Which Golf GT Sport?

[commonmanoo]

Hi, I am deciding which GT Sport, TSI or TDI, to get for my wife. She will use it primarily for transport to work (about 15 mins from home) and to ferry kids to and from schools.
I have test drove both variant and I'm inclining on getting the TSI. I like that it feels a bit faster and accelarate with a bit more urgency. It is also a bit quiter than the diesel motor. On the TDI side, it is more economical (marginally) which means more environmentally friendly.

I would like to hear some comments from folks who chose the TDI over TSI what lead them to choose the TDI.

Thanks.

[Logzy]

You'll get so many conflicting answers here with that question.

It comes down to personal preference but remember its for your wife to take kids to school, shopping, work, etc so she doesnt need a racing.

What ever one feels faster to you the i doubt you'd notice the 0.5 sec difference from 0-100km/h between the TDI and TSI.

I ordered the TDI, it goes great and i just have a thing about a turbo diesel.

Purely personal choice.

[gregozedobe]

My concern with the TSI was the extra complexity of having both a supercharger AND a turbocharger and controls for both. Mind you I do tend to keep my vehicles for 10 years or more, so I run them for a long time after warranty has expired. I found the GT TDI engine was a bit "laggy" until it got on boost properly (then it went very well)

Did you consider the Skoda Octavia 1.8T ? This has the new Audi motor which is an absolute peach.

[orsegtsport]

I chose the GT Sport TDI because for me it represents probably the best combination of power and economy that you can buy at the moment. I basically wanted to reduce my C02 emissions as much as possible while still enjoying my driving, and the TDI GT Sport has allowed me to do that. So far I'm actually doing better than VW's quoted combined economy figure of 6.3l / 100 km, and I have never before owned car that actually achieves the manufacturer's claimed economy, let alone betters it.

Torque is of course the other reason to choose the TDI over the TSI. Not that the TSI is really lacking in this department, but it 240nm is still along way shy of 350nm. Yes the TSI is still marginally quicker, and 0 -100 times are great for bragging down at the local pub, but when it comes to everyday driving, torque is what matters and the TDI has it in spades. I agree that the engine can feel a little bit 'laggy' under 1800 rpm or so, but it certainly comes to life after that and it doesn't sound like it's about to implode at 4000 rpm like some diesels.

Now having said all that, if you're not totally obsessed with fuel economy, then the TSI is probably the better option. It is lighter, handles slightly better (less weight over front axle), sounds much better, revs much harder, and is nearly 2.5k cheaper. But of course the best bit is you can tell your mates that your car is both Turbo charged and Supercharged!

[BarneyBoy]

Oh boy, this discussion could turn almost religious if we're not careful!

Look, both the TSI & TDI offer advantages AND disadvantages. And you're the best judge of what they are. If your wife is a rev-head, get the TSI. If she just purely wants to get from A to B, get the TDI. And I'm not dissing the TDI here. It's just an engine that allows that kind of driving a little easier than the TSI. Having said that, my wife finds it easy to toodle around in my TSI too. Is this helping?

OK, here's some DISadvantages of the diesel:
Dearer
Sometimes dirtier to fill at servos
Heavier
Noisier
Slower (just)

And some DISadvantages of the TSI:
Thirstier
Less resale (only because it's cheaper)
More complex (if that's bad?)
Less torque

As I said, it's personal, & I chose the TSI initially over the GTI (for many reasons) and after testing several diesels decided to stick with a petrol motor. I like revs. Simple as that. And I didn't have to sacrifice torque for those revs. Instant pull (albeit less than a diesel) that goes on right through to 7000rpm. Delicious. My 4.8c

[edstergtsport]

But of course the best bit is you can tell your mates that your car is both Turbo charged and Supercharged!

its the main reason why i got the TSI lol jking....
on a serious note i chose the TSI over the GTI and TDI simply because it was the best of both worlds for me. It sounds great, handles great, goes quick and pretty good economy for the performance ur getting from a petrol engine. plus it was a lot cheaper than the GTI and TDI. I think i got mine TSI at Burwin VW for $38000 inc dealer delivery,rego etc. with DSG, reverse sensor, 3 sets of Keys, protective floor mats, boot protector, iPod Connector.
Although if the diesel price in Australia is same as the rest of the world i would of had a harder time deciding TSI or TDI...

