To GTi or not GTi.....

[GTIWesome]

Hi All
After much researching and test driving of hatch options, the missus and I have decided that the Golf is the way to go - superior safety, features, finish, performance, price range etc.

Only problem is which Golf (auto option only) ? We had all but settled on the 1.4 GT, (found the diesels to be too noisy, something that would grate on nerves i think), but after driving the GTi we were gobsmacked ( well i was very much so).

Dealer let us have it for a whole day (!) , and we had some fun with it.

The only thing holding back at the moment is a concern regarding the stiff suspension, and will this become an issue for us with everyday driving? (the concern is more of the missus, but we will both be driving in equal measure).

Hard to say during the test drive as we were taking so much in.

It seems a little stiffer than the GT (not much though), so balancing whether we will be able to live with it or think about a GT or downgraded model instead..

So posing a few questions for the forum:
1. How do you all find the suspension in the GTi, does it get 'softer' with usage? (sorry i know next to nothing about cars)
2. Is the stiff ride a suspension issue purely or do the wheels have something to do with it?
3. If we buy the GTi and dont like the suspension down the track, what options do you suggest for making the ride feel a little more comfortable?

thanks in advance!

[GTom]

1. Can't Answer that one, but the few times i tested it I didn't mind it too much.

2. It is more of a suspension issue (the sus. in GTI is stiffer than the GT ones) than the wheels (same size wheels maybe different rubber as the GT)


I chose the 1.4 GT as i could get a few options in there for about the same as it would set me back the GTI. However if i had more of a budget I would of Def. went for the GTI...

[gregozedobe]

Welcome to VWWC. Lots of useful info and helpful people here.

Some opinions on your questions:

1 I tested GT TDI, GTI and Octavia RS. I found the GTI suspension a bit firm and "busy", particularly on poor condition bitumen. The GTI is very popular here, and a lot of people like the sporty feel.

2 The ride quality seems to be mainly suspension tune. My Octy has very similar suspension (near identical, tuned slightly differently), but a noticeably more compliant ride, despite having 18" wheels (c.f. GTIs 17")

3 Quite a few people swear by Koni FSD shocks, claiming both a more supple ride AND improved handling.

It might be worth looking at insurance costs, IIRC some companies charge quite a bit for the 1.4 GT.

If you still can't make up your mind, go for back to back test drives (same road, same day).

[BarneyBoy]

I originally went in to buy a GTI - had my heart set on one. And after a day driving one was also initially gobsmacked as well.

But by the end of the day I started to notice the suspension more than I thought, noticed the access/egress restrictions (for me) of the seats, and decided to try the GT TSI instead.

Although slower than a GTI (not by much), I found the 10% softer suspension and slightly less 'edgy' seats so much easier for me for a day-to-day ride. One performance aspect that I loved (over the GTI) was the effect of the supercharger: big, fat, TDI-like torque - right off idle. And the sound!

And that 1000-3000 rpm band is where the car spends most of its time 'round town - so why not enjoy those revs?

Equipment-wise there's little to want for in the GT, and has very, very similar handling to the GTI, along with identical spec stoppers. And fuel-wise there's an advantage as well (if that worries you).

Yes, I bought the GT, but I'm not saying the GTI's cap - far from it - it's a really fine car. But make sure it fits your needs.

To answer your question - don't expect the suspension to soften in a couple of months - it won't. By the time it HAS softened, that'll be when you need some new springs, shocks &c (they'll be worn out!).

Whatever Golf/Jetta you buy, rest assured it'll always be a great car. Good luck!

[GTom]

It might be worth looking at insurance costs, IIRC some companies charge quite a bit for the 1.4 GT.

Through NRMA insured with no options I (22y/o) was looking at $600/year, with the options and extras added on it is a couple hundred more. It's better to call then to get insurance from the online stuff. I wouldn't expect the GTI (no options) to be too much more than that.

[Russ59]

Not being biased at all but at least drive the diesel if you can because you will be surprised just how quiet they actually are once you get going and boy do they get going


Russ

[CatonaPC©]

Consider looking at the Golf 2.0 TDi or FSi Pacific also. Suspension may be more to your liking.

[dangerous_daveo]

It won't get softer. You might get 'used' to it. But if you drive bad roads daily, if you're in a bad mood, you'll get really angry, it will just be annoying and be the straw to break you.

To solve this issue, find a nice bit of road, and go for a blast.

[Oneofthegreats]

IMHO. It's horses for course really.

Just buy what you fell happy with.

Lately I've been liking the GT Sport TDI & would pick one hand's down over the 1.4 GT's. I'm not a fan & don't rate them at all. Sorry to all the 1.4 GT owner's!

Cause I'm alway's getting in & out of the car's all day, I find the GTI seat's can be alittle intrusive at time's due to my ****y back.

But the GT Sport's seat's are a good compromise. Especially with seat heater's!.

Also, the GT TDI aren't that noisey. Only at idle.

Just for interest's sake, we've seen brand new standard FSI's that are just as noisey at idle & sound like an old tractor!

[Greg Roles]

Welcome!

A tough choice for sure. As you have now seen, it's easy to see why the GTI has such a great reputation. I remember grinning like an idiot on my test drive.

THE main reason I didn't buy the GTI was the suspension. Sure you can change it, but so tyoo could you "up" the GT suspension. I've found just fitting a rear sway to the GT makes it corner fine for me. Funnily enough, the vast majority of GTI's I see in traffic are being piloted by a lady, so it seems the "other halves" can adapt ( and probably claim the car as "theirs" )

Just yesterday, on a drive an hour west to Toowoomba, I was amazed how crashy the GT suspension was over B grade road sections. A GTI on such a drive would not be pleasant for me.

