more middle-aged. Very plush (though still plenty of support at the sides of the Recaro seats, for those tight bends. Holds the road like glue, thanks to (rather expensive) low-profile tyres. Haven't managed to get them to even so much as squeak a bit in protest on corners, so have given up trying.