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2007 Elantra vs VW Rabbit

140 messages,  Last post on Apr 27, 2007 at 5:43 AM

You are in the Hyundai Elantra Forum.

What is this discussion about? Hyundai Elantra, Volkswagen Rabbit, Sedan

Messages Page 11 of 14

#101 of 140 auto mags reviewers by acura03g

Nov 22, 2006 (9:03 pm)

In my opinion, auto mag reviewers tend to place too much weight on handling because they're enthusiasts. For example, Car and Driver places Rabbit on top ahead of civic and elantra mostly due to its great handling. But most car buyers place much more weight on economy factors such as fuel efficiency, reliability, price. Those are where Rabbit is lacking.

#102 of 140 Thanks to all comments! by percussionist

Nov 23, 2006 (9:00 am)

Thanks to all of the comments posted here. If it were not for this particular forum, I would not even consider a VW for my next car purchase. Looking at all the information, however, I will at least go look at the Rabbit for comparison purposes and take it out for a drive to see how it feels when I am ready to buy. I will update after I have done so.
 
Remember, being open minded is a good thing!

#103 of 140 Re: auto mags reviewers [acura03g] by backy

Nov 23, 2006 (9:32 am)

Replying to: acura03g (Nov 22, 2006 9:03 pm)
Yes, I think that's particularly true of the Australian review. Although the Civic was touted by C/D for its handling too. Also called out for its road noise. Given a choice between the two, I'd take less road noise given all the bad roads in my area. The Rabbit also had a lot of noise over even small bumps when I drove it--maybe the only downside of its suspension.
 
At least Hyundai's engineers were able to placate the Aussie reviewers with the steering tweaks. What I predict will happen is that the U.S. will get the European-spec steering on the Elantra in a GT trim sometime next year--much like the Gen 3 GT and GLS hatch had Euro-spec steering and suspension bits.

#104 of 140 Re: auto mags reviewers [backy] by moparbad

Nov 23, 2006 (10:22 am)

Replying to: backy (Nov 23, 2006 9:32 am)
backyYes, I think that's particularly true of the Australian review.
 
Australian review? Not in this Rabbit vs. Elantra topic.

#105 of 140 Re: auto mags reviewers [moparbad] by backy

Nov 23, 2006 (11:35 am)

Replying to: moparbad (Nov 23, 2006 10:22 am)
Sorry, that review was referenced in the following Elantra discussion:
 
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX/.f0f9cc0/63

#106 of 140 Re: Winter Price Comparo revised [eldaino] by ukraguy

Nov 25, 2006 (8:34 pm)

Replying to: eldaino (Nov 20, 2006 9:05 am)
>
 
That's what the arrogant Big 3 thought about Toyota & Honda in the past.

#107 of 140 Motor Trend COTY by herotakesafall

Nov 30, 2006 (8:45 pm)

Anyone get their Motor Trends yet? They had nice long writeups for both the Elantra and the Rabbit. The Rabbit actually got lower "star" scores in several areas, especially "performance." They really ragged on that 5-liter, like most other reviews:
 
"The five lacks refinement and feels primitive. It's thrashy and harsh and seems as if it's been pulled from another era. It keeps this four-door from being fun to drive and distracts from the car's many positive attributes."
 
The Rabbit got 3 stars for "value" while the Elantra got 4.5 out of 5. The Elantra actually got higher star ratings in most other categories too, but I'm not sure if these star ratings are really meant for comparison between models.

#108 of 140 Re: auto mags reviewers [acura03g] by eldaino

Dec 04, 2006 (1:52 pm)

Replying to: acura03g (Nov 22, 2006 9:03 pm)
they are not the only ones who weigh in performance and the rabbit edged out both of those cars due to more than just good handling, as a matter of fact i think that my 06 civic handled just a tad bit better than my rabbit does, mostly due to weight, so again why i feel like them praising it for its amazing handling advantage over the two is a bit far fetched. While not as fuel efficient, but not terrible either, i have real world experience with both vehicles, the civic very easily costs as much if not more and its to soon to say that the rabbit lacks reliability in the here and now as oppossed to its less reliably previous generation brethren.

#110 of 140 Re: auto mags reviewers [eldaino] by ben911

Mar 29, 2007 (6:32 am)

Replying to: eldaino (Dec 04, 2006 1:52 pm)
Just to weigh in here. I own a 2007 VW Rabbit 2-door. This car really is a blast to drive and has more power at 80mph in 5th gear than any of my previous cars had in 3rd or 4th. The torque is just great. For anybody to say that the Elantra is more fun than the VW has never driven both. The engine isn't "thrashy." It's "sporty." The growl is awsome. It's such a solid ride. So far no problems at 5000 miles. The MPG isn't the best, but I F-L-Y.
 
The civic is a Civic (bland, predictable, around every other corner, etc)... and that's precisely why I didn't buy one. No personality. If you want an A-->B car, get a civic or elantra. Otherwise, if you want a little fun in your ride with conveniences of cars costing a lot more, you can't beat the Rabbit. Email me if you have any questions.
 
Ben

Messages Page 11 of 14

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