3 door vs 5 door GTI weight difference?

[UnknownSoldier]

Hi All

This is very minuscule and mostly trivial but i was just curious if anyone knew the weight differences between the two?
The GTI seems to be listed as 1186kg for a 5dr.
The 3dr has larger doors and probably more metal there but it also misses out on the extra electric window components.. do they basically offset or is one slightly leaner than the other?

On another semi related note, anyone know the reasoning why my insurance provider mentioned that a 3 door would generally have slightly higher insurance costs over the 5?

[Diesel_vert]

The UK brochure says that 5-door models are about 25 kg heavier.

A 3-door would be considered more sporty and therefore a higher risk (to the insurer).

[readerr0r]

Which is kinda funny, because the large doors gives you amazing over the shoulder visibility. Quite a few people who driven my car have mentioned how they dont need lean back to avoid just looking at the B pillar.

RACQ still provided a very cheap quote for me, no idea if 5dr would make a difference.

I can't confirm, but I imagine the 3dr has a more rigid chassis too.

[Diesel_vert]

Well, whatever the reasons are, the actuaries will have assessed how it may affect the insurer, and the insurer will charge accordingly.

[ill0gitech]

The UK brochure says that 5-door models are about 25 kg heavier.

I'm looking at the Australian brochure, and it shows the exact same weight for both - 1189kg.
December 2010 / VGA1926I

[Pies]

I thought 3 doors were more expensive to insure, due to the fact that if passengers are in the back and the car is involved in an accident it is treated as a right off as they have to cut the car to free the people in the back.

[Diesel_vert]

I'm looking at the Australian brochure, and it shows the exact same weight for both - 1189kg.
December 2010 / VGA1926I

Irrespective of which brochure is accurate, the difference is such that any ordinary driver would not be able to perceive it while driving.

[Dux]

Rather than start a new thread, thought I'd ask here...

Most of the Polo GTI's I see on the road are 5-door, as well as the 'visual appreciation' thread.

Other than the added convenience, is there a reason why most people go the 5-door over the 3-door?

[team_v]

Rather than start a new thread, thought I'd ask here...

Most of the Polo GTI's I see on the road are 5-door, as well as the 'visual appreciation' thread.

Other than the added convenience, is there a reason why most people go the 5-door over the 3-door?

No need to buy a new car if you end up with a child/transporting people

[AndrewBurns]

I beleive 5 door cars generally have a slightly higher resale value than 3 door also. You will probably also find it's a bit of a chicken and egg thing with VW importing more 5 door variants so if you don't want to wait you're more likely to get one of them.

[Dux]

I see.

What are the advantages of 3-door? It looks like visibility is better, and does look a little nicer. Anything else? Clearly as we've seen above weight is not enough of a difference to matter.

[team_v]

I see.

What are the advantages of 3-door? It looks like visibility is better, and does look a little nicer. Anything else? Clearly as we've seen above weight is not enough of a difference to matter.

Generalla longer door which means the B pillar isn't right on your shoulder so you get more visibility and easier shoulder checking.

Also exterior looks.

[AndrewBurns]

Yeah basically it's a tradeoff of looks and visibility vs practicality.

[pologti18t]

The biggest advantage was the price saving of the 3 door.
Otherwise... Australians like 5 door hatches...not 3 doors

[BLN355]

The only thing that gives me the *****s about the 3dr is, being a short armed bigger built bloke and trying to grab the seat belt when I get in is on occasion quite a mission. Gotta be a contortionist and feel as though a trip to the local chiropractor is in order after it lol