I find the GT a great compromise, exactly what it is meant to be.

But yeah, given three great cars within a few thou of each other, it's a tough, tough call between the GT's and the legendary GTI.

[gerhard]

I did the same - was hell bent on getting the GT TDI, but didn't like it at all in residential streets, Whereas on the freeway it was insanely good. The susp was too soft for me with the slight extra weight of the diesel combined with softer springs made it "wallow" a bit. Didn't like the turbo lag either, but that's not really a problem as it can be accommodated when familiar with the vehicle.

The test drive passenger (dealer sales assistant) advised me that all my "niggles" with the GT TDI would be eradicated with the GTI, so the next day I took a GTI (unaccompanied this time ) and he was absolutely right ! Sold

After some 5000ks, I have concluded that the suspension stiffness doesn't go away, but it is probably a bit too soft in some conditions !! Specifically, when having a bit of a blast through the twisties to Walhalla and beyond, and more recently around Frankford, Scottsdale, and St Helens.

I reckon that your problem will be, having now tasted the fruits of the GTI, if you buy a lesser one you'll always regret it

You definitely will adjust to the ride, I certainly did.

[Splashalot]

I originally went in to buy a GTI - had my heart set on one. And after a day driving one was also initially gobsmacked as well.

But by the end of the day I started to notice the suspension more than I thought, noticed the access/egress restrictions (for me) of the seats, and decided to try the GT TSI instead.

Although slower than a GTI (not by much), I found the 10% softer suspension and slightly less 'edgy' seats so much easier for me for a day-to-day ride. One performance aspect that I loved (over the GTI) was the effect of the supercharger: big, fat, TDI-like torque - right off idle. And the sound!

And that 1000-3000 rpm band is where the car spends most of its time 'round town - so why not enjoy those revs?

Equipment-wise there's little to want for in the GT, and has very, very similar handling to the GTI, along with identical spec stoppers. And fuel-wise there's an advantage as well (if that worries you).

Yes, I bought the GT, but I'm not saying the GTI's cap - far from it - it's a really fine car. But make sure it fits your needs.

To answer your question - don't expect the suspension to soften in a couple of months - it won't. By the time it HAS softened, that'll be when you need some new springs, shocks &c (they'll be worn out!).

Whatever Golf/Jetta you buy, rest assured it'll always be a great car. Good luck!

This exactly mirrors my thoughts, but I bought the GTI over the GT, having tested both.

I love my GTI to death, but if there is one criticism, it's the jiggly ride. It's not really harsh, but the constant small vertical movements do occassionally annoy me, and constantly annoy my wife.

I reckon the GT would be a better everyday proposition if you notice the GTI's ride already. However, both are cracking cars so you can't really lose.

Personally I wouldn't buy a car in the knowledge I had to modify it when there's an off-the-shelf model available which meets my needs.

SS

[GTIWesome]

Wow thanks to you all for replying , and so quickly as well! This forum rocks

Cogdoc summed my pro GTi stance best - 'grinning like an idiot' after the test drive.

Splash summed up my anti GTi fear best by stating the suspension constantly aggravates his better half (oh and my partner isnt a fan of the sports seats either...). Splash thanks also for common sense post on not adding aftermarket change where alternative may already be right of you.

The test drive was a week ago and im still grinning. I suspect my partners initial enthusiasm was probably a little reflective of my own. It was only afterwards that we thought the ride was a little bumpy (and we took it highway in the main).

I confess that i didnt drive the diesel GT. only the smaller petrol. We drove the 2.0 TSI , but after the GT, it paled in comparison, and the noise was noticeable (we both thought the GTi was smoothest & quietest in traffic).

I guess its off to th dealer again this weekend, we'll take the GT diesel, GTi and 2.0 petrol out for a spin, including a few dodgy roads and a bumpy bridge (storey bridge in brisbane).

I suppose looking at the balance of a sporty drive and comfortable drive (to appease both of us), the GT diesel on paper at least sounds like the way to go. Except that my GTi grin still hasnt faded

Will keep you posted. Thanks again!

[Russ59]

I went for the manual personally as my preference but the DSG is amazing when coupled with the GT TDI. You should probably try to drive both a manual and a DSG transmission in the TDI, the torque of the 125 killer wasp engine in the GT will blow your mind, either with manual or DSG. Make sure if you can, (on the test drive) to take it somewhere with plenty of steep hills as the diesels absolutely love them and so will you. I still get goosebumps when I can cruise up a long winding steep hill in 6th gear, a/c on, 4 adults in the car, and it just keeps on pulling, totally effortless !!!

[Steve]

My mother and I (long story - my parents travel a lot, I live in their house) went halves (OK, she bought a larger half than I did) in a Golf GTI back in 2006. At the time, the GT wasn't on the market and I haven't driven one to compare.

We live on a mountain with lots of twisty roads, but the car is mostly driven in the city. I've taken it on long drives around South Australia and interstate.

My mother came from a VY Commodore wagon, and hated the soft, wallowy suspension. She likened it to a boat. She's 60 years old and absolutely loves the ride of the GTI, both around town and on the open road. I find it pretty good, too. I've been annoyed with it once, when somebody had overinflated the tyres. I didn't like the ride then, but as soon as I fixed the pressure problem the car was back to being the best mix of ride, handling, and knowing what's going on that I'd driven for a long time. It's bumpy, but not offensive - and we like it.

I do, however, think that the ride of my R36 is a bit more comfortable, although that may be just because the car is a little heaver and doesn't bounce about quite as much as the GTI can do on some roads. I've no real complaints about either, though.

Having said that, there are ways to buy a GTI and keep the handling but lose the ride issues.