Golf 118 -v- Golf GT SPORT TSI

[paulb]

I agree with Marius. The MarkV GT is seriously underated (IMO). I had one for 3 years before recently upgrading to a MkVI GTI and did about 80,000kms in it. I did mostly city driving, but also quite a few country work trips and a couple of visits to the snow. The GT lapped everything up without a complaint (it is such a balanced car) and was very reliable. I was considering hanging on to it and doing a few mods, but as a daily drive, the extra peace of mind of a warranty pushed me into a trade. I wasn't that impressed with the 118TSI Comfortline, again IMO, because I really liked the sportiness of the GT. I agree with previous comments about the 7spd DSG, but also the suspension/set up was so different. I guess that was why I ended up with a GTI I'm really enjoying the new ride, but still missing the old one !! Would have been tempted to buy a new GT if they were available.

[pologti18t]

I'm really enjoying the new ride, but still missing the old one !! Would have been tempted to buy a new GT if they were available.

Isn't that what the `118tsi with the Sports pack essentially is???

[paulb]

I guess that's the point of this thread. I don't think they are. BTW, the 118TSI I drove had a sports pack, but was definately not as "sporty". I'm not up to speed on the differences, I'm sure someone out there has the answers! I did like the idea of a POLO GTI, but there isn't enough space in one for me (6'3") and my son (6'6"). A mate has one and loves it

[Ryan_R]

I think the sport pack is just a bunch of accessories (i.e. window tint, spoilers/body kit, tyre pressure monitoring, etc - nothing to really change how the car drives) - besides the APR software is cheaper than the sport pack.

[pologti18t]

I think the sport pack is just a bunch of accessories (i.e. window tint, spoilers/body kit, tyre pressure monitoring, etc - nothing to really change how the car drives) - besides the APR software is cheaper than the sport pack.

Alloy wheels (Seattle) 17 x 7" with 225/45 R17 tyres (4)
Dark tinted rear side windows and rear window, 65% light absorbing
Front fog lights with static cornering light function, mounted in lower bumper
Front sports seats with sports cloth trim
Low tyre pressure indicator
Sports suspension

[Corey_R]

The Comfortline "Sports Pack" does include different suspension, described as "Sports Suspension" in the specifications. There was something somewhere which indicated that it was approximately 10mm lower (front and rear) than the stock suspnsion, but I cannot find it atm.

Either way, suspension and an engine are only two parts of an overall package. The 118TSI isn't meant, nor was it ever intended, to replace the MKV GT.


Edit... doh! I should refresh the pages more often

[Ryan_R]

Ah ok - I thought the sport suspension was the permanent equivalent of Sport mode for those who have ACC.

[Corey_R]

No. ACC doesn't work like that...

ACC is continual 1000Hz monitoring of suspension/body/wheel travel, and the hydraulic adjustment of the dampers based on that data. It then has 3 "sensitivity profiles" (for lack of a better word), Comfort, Normal and Sports. It's a common misconception, but "ACC on Normal" is not the equivalent of not having ACC etc.

[triode12]

Having said that, the suspension in the GT isn't as sporty as the GTI either. It is tuned more for comfort (Grand Touring).
I can feel the difference between the stock GTI suspension and my GT's suspension.

[paulb]

I agree with Triode's comments. My GTI definately has a firmer ride, although this is partly due to the 18''s, v's the 17"s on the GT. The GT's suspension was a good compromise for the (mostly) city driving I do. The GTI does bump around a lot more on Sydney's crappy roads, although I had it loaded with 4 passengers yesterday and it seemed more stable

[MkVIGTI]

I have the 17"s and I find the ride quite supple. The same cannot be said for the backseat passengers though as the rear springs seem rather stiff. There's a bit too much lean from the front in the corners though.

[triode12]

I have the 17"s and I find the ride quite supple. The same cannot be said for the backseat passengers though as the rear springs seem rather stiff. There's a bit too much lean from the front in the corners though.

Front and Rear swaybars will correct that problem.

[Paul_R]

The GTI does bump around a lot more on Sydney's crappy roads, although I had it loaded with 4 passengers yesterday and it seemed more stable

I've noticed this on all cars. Is it because the suspension is designed to carry 4 people (not just one)? Or is it just because the car is heavier with 4 on board and therefore "steamrolls" the bumps better?

If it's the former then softer springs would be better for those of us that never have passagers? Or I might have it completely wrong.

[MariusGT]

I had a ride in the back of my GT the other night for the first time (had been drinking and keeping the little fella company).

I was shocked at how much stiffer the rear feels compared to the front!! Not sure if it's the suspension set up or seats - rear obviously doesn't have the cushion (support) of the fronts... Maybe it's a combination of both. Now I understand why a friend once suggested I should always put less psi in the rears than the front.

As for the topic and everyone's comments- I THINK that the 2 main factors for the massive difference between 2 very similar cars (mechanically) is the 7sp dsg and the suspension set up.

PAULB: abbotsford? I hope you are a regular down at Trovatino (great north road, wareemba)?! Best gelato in Sydney- and a friend owns it.... Also you'll see a bevy of lush Italian supercars are down there almost every day of the week!!

[paulb]

Yes Marius, I go past Trovatino every day and have a good look at the cars outside. I agree the gelato is great, but obviosly only in summer. Its a real scene there and a bit too crowded most of the time so I end up having coffee down the road at Dolcetti ..... no shortage of good cafes in the area.

Anyway, hope you're enjoying the GT as much as I did mine.