First post: GTi or R32?

[rabbitoh]

Hi all,

Firstly, apologies as this question has probably been posted before, and I will do a search to have a look, but it seemed like a good chance to say g'day. :)

Current owner of a 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 selespeed. After the boss came to the party and gave me a pay rise, I am looking to replace my bella with either of the above cars. I was initially thinking a black GTi, 5 door with DSG, leather, sat nav Xenons and sun roof. However after seeing (and hearing) a blue 3 door R32, I am extremly tempted to stump up the extra cash, change to a 3 door and drop the sat nav (I hear it is pretty average). I am thinking silver at this stage.

Got a quote for the above GTi at $51500 on the road with no haggling. No idea what value for my Alfa as a trade in yet. Firstly does that seem a good deal and secondly. if any posters have driven both cars, what are the strengths/weaknesses of each and are they happy with the decision they made.

Thanks all :)

[Oli]

Hi mate and welcome
never had chance to drive new GTI ( i do have GTI 03 ) and they are good fast cars...but if you want everything from vw and for only small diference in $$$ just go for R32 DSG...I had chance to drive one..mate and I will own one soon...
there is no words to describe that car...but there is plenty R32 owners here so they can tell you a bit more....
Not long ago I heard somebody is comparing that R32 with new BMW M3 and said M3 its a bit better
Cheers
Oli

[rabbitoh]

Thanks Oli. Was that person an owner or a non biased 3rd party ;) If it is close to the M3, that would be totally awesome. Hearing it, I know it already sounds better :D

Just reading some back issues of motor, and even though it only got 15th in PCOTY, they used it as one of their leased cars and really seemed to enjoy it.

[VWGTi]

Hi rabbitoh,

Welcome to the forum!

I'm sure you'll find this place extremely helpful and informative as i have.

The price u're quoted for the GTI seems reasonable - although do u really need the xenon and sat nav - and is the sat nav factory or dealer fitted?

Being a proud owner of a GTI I can tell you that I absolutely love every minute in it. Compared to the r32, well, it really comes down to personal preference and what you like... if you like the roaring sound of the v6 then you'll have to go the r32.

I went the GTI 'coz firstly of my budget, and the urge u get when u put your foot on the accelerator.

Another thing that may sway your decision making might be the r32 is made in germany, while the 5dr GTI is from sth africa (which is getting their butts kicked by oz in the cricket at the moment!!).

To date, I haven't had any issues with my 5dr GTI (touch wood).

Either way you choose you'll just love it! I'd probably suggest doing what most of us here have done and to take both cars on a spin back to back and decide for yourself.

Cheers,
Thomas ;)

[rabbitoh]

Cheers Thomas.

I like the idea of xenons but I have dropped sat nav after reading this forum and some other opinions/reviews.

Yep agreed. Gotta get up to my dealer on Saturday and test drive both. There are worse ways to spend a Saturday ;)

Well I got up early to watch the completion of that match and it is already over! Jeez the Sth Africans know how to fold against us in the cricket :D

Do you have a DSG or Manual GTi?

[nassdeutsch]

Hi Rabbitoh,

I found myself in the same situation around a month ago. I ended up buying the GTI with Leather, sat nav, parking picked this up 2 weeks ago, though it was a hard choice as i was looking around the 7k mark to upgrade to an r32 without sat nav and sensors. Most people will tell you the GTI is a more involving drive because the r32 is not as nimble with 1700 kg on board, but when your fire up that r32, the world sounds like its going to end.

I would buy the r32, but in a 3 door (they hold their value better), and if you dont like it, i would seriously consider swapping with you. I have only done a few hundred kms in my gti, and i fight myself everyday not to drive down to the dealer and see if i can do some sort of upgrade.

Also the 3dr GTI is made in Germany, and I would bet the quality would be better then those 5 door GTI's around, so maybe something to consider.

[GoLfMan]

oh man i'd hate to be in your position, but i still think i'd go for the R32 anyday, AWD sways me and the fact that aftermarket stuff can iron out any little niggles that may be inbuilt into the factory car eg, haldrex controller to put more rear drive biased and better suspension... It may not be as fast as a GTi (a flashed one) but boy that engine is a beauty :D

[VWGTi]

Cheers Thomas.

