The Great GTI Debate

[Bluerex]

Hi Gang,
In the next 6 months, the lease on old Bluerex will be up. Now comes the trick part, picking a successor. VW of course, but which one. Golf GTI (manual, bi-zeon, leather) or Polo GTI (manual, leather).
So let the debate rage.. which one wouid make a better run-about ?

[gtimk5]

Well, I'll go first and say the Golf! Better suspension ect. ect......
Good luck!!!! Andrew

[GT3]

I'm assuming you won't miss the WRX's laggy turbo, bc in both the Golf and Polo GTIs - power and torque comes on quick, so that makes them both great. Both are aimed at different market segments (one being more refined and upmarket, the other more simple) and hence the price difference. That's where the choice is made as to what's more suitable (and within your budget).

You've mentioned best runabout, well that depends on what you mean by that also. If price is your main criteria then the Polo would be the logical choice as a runabout

[mitch_gti]

The great GTI debate

Well seeing as you are used to a four door i guess the Golf GTI would be the most logical way foward.

Golf's have a few more options available, as forementioned the polo is a bit more simple but my no means is it under-equipped.

I have the time of my life in the Polo (especially after the APR tune).

But one other thing to consider is whether you would like you're next car to have a manual trans or an Auto. Obviously out of the two cars the Golf is the one which offers the DSG.

As mentioned you cant go wrong with either in terms of package, styling, value for money and pocket rocket appeal.

But you can go wrong with size and lack of doors, depending on you're personal situation.

[NickZ]

First thing I would consider is how much you are comfortable spending - because in my opinion they are different cars aimed for different markets despite their similarities.

If $45k to $50k is totally within your budget and you wont feel any better by saving potentially around $12-$15k on the polo, then get the golf. It is worth the extra pennies with the newer and bigger engine, better tuned suspension, the size difference if that is important with you, and the extra options (xenons not available on the polo), amongst other things!

In saying that, the polo is an awesome car on its own. Its what I own, and you definitely won't go wrong. I nearly got a second hand golf gti (new one out of my budget) before I decided on the new polo gti, and what convinced me was, apart from the money I saved, was that I did not feel short changed by going into the polo. Sure, it might not have a couple of things that the golf has, but it is still an awesome car!

Also, the polo is a great car to mod, if you do lean that way. Plenty to do, and you could do plenty of mods with the money you save over the golf and still have some change left over.

In regards to what is a better run about, if you often take more than 2 people, then definitely the 4 door gti. If not, then there is not too much of a difference.

So I guess there is a lot to think about, and if you can't make up your mind, just test drive both and go with what your gut tells ya!

[neil]

What about the Jetta GTI.... coming soon.

[mscabrio]

I used to own a MY00 WRX and now have a Polo GTI and love it to bits. My husband currently has an XT Forrester and is looking to sell that to buy a Golf GTI.

I guess that it all depends on what you want and what size you want in a car. For me the Polo is awesome as I can squeeze it into the inner city car park at work. Its also a roomy enough car to fit 4 adults comfortably and some luggage.

[mscabrio]

What about the Jetta GTI.... coming soon.

When ???????

[GT3]

.. polo is a great car to mod, if you do lean that way. Plenty to do, and you could do plenty of mods with the money you save over the golf and still have some change left over.

That's what did it for me

I think we were lucky in Oz bc, by international comparisons, VW Oz landed the Polo GTI here for a very competitive price (against local competition). It packs a lot for the price, and I think that's why the Polo GTI is doing so well here. If you look at UK as an example, it isn't quite the same bargain there and has a lot of competition, eg Seat.

[phaeton]

What about the Jetta GTI.... coming soon.

Don't you mean GLI ?

and whats your source ?

[FL00DY]

What I love about the Polo over the Golf is I think it's more chuckable into corners. It's lighter and I think much more agile and nimble. However when a Golf spots some straight sections it really can pull away. I've followed a 3dr Golf GTI through Macq Pass, and he really was much quicker. The chuckable feeling doesn't beat the better suspension. If I had the money, know question I'd get the Golf. In fact when the 3dr came out I did look at how I could get out of the Polo and into a Golf, just to big a reach. As has been said, you wont be disappointed in either. Oh and the leather seats in the Polo comes with red stitching, the Golf doesn't, some Golf owners I know have been offended by that

[FL00DY]

Don't you mean GLI ?

and whats your source ?

Yeah surely he means GLI, that I'm aware of there is no VW market anywhere that has a Jetta GTI coming.

[JimmyVdub]

My 2 cents work... drive them both then see what you think. The price difference is so great its sort of hard to really compair them.

I used to have a 2.0FSI golf with sport suspension and 17" tires before the Polo GTI. The suspension in the golf is a cut above the Polo, but I enjoy driving the Polo more - I love the 5 speed gear box, and engine is always ready to go. In the Golf I had to change gears lots more, and it was just that bit harder to drive "relaxed". Mind you, I imagine the 2.0T Golf GTI engine/gearbox would be significantly different.

[FL00DY]

A guy on the Tex' got a free 30gb iPod with his Polo GTI.

[neil]

Yeah surely he means GLI, that I'm aware of there is no VW market anywhere that has a Jetta GTI coming.

Sorry guy's for not responding sooner. I have not been following this
thread as much as I should be.

Regarding my statement..Yes I was just having a go at you all.
Although I have noticed a few USA sites they place the Golf GTI front
on the Jetta.
Neil.