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Japanese Vs. German

12 messages,  Last post on Mar 24, 2008 at 12:05 PM

You are in the Volkswagen Rabbit Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer

What is this discussion about? Volkswagen Rabbit, Car Comparisons, Hatchback


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#3 of 12
Re: I have made that move. [benpolovick] by ronwen
Jan 03, 2008 (9:03 pm)
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Replying to: benpolovick (Jan 03, 2008 6:54 pm)

Ben -
 
I did take that Rabbit test drive last week, and must say that your observations cer-
tainly echo my initial feelings after the test spin. Strong, solid, road hugging, etc. The only downside is that I must make my 1st VW / German ride in an automatic.
After driving for over 40 + years I must look into purchasing my 1st "non-stick". Health related reasons are why the this change must occur.
 
I'm in the midst of negotiations with the dealer and hope we can finalize a deal this weekend - - - - if so it will be a 4-dr, w/ alloy wheels, ESP, Sirius satellite, mats and mud flaps,,,,,,,,,,, my wife shot me down on the 2-dr. Hatch. It still looks like it will be a fun car, and maybe the Tiptronic will help me forget it's not a Stick.
#4 of 12
Re: I have made that move. [ronwen] by extech2
Jan 05, 2008 (3:44 pm)
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Replying to: ronwen (Jan 03, 2008 9:03 pm)

We have a 04 Honda Accord V6 auto and an 07 VW GTI DSG auto so I can compare them. They are equally quick; the Accord is more comfortable; it cost less to maintain; it has the same gas mileage. But the VW is much more fun to drive and it feels more secure at higher speeds- 80 mph or higher.
#5 of 12
German! by dsg_master
Jan 07, 2008 (5:18 pm)
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German all the way!!!!
#6 of 12
Re: I have made that move. [benpolovick] by vdubsalesguy
Jan 09, 2008 (5:11 pm)
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Replying to: benpolovick (Jan 03, 2008 6:54 pm)

Volkswagen could easily make a more fuel effecient car, but at the expense of safety. VW carries more weight because of side-impact door beams, Safety cell construction, more airbags, double wall doors, etc. Most people would not give up these safety features to pick up 1-2mpg. Glad you like your Rabbit
#7 of 12
Re: I have made that move. [vdubsalesguy] by benpolovick
Jan 09, 2008 (5:44 pm)
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Replying to: vdubsalesguy (Jan 09, 2008 5:11 pm)

The laws of physics say that, just by virtue of a car being made heavier, it has more momentum and resistance to being plowed over upon impact. I know the extra weight on VW's is a big factor as to why they feel less like tin cans than Hondas, but I feel as if the materials themselves which VW's are composed of are of higher quality and strength. I would love to see the German Engineers find a way to reduce curb weight by a few hundred pounds without sacrificing the build quality and integrity. This could help a little with gas mileage. My Rabbit is averaging about 24 mpg, mixed driving. That's acceptable, but I wish it could be just a little better. I still love my Rabbit though and am thus far very happy I chose it over the Civic.
#8 of 12
08 Rabbit by tdibob
Mar 03, 2008 (6:10 am)
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I have decided to get a Rabbit. 2 Dr or 4 Dr is the question. Are seats on 4 Dr. more comfortable.? Cloth seats vs velour seats ? Like the 2 Dr for a sporty look.
#9 of 12
Re: 08 Rabbit [tdibob] by ronwen
Mar 03, 2008 (9:10 am)
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Replying to: tdibob (Mar 03, 2008 6:10 am)

Yes, the 2-dr looks more sporty, but once inside and actually motoring I don't think you'll notice the difference-------- my 4-dr really handles well.
 
As soon as the weather breaks I'm going to have the body side moldings painted black. My Rabbit is white & the black side moldings on the 2-dr are what ( I think) gives it a more sporty appearance.
 
As far as the seats I'm very satisfied with the cloth.
 
Hope I've helped - - - Ron S ..
#10 of 12
Re: 08 Rabbit [ronwen] by tdibob
Mar 04, 2008 (4:59 am)
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Replying to: ronwen (Mar 03, 2008 9:10 am)

Thanks for your input. I need to sell my BMW325i with low miles first. I have to go back to automatic transmission as I am having sciatica problem. Shifting is painful sometimes.
#11 of 12
Re: 08 Rabbit [tdibob] by ronwen
Mar 04, 2008 (5:28 am)
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Replying to: tdibob (Mar 04, 2008 4:59 am)

I can relate. My problem is a degenerative nerve disorder that made using 2-feet and 3-pedals a bit' much. I'm 61 and this is my 1st automatic - - - the Rabbit still makes driving fun. ENJOY !!!!
#12 of 12
Re: I have made that move. [vdubsalesguy] by eldaino
Mar 24, 2008 (12:05 pm)
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Replying to: vdubsalesguy (Jan 09, 2008 5:11 pm)

german cars are heavy by nature, even before the introduction of crazy laser welding.
 
the rabbit will always feel more 'secure' than the civic, especially when blasting down the highway, but the civic is a very safe car in itself, and while not as solid, is still no tin can.
 
the only thing VW needs to do to improve MPG is offer a different engine. 1.4 TSI, or a 2.0 TDI would be great for the rabbit, while still making it spry to drive. and it would be just as safe. lightweight doesn't mean unsafe people.

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