I like the idea of xenons but I have dropped sat nav after reading this forum and some other opinions/reviews.

Yep agreed. Gotta get up to my dealer on Saturday and test drive both. There are worse ways to spend a Saturday ;)

Well I got up early to watch the completion of that match and it is already over! Jeez the Sth Africans know how to fold against us in the cricket :D

Do you have a DSG or Manual GTi?

Yeh the Sth Africans still can't get over the Aussies in the big games! :)

I've got the DSG - again down to personal pref. My reasoning was that it's quicker but also it's super smooth for times when you don't want to give the car a fang! :D

Cheers,

[phaeton]

Welcome rabbitoh :D

If I was stuck in the position your in, I'd take both for a test drive and work out which best suits me.

If you choose the R32 go for one in Black, IMO they are so Beautiful ;)

[blur32]

Hi all,

Firstly, apologies as this question has probably been posted before, and I will do a search to have a look, but it seemed like a good chance to say g'day. :)

Current owner of a 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 selespeed. After the boss came to the party and gave me a pay rise, I am looking to replace my bella with either of the above cars. I was initially thinking a black GTi, 5 door with DSG, leather, sat nav Xenons and sun roof. However after seeing (and hearing) a blue 3 door R32, I am extremly tempted to stump up the extra cash, change to a 3 door and drop the sat nav (I hear it is pretty average). I am thinking silver at this stage.

Got a quote for the above GTi at $51500 on the road with no haggling. No idea what value for my Alfa as a trade in yet. Firstly does that seem a good deal and secondly. if any posters have driven both cars, what are the strengths/weaknesses of each and are they happy with the decision they made.

Thanks all :)

Welcome Rabbitoh

You, like me, my son have seen the light! After an original 156, an early build 147 and a JTS 156....quality, enjoyment, reliability, resale, features, performance...(did i mention reliability and quality?) are things i didn't know could go together all at the same time! Don't get me wrong, the alfisti are passionate for a reason, Alfas have a way of being infectious and you tend to forgive a lot. But not having to cringe everytime i see a pot hole is a sweet moment in my life!

I to looked at both and ended up with a 3dr, Mkv R32, DSG, roof, bluetooth & iPod.In Blue. I agree with Phaeton, they look hot in black. The GTI was/is a fine thing, certainly steers more accurately (and is a lot lighter) than the R32. But to me it had more of a feeling of being on its tippy toes. Rides nice, goes awesomely well...and is a little more traditional & purist. However, if you do a few k's, the added weight, lower stance and AWD gives the R32 an exceptional poise on the road, surprising ride, still sweet handling and a more race car feel (seats are set lower). It looks horn, holds its value & smashes most other things under $100k.

Oh, by the way, have you heard it???????????? Just make sure economy is of no concern. That noise encourages all sorts of short burts of acceleration and hanging onto a lower gear just to listen to it. We are here for a short time, not a long time. Rev, enjoy it and let others bask amongst its glorious noise. This is your role in life!

[Panman]

Hi Rabbitoh,

I'll second what Blur said - in an earlier post my comment was:

Yet with the GTI and R32 we get two well built, reasonable value for money, exciting performance cars. How good is that... There are no wrong choices, just preferences!

I've got an R32 5 Door Manual in Silver. I love it - the only complaint is a slightly annoying rattle in the back seat which my dealer is trying very hard to cure:???:

I have the recaros (which aren't an option on the GTI) and love them, yet other people don't.

I drove both, as well as a chipped GTI, and settled on the R32 for pretty much the reasons that Blur outlined. AWD, more secure feeling on the road (esp compared to the chipped GTI), and the fact that everything I wanted was standard (or in the case of the Recaros) optionable.

2 Months and nearly 4000Ks on, I'm still finding reasons to go for a drive, or take the long way to get anywhere.

Either way you'll be happy with your choice, but do drive both and decide which suits your driving style better.

