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2007 GTI vs Audi A3

99 messages,  Last post on Jul 16, 2007 at 8:37 AM

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#1 of 99 2007 GTI vs Audi A3 by alexanderh Jul 26, 2006 (10:24 am)
I am trying to decide between the 2007 4dr GTI and the Audi A3. They seem like almost identical cars, but the Audi is more expensive. Is there any reason to pay more for the Audi? Replies to this message: holdencaul (Jul 29, 2006 2:57 pm)
#2 of 99 general advice by kurtamaxxxguy Jul 26, 2006 (1:05 pm)
Save for unique suspension calibrations, interior trim improvements and other minor differences, the A3 is (so Audi told me) mostly a VW. Right now, though, AWD is only available on the A3 sporting variant (VW will offer AWD on its R32 next year, though the R32 will only have 3 doors).   The Audi brand is considered a "premium luxury" brand so its resale value after a few years may hold up better than the VWs'.   Aside from the usual car comparisons, you might consider which dealer is more competent wrt after-sales support and service. Replies to this message: allhorizon (Jul 28, 2006 2:56 am) ccd1 (Jul 31, 2006 7:12 am) mazda6s (Jul 31, 2006 10:25 am) edwardsf (Sep 23, 2006 11:17 am)
#3 of 99 Re: general advice [kurtamaxxxguy] by allhorizon Jul 28, 2006 (2:56 am)
Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Jul 26, 2006 1:05 pm) Surprisingly, there is little to add to kurtamaxxxguy's comments.   For $500 or so you can buy a free service contract (for the first so-and-so mileage) from Audi - but not for VW.   Places like this allow you to find out if there is a good VW/Audi place near you.   The GTI has more leg room and head room in the back, but slightly less luggage room.   The GTI is generally considered to be a tiny bit better at handling, stock. The only reason I would go A3 is if they offered AWD with the 2.0TFSI --- which they don't.   To me, the A4 2.0TFSI quattro is a much better proposition.   Personally, I am still waffling between fuel economy and CO2 conscience (waiting for CA accepted common rail TDI at 170hp or so, preferably AWD hatch), or just doing it (A4 manual TorSen quattro, or R32). Replies to this message: ccd1 (Jul 31, 2006 7:12 am) mazda6s (Jul 31, 2006 10:25 am) edwardsf (Sep 23, 2006 11:17 am)
#4 of 99 one more thought by kurtamaxxxguy Jul 28, 2006 (8:39 pm)
I do not know if VW offers the GTI with different suspension configurations.   The Audi A3 2.0 T can be had regular or sport suspension, but the A3 3.2 AWD comes only in sport configuration. Sport config gives you very flat cornering and a very taut ride.   Also, the Audis, for 2007, can be had with 19" wheels and ultra-low profile tires. With these street-creeders, bad roads won't be your friends.
#5 of 99 Re: 2007 GTI vs Audi A3 [alexanderh] by holdencaul Jul 29, 2006 (2:57 pm)
Replying to: alexanderh (Jul 26, 2006 10:24 am) I'm in the same situation. My feeling is they're both exceptional vehicles that any discerning enthusiast would be happy with. Both possess excellent design, acceleration, handling, and panache. It's just a matter of taste between the GTI (hot hatch, sporty, slightly younger target demographic) versus the A3 (sport + luxury + marque). For me it's down to a choice of how much money I want to spend: a basic GTI (DSG and package 0) for less money (~ 24K) or a fairly loaded A3 (DSG and sport package) for somewhat more money (~ 30K). I've pretty much eliminated a loaded GTI or a stripped A3 for my situation (I'm probably in the minority on this point). I'll be test driving both back-to-back in the next few weeks to get a feel for the interior and driving dynamics for myself. Good luck with your choice! It's really no-lose situation.
#6 of 99 Re: general advice [allhorizon] by ccd1 Jul 31, 2006 (7:12 am)
Replying to: allhorizon (Jul 28, 2006 2:56 am) There is one more thing to add to kurtmaxx's comments which is: why are you discussing the A3 3.2??? The GTI competes with the 2.0T. The VW R32 will compete with the 3.2 when it comes to the US.   The 4-door GTI doesn't seem to be available as yet. But assuming pricing close to the 2 door model, there doesn't appear to be much reason to spend an extra $3k to get the Audi. The cars are pretty much identical.   The big question mark for VW is mechanical reliabiity. If the car meets this test, then game, match and set for VW.   This segment seems to be heating up. You have the A3, the GTI, and the soon to be introduced Mazdaspeed 3. Lots of hot hatch options coming up. According to Front Line, the Mazda could be the best of the bunch with a 6-speed manual, AWD and 268 ponies for well under $30k. Replies to this message: mazda6s (Jul 31, 2006 10:25 am) edwardsf (Sep 23, 2006 11:17 am)
#7 of 99 Re: general advice [ccd1] by mazda6s Jul 31, 2006 (10:25 am)
Replying to: ccd1 (Jul 31, 2006 7:12 am) The MAZDASPEED3 is FWD.
#8 of 99 mazda decided against AWD... by kurtamaxxxguy Jul 31, 2006 (4:41 pm)
apparently due to weight and cost. So their Mazdaspeed3 will only be FWD. Edmunds has done a recent article about it, suggesting it may be the hatch to beat.   Wrt reliability, both the Audi A3 and GTI are essentially VW's, save for A3's unique Audi features. There's still no reliability data from CU, JDPower or any source I know of for the 2006 and up models. While forums and postings suggest both brands are getting a bit better, I'd be __very__ sure your dealer for either of those models is a top flight, reputable outfit.   Weak spots appear to be the DSG and clutches. You can read the postings in Audi/VW Problems and Solutions to see how people fared with those.
#9 of 99 JD Powers finally speaks on the A3 by kurtamaxxxguy Aug 13, 2006 (3:00 pm)
And it did substantially better in ratings than the VW GTI did. Only in mechanical quality did the A3 get a below average mark (everything else was average or better). The VW got several below average ratings.

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