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Hatchbacks Volkswagen GTI 2007 GTI vs Audi A3
99 messages, Last post on Jul 16, 2007 at 8:37 AM
You are in the Volkswagen GTI Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer
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Unfortunately Audi has a __lot__ fewer dealers than VW does. If you plan to move sometime, or do long trips, will there be a friendly Audi dealer nearby should you need service? One nice thing about Audi; they are more flexible wrt interior appointments than VW, and also offer colors other than black or black with plaid. The A3's seats are also a bit more relaxed fit. And despite the impracticalities, black is a __very__ popular color here in S. Calif. Perhaps during our summers that's why so many drivers go crazy with the heat. |
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Replying to: ms3hothatch (Dec 15, 2006 10:30 am) My thinking is to buy a used 2006 A3 with low mileage and pay the same or less than a new GTI. That way I get the car I want without having to pay too much more. My commute is short so I'm not concerned about the mileage.
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Replying to: poita33 (Dec 15, 2006 8:39 pm) Excellent point about cargo capacity differences between the two cars. The GTI has a more "squared-off" shape that would better accept boxes and other bulky items. Hmmm, something else for me to consider in this purchase decision! Thanks. ~ Blue Jays ~ |
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there was a similar debate... VW Passat vs Audi A4. Back then, the A4 was virtually the same as the Passat, with the addition of some luxuries and the Audi badge. I went with the Passat because it was slightly more roomy, and it cost a little less. Plus, I just didn't care for being in an entry level model of luxury car.. it just seemed too yuppie-like for my tastes. I imagine I'd now be leaning towards the GTI for similar reasons. This four door GTI seems really neat. I almost went with a GTI the last time I got a car (2004), but I really wanted the four doors. Not so much because I have a lot of passengers, but because I am always throwing things into the back of my car, like suit jackets, brief cases, etc.. and I prefer the four door look.. not quite the "boy racer" aura to it.
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Replying to: turbotorque (Dec 17, 2006 8:12 pm) You've made a great post. VW deciding upon the extra two additional doors is the BEST thing they could have ever done to boost marketplace interest in the GTI model. This is especially true for people who owned the original twenty years ago and want to recapture the nostalgia. I don't have kids, but I do need to toss the same stuff you mentioned in the back...and it's lots easier with another set of doors. It's even more of an issue when it's raining and you just want to grab your stuff and run for the office! My feeling is that they should also ditch the silly stripe on the grill and paint the brake calipers a deep burgundy rather than fire engine red. The demographic for this car isn't youthful college kids anymore...especially since they're not buying a $30K car if it has some options. Audi isn't referring to the A3 as their entry-level car because there are versions (e.g. loaded 3.2 S-Line with all options) that are easily as expensive as versions of the A4 and even some A6 vehicles. Their marketing department is simply referring to it as a luxury car in a smaller package, which I can understand. There are people who desire creature comforts in their transportation, but don't want to deal with something as cumbersome as an A8. ~ Blue Jays ~
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Replying to: bluejays (Dec 18, 2006 6:17 am) |
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My wife simply cannot tolerate the headrests in the front passenger seats of the GTI (or the Jetta GLI for that matter). They push her head down and give her a headache. The Audi seats are much more tolerable for her for some reason. For us, this is decisive, as much as it bothers me to spend several thousand more for almost the same car. (Sigh).
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Replying to: abergdc (Dec 20, 2006 6:55 pm) If one is going to select the Audi A3 over the VW GTI, it makes sense to spend the money to obtain the 3.2 S-Line variant with the V6 powerplant. This way one gets the Quattro system, DSG, leather, and other goodies standard. Opting for a 2.0 liter turbocharged model simply doesn't make sense to me. It is far too close to the GTI to warrant the extra expediture of money...regardless of headrest comfort. That component is clearly a huge part of your purchase decision for medical reasons. If selecting the Audi, my vote is to go "whole hog" and opt for the normally-aspirated, larger powerplant. That engine will likely last for a longer duration of time without growing "wheezy" over the years. I don't know if I'm convinced about turbos yet. ~ Blue Jays ~ |
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| Tt's absolutely critical to use the best oil (Thnx, Shipo, for pointing out the best ones), and to change it regularly, to keep the turbo from "coking" its bearings and wearing prematurely. | |
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Replying to: ms3hothatch (Dec 15, 2006 10:30 am) After giving this lots and LOTS of thought, I believe I'm going to opt for the A3 3.2 S-Line with the normally-aspirated powerplant. I know what the magazines are saying about weight and the wonderful "tossability" of the lighter GTI that was voted a "10-Best" in Car & Driver recently. It's just that I can't get over my ongoing hangups about turbocharged engines and what it could be like five or six years in the future. Am I just being silly or still thinking about 1980's-era turbos too much? I really wish to make the right decision! ~ Blue Jays ~
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