[VWGTi]

Oh, by the way, have you heard it???????????? Just make sure economy is of no concern. That noise encourages all sorts of short burts of acceleration and hanging onto a lower gear just to listen to it. We are here for a short time, not a long time. Rev, enjoy it and let others bask amongst its glorious noise. This is your role in life!

j: LOL I can definitely second that! It applies to the GTI as well!!

[rabbitoh]

Thanks for the responses so far guys. I have heard both - I saw a blue 3 door R32 at Milsons Point, and I have seen a poster on here a few pages back who says he lives here. Must be his. The sound......pure car porn, although the GTi sounds great as well.

blur32,

Yeah the 147 has been a great little car. Sounds the bizz as well with the high tek exhaust and K&N filter I put on her but there have been niggles with windows etc and the ride is getting old fast. Seems like a good time to get out, while the problems are minor and easily fixed. Plus I want more power ;)

Panaman,

Silver is probably the color I want to get. Have you been happy with that choice? Also re the recaros, are the rear seats still standard? I hear it is a little hard to get in and out of the back with them, but since I will be in the drivers seat, I guess I shouldn't care :-P

nassdeutsch,

Take the plunge and go for it man :D You can always go back!

Given the better half will also be handed the keys, and has not really driven much, sounds like the more linear power delivery, planted nature and 4wd of the R32 may be the way to go.

Tossing up how to finance it, and will see what deals can be done. Till then I have been youtubing R32 and GTi videos. Love the TopGear ass kicking the R32 handed to the 130i :)

[blur32]

Panaman,

Silver is probably the color I want to get. Have you been happy with that choice? Also re the recaros, are the rear seats still standard? I hear it is a little hard to get in and out of the back with them, but since I will be in the drivers seat, I guess I shouldn't care :-P

Be carefull of the Reacaros on a 3Dr! They look hot, are awesomely comfortable and I am glad I did not get them!

If you are not carrying a lot of people in the back (or you can force them to all enter via the passenger side), go for it. The problem with them is that they do not return to your preset position once folded forward. You will forever be re-adjusting you seat! If you carry a few people and want the Recaros (they are real hard to say no to!!!), then go for the 5Dr like Panman.

As for colour:Blue is the go (although I am biased and it is a little "common") and Black is damn fine. Both of these colurs really highlight the grill. Silver wont highlight the grill, but the lower air intakes really stand out, as does the rear valance panel. And personally, i think the grey is just a little drab (strange, course I think it looks hot on a GTI)

[Panman]

Rabbitoh,

Pretty much what Blur said. The Recaros are a complete pain in a 3 Door, they don't "Tilt-Slide" (So there is no memory position), they don't really go far enough forward to allow easy entry and basically just don't work in the 3 door unless you never have anyone in the back seat. Even my old 2 door STi was more practical from that point of view.

I quite like the silver because it looks like an ordinary Golf until you plant your foot, and it was an easier sell to the missus when the grille didn't stand out too much. That said, I like the black, and the DBP.

I did post some photos of mine, but here're a couple...

Seatage.....

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2007/04/DSC00179-3.jpg


Sideage.......

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2007/04/DSC00170-3.jpg

[VWGTi]

Rabbitoh,

Pretty much what Blur said. The Recaros are a complete pain in a 3 Door, they don't "Tilt-Slide" (So there is no memory position), they don't really go far enough forward to allow easy entry and basically just don't work in the 3 door unless you never have anyone in the back seat. Even my old 2 door STi was more practical from that point of view.


Even so, the seats just look so damn good!! ;)

[DaveMack]

Beeeeeeeeutiful car. :D

Dave

[blur32]

You had to go and post pic's of the seats didn't you.....I'll spend the rest of the day in tears having not ordered them!

[Hilton_K]

Both cars are great, up to you really, but just one thing:

Don't skimp on the Bi-Xenons you'll regret it!!! I do 50% of my driving at night and the lights are just unbelievable well and truely worth the extra money.

[rabbitoh]

Guys,

Got a quote of $57828 on the road for a Silver R32 3 door DSG, with sunroof. Depending on what the offer me for the Alfa, this is awfully tempting :D

Will let you guys know what I think after driving both tomorrow.

