Originally Posted by
Dan_3MPS
I note you have one of each! (diesel vs. petrol)
Any pros/cons for each from your ownership experience worth sharing?
Glad to share my experience 
Upfront disclosure. The comparison below compares a Highline 110TDI diesel (110kw/ 320nm) against a Highline 103TSI petrol (103kw / 250nm). The comfort line petrol only loses a few KW, but a whopping 50nm of torque compared to the Highline petrol. While I didn't notice this driving them back to back with the car unladen, I cannot speak to how the comfort line petrol would drive when fully loaded.
In my opinion, without stepping into the performance range, the diesel is more of a driver's car given it's ridiculous amount of torque to the front wheels. However, not all of it is useable tho as a lot of the time when you apply moderate throttle with your foot, you just get smoke and noise.
The petrol on the other hand is better at putting it's available torque to the ground. This is not to say you can use all of it tho, go past 50% throttle on take off, you will get wheel spin even on dry roads. (I guess this further demonstrates how ridiculous the torque in the diesel is in the fwd configuration).
In terms of daily drive, we definitely have to make a point of taking the diesel for a longer drive once in a while to clean out the DPF, it's usually driven in city traffic so this step is important to not prematurely wear out the DPF.
I have had 4 adults + luggage in the petrol, or the camping trip where the car is loaded to the roof with 2 adults. The car pulls and overtakes just fine, so you don't have to worry about weight eroding away the available torque in the petrol.
The 6 speed DSG in the diesel is definitely less hesitant than the 7 speed DSG found in the petrol. The best I can describe it is the diesel takes off from stand still more like a traditional automatic, where as the petrol has more hesitation and feels more like a manual. You learn to adapt your driving to the petrol DSG tho. But you definitely notice the difference jumping from the petrol into the diesel.
For petrol, there is noticeable DSG hesitation from slow rolling speed to take off. Ie. when you slow to a roll to the entry of a roundabout and apply power to enter and exit the roundabout. I never noticed this hesitation in the diesel, but this is reproducible every time in the petrol. It's not dangerous, just catches you off guard if you are not expecting it the first time. Again, I've learned to anticipate it and adapt to it.
Last mechanical point, the diesel has been pretty good mechanically, nothing to fault. The petrol has had a wastegate rattle (also mentioned by other forum members) since just before it's first service at 15k. It doesn't affect the drivability of the car, but can be a little annoying at times. I've learned to ignore it. Having said that, I'm actively working with VW to get this resolved. Waiting to hear back from Germany for approval to replace the wastegate.
Earlier MK7 petrols had clutch pack issues (MY13 models). These were subsequently fixed. I have not had any clutch issues with my petrol.
Functionality wise, both diesel and petrol offer exactly the same thing inside and out, so nothing to add here. Also, if your budget will not stretch past a highline, take the comfort line and option the driver assistance package! Worth every penny! I would not get another car without the technology that comes in the package
Things to note for ongoing cost:
Both cars need to have brake fluid and pollen filter changed every 2 years. These items are not priced into the standard service schedule, can catch people off guard.
Diesel service is more expensive over the same lifetime compared to petrol. 6 speed DSG in the diesel takes DSG oil. This will set you back an extra $600-650 at the 60k mark, bring the 60k service to roughly $900 from the average $325. (If you do roughly 15k a year, this will run your 60k service into four digit territory when you do the brake fluid and pollen filter at the same time. Something to be mindful of.) I do believe VW has priced the DSG oil into their service schedule tho. (Edit, just checked. 60K service is $911 + pollen filter + brake fluid as required)
Petrol 7 speed is dry clutch. So no extra surprises other than the aforementioned pollen filter and brake fluid.
Which would I buy again? Both. If I know I'm going to do a lot of highway driving, or load the car up to the roof, or tow, diesel without a doubt. If I'm just driving to and from work with the occasional cross country trip, I'd get the petrol
Hopefully this has been informative for you Feel free to come back to me with any specific questions you have about either car.
Last edited by agentthumb; 05-01-2017 at 08:32 PM.
Golf MK7 103TSI Highline Wagon | Limestone Grey | DAP2
Golf MK7 110TDI Highline Hatchback | Tungsten Silver | DAP
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