[human]

Has anyone driven the VW GTI or Rabbit? Tell me what you think! Do you feel connected to the car and to the road like in the BMW? Thanks in advance for your response!

[canucklion]

it would be better if you had titled the thread accordingly

I thought you were a girl asking what guys think about, our feelings...etc after some romp and bump

GTI, drove it, had the DSG, it's nice but I wasn't wowed, the interior build quality is good, but the exterior doesn't do it for me, looks very cartoony

[Asiann]

You would probably find a better answer on a VW forum. Not trying to be smart but I'm sure you would get more replies.

[Boondoggler]

I've not driven the current GTI, but I did test drive a Jetta GLI prior to purchasing my 330i. They're very similar. The GLI was extremely peppy, quite fun to drive. But being front wheel drive, and having a far inferior suspension, it's handling dynamics were not near what you have in your 330i. When I priced out the lease though, it was about $175 a month less than the BMW, so I wouldn't expect it to be as good a car. It would have been a car I would have liked to drive when I was 25, but it's a bit too boy racer for me now.

[BK]

Tested a 06 GLI when I was testing other cars. The engine feels underrated at 200hp. It is a very quick turbo I4, decent gas mileage, has little FWD torque steer, very little/no turbo lag, and decent torque at low RPM. Interior with leather was very nice and it has most of the little features that we like on our E90s. Steering feel wasn't even close to BMW, and the MT feel was not as good, either, but better than say a Civic or Mazda 3. I did not try the DSG transmission, but supposedly it is better than any "AT with paddles" from BMW or any other manufacturer.

Overall, and assuming the car is reliable (a big assumption for a VW), an incredible value. GTI is essentially the same but available as a hatch 3-door or 5-door.

EDIT - here's the best forum for VW. Go to the "Golf V & Jetta V" forum: http://www.vwvortex.com/

[just4kickz]

gti!

[canucklion]

very true, you should try
vwvortex
great site

Originally Posted by Asiann

You would probably find a better answer on a VW forum. Not trying to be smart but I'm sure you would get more replies.

[human]

Awesome, thanks all.

[ifisboin]

I have an 06 GTI and love the car.... the DSG transmision is supe smooth, the turbo in the car is quite impressing. Interior wise the car is very well finished although i would have like the seat to be automatic.

[obLu]

Almost ditched my 330 for a 4dr GTI w/ DSG. It was attractive as a fun little around town car. But I wasn't directly comparing it to the 330, I was comparing it to cars in it's class.

My wife talked me out of it though.

[Russellnyc]

Love everything about the GTI except the FWD and the front-heavy weight distribution. Otherwise, engine is great, interior is lovely, and with the rear seats down, you can haul giant objects. Can't beat the price either, for an autobahn capable car.

[compliance]

I test drove the GTI extensively and I think it's a great car. The biggest problem with it is that it is too expensive for what you get. They can option up over $30k, which is rediculous. I've heard people being able to get invoice on them, which somewhat mitigates this, but I live in CA and that is impossible here. Still, in the <$25k market it's what I'd buy. If I were looking auto I'd even take one over a 325i, because the DSG is just so much better than anything else like it. The engine is awesome too, and from what I've read they dyno in the 190's so it is definitely under rated. Add a chip and they get really quick. The Votex kit fixes styling issues imo, but also adds over $1000 to the price.

[///M3NACE]

i drove my friends 2006 Gti and he put a chip in there and omg the car is gorgeous...he has beaten evos and sti's with the chip...Get the GTI..drives nice..luxurious..very very fast when u get the chip..$500 modd only

[sbw]

I drive many VWs because I run this site: http://www.VolksWatch.com/

The GTI and similar Jetta GLI — one has a hatch, one has a trunk, everything else is the same — are incredible front drivers, among the best out there. Their biggest drawback is ride height, which gives them a high center of gravity and causes them to really throw their weight around in corners.

Volkswagen has lowered the ride height for 2007 but not nearly enough.

The GTI and GLI were not designed foremost as driver's cars, like BMWs are, so they don't feel as athletic and capable. They were designed for transportation for the masses. The GTI is a hopped-up Rabbit.

Also, with the manual tranny, clutch travel is long. The dual-clutch DSG tranny is ingenious, though.

Our GLI road test is here:
http://www.volkswatch.com/roadtests/jettagli.asp

I'd probably be pretty happy with a GTI or GLI. Not as happy as with my 330i, though!

[BuckJon]

I have had both a '04 GTI and an '06 A3. Loved both cars but moving up to the 335i. The GTI was just pure fun. Weave in and out of traffic, park anywhere and has that real get up and go thing going on. heheh. I had the GTI with the 1.8T so I am sure the new 2.0T in the GTI would be awesome. In the A3 it was nice but the A3 is a bit bigger than the GTI. I like the interiors of both cars. Nicely done. Although I am not thrilled about the new GTI body styling. I liked the old style better but it may grow on me, who knows. I'd say go for it if you are looking for a fun car, and don't need a lot of space. Good on gas also. Plus I love the purple lighting. (not sure if it's still the same color or not though) I should have held on to that car, got it at 0% interest but my dumbass sold it for the Audi and now I find myself getting a bimmer at 8%. Damn credit score!!! Not totally my fault though, my 4runner got stolen a while back and my military ID was in it, they got my SSN and screwed up my credit while I was in Iraq the first time. Never been able to get it fixed all the way. Oh well. No more drinking and passing out with my keys in my hand.

[BuckJon]

Oh yeah and I loved the sound it made!