[DUBING]

the alfa GTA 147 is also nice...:-D

[blur32]

Guys,

Got a quote of $57828 on the road for a Silver R32 3 door DSG, with sunroof. Depending on what the offer me for the Alfa, this is awfully tempting :D

Will let you guys know what I think after driving both tomorrow.

Looking forward to your thoughts! Great price as well.....

[Panman]

I didn't answer the second part of Rabbitoh's question - yes the rear seats are the same no matter what fronts you have.

Remember the Xenons are standard on the R32 as is metallic paint... so don't let them charge you for it.

The other thing is with the Recaros you sit a fair bit lower than the standard seats (which suits my preferred driving position), but you can "jack them up" to suit if you like to sit a bit higher. I was initially surprised by how much lower you do sit in them, but think really carefully if you are considering getting them in a 3dr.

Best test is to try and get someone in and out in the rain..... ;)

[rabbitoh]

Thanks. Got a good look from your photo :D

Yep, will be checking but given the price is on the road, looks like they have not. I like the idea of the Recaros but I think there lack of useability for the 3 door is putting me off. Unless they give me an amazing trade on the Alfa, allowing me to stump for the 5 door, probably unlikely.

Edit. Seen a black R32 on vwvortex. I want a black one now :)

[rabbitoh]

Well just back from test driving the R32. **** morning in Sydney, traffic was bad plus it's wet and cause of work I only got to test the R32.....

but woo hoo, how bloody good was that! First impressions:

- the brakes are fantastic, at least for normal road driving (plenty of bite :D )
- the ride on 18's is much better than the ride on my 147 17's
- in fact the ride is as good or better than my brothers company car camry on 15's
- nice interior, great tiller
- launch control .......*swear word warning* awesome
- the sound ...... my god!
- DSG is sooo much better than Selespeed

only problem is the price they are offering for my Alfa. If I can get that up by 1K, I am sold on this car. Grin factor - massive!

If I order now, I can have my black 3 door DSG, with sunroof in late July.

[VWGTi]

That's great rabbitoh!!

Glad you enjoyed the r32

As we've all said... u won't regret the purchase!!! :D

[blur32]

Well just back from test driving the R32. **** morning in Sydney, traffic was bad plus it's wet and cause of work I only got to test the R32.....

but woo hoo, how bloody good was that! First impressions:

- the brakes are fantastic, at least for normal road driving (plenty of bite :D )
- the ride on 18's is much better than the ride on my 147 17's
- in fact the ride is as good or better than my brothers company car camry on 15's
- nice interior, great tiller
- launch control .......*swear word warning* awesome
- the sound ...... my god!
- DSG is sooo much better than Selespeed

only problem is the price they are offering for my Alfa. If I can get that up by 1K, I am sold on this car. Grin factor - massive!

If I order now, I can have my black 3 door DSG, with sunroof in late July.

haha...the man is sold! You picked the best day to drive the R32: wet day, traffic, idiots on the road, etc. The R32 is perfect for that. Awesome confidence inspiring traction, massive brakes (they get better once they're bedded in), great ride and instant grunt on any surface, any time. No torque steer, no choppy ride!

And that sound!!!

A perfect for seasons, conditions. You will never lose that grin now it's plastered all over face. Order it, don't sleep for 2-3 months in anticipation and enjoy the conversion from being an alfisti to a dubber.

By the way: black is hot!

[rabbitoh]

Cheers guys. I have training for four days next week, going to let the dealer squirm for a few days and then do a deal/no deal. Going to ring around as well but I am basically sold. On the car, no doubt about it, will be an R32, just a matter of meeting with the bank to go through pros and cons. I have the $ I just need to double check it wont torpedo buying our first house next year.

Actually, maybe I will just put the house off for a year or two ;)

One question, I seemed to sit quiet high in the standard leather, can you drop it down a little?

[blur32]

Cheers guys. I have training for four days next week, going to let the dealer squirm for a few days and then do a deal/no deal. Going to ring around as well but I am basically sold. On the car, no doubt about it, will be an R32, just a matter of meeting with the bank to go through pros and cons. I have the $ I just need to double check it wont torpedo buying our first house next year.

