3 door or 5 door?

[mhh]

I've noticed a lot of threads here discussing GTI's and R32's speaking well of the 3 door. Given that the basic shape is hardly sporty either way, why is the 3 door popular? Just because it is cheaper? Or because it is lighter? I generally prefer 5 doors for practicality and because I don't like reaching back for my seat belt but maybe there are better reasons for going 3 door.

[anarchycamp]

I remember someone saying something about the chassis bieng stiffer in a 3 Door, not sure how much of a difference it makes though? I think that the only 2 things that make a difference on a day to day car on this choice would be:

1. Whats more practical? (For You)
2. What do you think looks best? (In your Opinion)

Genrally the first outweighs the second...but not always

[gtimk5]

Practicallity is the big thing as Anarchy says. Certainly easier to clean the rear side windows in a 5 door!
In the old days I set better times around the local racetrack in a
5 door Mk1?
Not sure why as I had driven 3 door ones for over 6 years. And over 400,000 kms.
Cheers, Andrew

[datracer99]

It comes down to personal preference. I think the 3 door looks sportier, and I rarely carry any passengers. The price wasn't an issue.

If you have kids, or frequently carry passengers then go for the 5 door for sure.

[Hewzie]

Hey mhh, you are spot on. The Golf is not at all sporty looking, IMO. The 3 door in the R32 looks a bit sporty, but not overly so. The 5 door looks like a Corolla. I'd say only 5% of the general population would think that a 5 door R32 is a HOT performer. It looks better than most hatches, but does it stand out? Oh no....and that is what some owners prefer. Bit of a niche market then.
The R32 and GTi are hot hatches by tradition, so maybe they are best suited in 3-door. I keep feeling that compromises must have been made to add extra doors.
(is it clear yet that I really want an R32, 3 door....in black???)

[Panman]

If you are looking at an R32 with Recaros - then you need 5 doors

The Recaros don't tilt/slide properly which makes it a complete pain for even occasional passengers.

Other than that, as everyone has said it's personal preference and what is practical for you.

As for the "looking like a Corolla" that's part of the fun IMO, nothing like the look on someone's face as this innocent looking little thing disappears into the distance. You can ask the guy in the Boxster who thought he could take off from the left hand lane and get past me before the road narrowed yesterday

[Hewzie]

If you are disappearing into the distance how do you still see their face? Oh...and did you think you were teaching that Boxster driver a lesson? I bet he was amazed at your speed, skill and bravado. I think you should let it go for a while, or at least don't rub so hard!

[VWGTi]

not sure how important this is to you, but like many have previously said, 5dr comes from Sth Africa, 3dr from Germany... Having said that, I have not had any quality issues with my 5dr....

[Tim]

yeah three door from germany. i think thats what does it for most people. But also. go to your dealer and have a look see. The 3 door is a much prettier car. In my opinion in GTI or R32 form it just looks the business. I think its to do with the rear window line. its much more upswept.

[evorobin]

3 Doors look better. The end

[datracer99]

go to your dealer and have a look see. The 3 door is a much prettier car. In my opinion in GTI or R32 form it just looks the business. I think its to do with the rear window line. its much more upswept.

100% spot on.

[datracer99]

The 5 door looks like a Corolla.

Sacrilege. Find a tree and hang him NOW. n:

[DubSteve]

3 Doors look better. The end

Amen !!! Damn Straight. (stupid 5 door vr6)

[Subie25L]

3 door looks better but IMO practicality of 5dr FTW!!!

[evorobin]

3 door looks better but IMO practicality of 5dr FTW!!!

How many kids you got? If the answer is none behave yourself. Besides my wife has a five door why do I need one aswell. Kids can climb in the back as the front seats hinge forward for access