[docjames]

How about just get her to drive both and decide.

And if there's nothing in it, well, the $2500 saving will buy a lot of unleaded.

[fasti06]

its the main reason why i got the TSI lol jking....
on a serious note i chose the TSI over the GTI and TDI simply because it was the best of both worlds for me. It sounds great, handles great, goes quick and pretty good economy for the performance ur getting from a petrol engine. plus it was a lot cheaper than the GTI and TDI. I think i got mine TSI at Burwin VW for $38000 inc dealer delivery,rego etc. with DSG, reverse sensor, 3 sets of Keys, protective floor mats, boot protector, iPod Connector.
Although if the diesel price in Australia is same as the rest of the world i would of had a harder time deciding TSI or TDI...

plus 1 on those reasons we also chose the TSI for my wife. Good luck with the selection and don't think you will go wrong either way.

[shogun2]

We have a Comfortline TDI 2L. If the GT was out when we bought the Comfortline the GT TDI would have been the obvious choice. Had to go to the dealer for some parts for the Multivan, so took the opportunity to drive the GT TDI DSG, as I wouldn't mind uptrading.
The experience was interesting, as I have Diesel Power chip in the Comfortline. I found the power delivery of the GT with the DSG smoother, but just as compelling as the current car, but didn't like the DSG, as I noted hesitation in the box as if it was trying to decide what to do. Has anyone else found this?
One thing about the DSG and the traction control was that I couldn't induce any wheelspin, which is major change from the TDI manual.
If I was buying a car now it would be the GT TDI manual - might still buy one if I can talk the other half into it. However, if your other half is not interested in "go fast", then a standard 2L Golf would be a better choice. You need to understand whether you are choosing the car for her or you. Good luck with your choice.

[Sharkie]

Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear said ...."driving the GT was like falling down stairs wearing leg braces. Work harder and buy the GTI"....

For only $5000 more you get a much better car. It may sound like a fair bit of money, but the GTi so much better that it should cost $10 000 more.

The only reason I don't have one is because the 3 door was not available in Jan 06. I can't ugrade either as I'm tied into a novated lease untill Jan 09.

[TDI Dude]

We have a Comfortline TDI 2L. If the GT was out when we bought the Comfortline the GT TDI would have been the obvious choice. Had to go to the dealer for some parts for the Multivan, so took the opportunity to drive the GT TDI DSG, as I wouldn't mind uptrading.
The experience was interesting, as I have Diesel Power chip in the Comfortline. I found the power delivery of the GT with the DSG smoother, but just as compelling as the current car, but didn't like the DSG, as I noted hesitation in the box as if it was trying to decide what to do. Has anyone else found this?
One thing about the DSG and the traction control was that I couldn't induce any wheelspin, which is major change from the TDI manual.
If I was buying a car now it would be the GT TDI manual - might still buy one if I can talk the other half into it. However, if your other half is not interested in "go fast", then a standard 2L Golf would be a better choice. You need to understand whether you are choosing the car for her or you. Good luck with your choice.

Re: DSG hesitation.... i'm guessing maybe that the car you drove had fairly low km's on it. When going on test drives I did find the DSG a bit hestitant on low km's vehicles but with those cars with higher km's it really wasnt there.. I put it down to the DSG box having not quite "learned" or adapted to a driving style as yet (which is going to be hard on a demo anyways) I presume that once the box "learns" it becomes smoother as it has previous data to fall back on and whilst relatively new the data it falls back on is very small so it falls back on its programming more. Though I'll let folks know if this occurs when I FINALLY get mine around Feb/Mar '08.

[BarneyBoy]

Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear said ...."driving the 1.4 TSI was like falling down stairs wearing leg braces. Work harder and buy the GTi."....

For only $5000 more you get a much better car. It may sound like a fair bit of money, but the GTi so much better that it should cost $10 000 more.

Trouble is, Sharkie, poor old Jeremy spent the entire test with the Winter button engaged - he was complaining that no matter how much you pushed that 'W' button, nothing seemed to happen. He never found out what it was for, yet continued the test in spite of this. I don't know if you've ever driven a GT with the W engaged, but I'll tell you: no wonder he hated it. It's like some sort of berserk traction control on PCP or Crack - fine for icy getaways, but useful and desirable _nowhere_ else.

The silly old knob was the only journo NOT to have raved about the TSI, and countless international awards for the TSI indicate that he's all by himself with his opinion. All I can suggest is to drive them side by side and make your own decision. I did, and can assure everyone that while the GTI is ALWAYS quicker, it's not quicker by very much.

Whether it's $5,000 or $10,000 quicker is a personal opinion, but the GT is certainly NOT 'one of the 5 worst cars ever made' (Clarkson's words). It IS an amazing engine, and one that you keep having to remind yourself that it's only 1400cc, not 2500cc (like it feels). Just try it yourself, because no amount of raving on my behalf (or by other GT owners) will convince you the same way just one drive will. It has a fabulous, unique sound, and has a tonne of torque right off idle, with no time waiting for turbos to spool up, just a nice supercharger whine before the turbo kicks in.

Clarkson's unfortunately not a credible motoring journo anymore - he's an _entertainer_ these days, and a credible one at that - and only that. He's too busy getting a laugh to check his facts first.

[shogun2]

Re: DSG hesitation.... i'm guessing maybe that the car you drove had fairly low km's on it. ...

Yes,
Only 2700 Km's. This could explain a lot.

[Splashalot]

Trouble is, Sharkie, poor old Jeremy spent the entire test with the Winter button engaged - he was complaining that no matter how much you pushed that 'W' button, nothing seemed to happen. He never found out what it was for, yet continued the test in spite of this. I don't know if you've ever driven a GT with the W engaged, but I'll tell you: no wonder he hated it. It's like some sort of berserk traction control on PCP or Crack - fine for icy getaways, but useful and desirable _nowhere_ else.

The silly old knob was the only journo NOT to have raved about the TSI, and countless international awards for the TSI indicate that he's all by himself with his opinion. All I can suggest is to drive them side by side and make your own decision. I did, and can assure everyone that while the GTI is ALWAYS quicker, it's not quicker by very much.

Whether it's $5,000 or $10,000 quicker is a personal opinion, but the GT is certainly NOT 'one of the 5 worst cars ever made' (Clarkson's words). It IS an amazing engine, and one that you keep having to remind yourself that it's only 1400cc, not 2500cc (like it feels). Just try it yourself, because no amount of raving on my behalf (or by other GT owners) will convince you the same way just one drive will. It has a fabulous, unique sound, and has a tonne of torque right off idle, with no time waiting for turbos to spool up, just a nice supercharger whine before the turbo kicks in.

Clarkson's unfortunately not a credible motoring journo anymore - he's an _entertainer_ these days, and a credible one at that - and only that. He's too busy getting a laugh to check his facts first.

Absolutely spot-on, BarneyBoy. I test drove both GT & GTI. I'd rank the GTI's overall performance only a bee's **** ahead of the GT. I ordered the GTI because I think it looks better, and for the iconic badge.

SS

[Mischa]

Hi, I am deciding which GT Sport, TSI or TDI, to get for my wife. She will use it primarily for transport to work (about 15 mins from home) and to ferry kids to and from schools.
I have test drove both variant and I'm inclining on getting the TSI. I like that it feels a bit faster and accelarate with a bit more urgency. It is also a bit quiter than the diesel motor. On the TDI side, it is more economical (marginally) which means more environmentally friendly.

I would like to hear some comments from folks who chose the TDI over TSI what lead them to choose the TDI.

Thanks.

a big consideration is how long you plan to keep the car. if you're not gonna keep it for more than 3-4 years it would be silly to get the tdi. on the other hand if you're like me and plan on keeping the car indefinitely then the tdi's advantages are more profound.

also take into consideration whether you're going to get the auto or the manual? if the manual, the tsi should get more points because it revs much harder and therefore you will shift much less.

also to complicate things, the gti 3-door is only 38500 and i reckon you could get that for around 40k on road, with the huge added advantage of it being one of the few golfs built in germany

you'll love the car whichever way you go