Actually, maybe I will just put the house off for a year or two ;)

One question, I seemed to sit quiet high in the standard leather, can you drop it down a little?

Hang the house!

Yes you can drop the seat (depending on where it was set for your test drive). There is a height adjustment lever on the right hand side of the seat allowing to raise/lower. 'Spose it all depends on how tall you are as to wether you can get it low enough. I certainly find it sit far lower than i remember sitting in my old 147.

[rabbitoh]

Hang the house!

Yes you can drop the seat (depending on where it was set for your test drive). There is a height adjustment lever on the right hand side of the seat allowing to raise/lower. 'Spose it all depends on how tall you are as to wether you can get it low enough. I certainly find it sit far lower than i remember sitting in my old 147.

Thinking about it, it's the only sensible course of action. Houses are a dime a dozen anyway ;)

I think the salesperson I was dealing with jacked it up when showing me how it worked.

I have the sports seats in the 147, so it gets nice and low :D

[VWGTi]

Thinking about it, it's the only sensible course of action. Houses are a dime a dozen anyway ;)



Or u could move out of NSW!! Property prices are off the radar there!!!

[rabbitoh]

Or u could move out of NSW!! Property prices are off the radar there!!!

I'd love to pull the move my boss made. He transferred to the Gold Coast, whilst retaining his Sydney based package. Given that none of his team (of 140 odd) are based out of the GC, I have to give him credit. He is not a car guy though :?

[rabbitoh]

Alright, bank and VW have come to the party. I just need to get up to VW (will have to be after training this week!!!) on Friday/Sat and sign on the dotted line. Specs will be:

R32
Pearl (?) black
DSG
sunroof

Not sure on what color interior yet but who cares cause I am bloody excited. From what I was told on Sat, mid July will be the date.

[VWGTi]

Alright, bank and VW have come to the party. I just need to get up to VW (will have to be after training thise week!!!) on Friday/Sat and sign on the dotted line. Specs will be:

R32
Pearl (?) black
DSG
sunroof

Not sure on what color interior yet but who cares cause I am bloody excited. From what I was told on Sat, mid July will be the date.

That sounds fantastic rabbitoh!!

What do u mean by interior colour?u mean colour leather seats??

[rabbitoh]

That sounds fantastic rabbitoh!!

What do u mean by interior colour?u mean colour leather seats??

yep pretty sure I am getting black leather but just want the missus to double check j:

[rabbitoh]

BTW VWGTi or anyone else, are the parking sensors worth the $? Never used them before but I was thinking it might be the way to go for the better half.

[Dr Spine]

I don't have them on my GTI. I wouldn't need them on the back (which is where I think they put them) I wish I had some on the front (down low) to give a sense of how close you are to the "thing" that could mess up the front grille. I find it (still) a little hard to judge the position of the front of the Mk5 golf. The bonnet drops away steeply and in some funny way it almost seems that the front of the car is at the firewall. In my previous cars you could see the end of the bonnet. Not the case in the GTI (R32 would be the same) or maybe I'm just too short!

My front end is still pristine thankfully.

[blur32]

BTW VWGTi or anyone else, are the parking sensors worth the $? Never used them before but I was thinking it might be the way to go for the better half.

Ahhh......another swayed! Good to see common sense prevailed and the car came first! Now comes the hard part....waiting.

Glad you went for the black. The grill looks fantastic on black and the OEM rims really look the part on the black as well. Black interior real easy to keep clean (1st time I've had a dark interior in years), but the beige looks hot with the black, really classy (although not as racy). Just make sure you talk your dealer into swapping the "wood" for the metal trim. In my opinion the wood looks cheap and nasty.

Oh, by the way, you never tire of that sound. Windows will only be up when its raining and the heated seats do a good job against the cold breeze!

[rabbitoh]

I don't have them on my GTI. I wouldn't need them on the back (which is where I think they put them) I wish I had some on the front (down low) to give a sense of how close you are to the "thing" that could mess up the front grille. I find it (still) a little hard to judge the position of the front of the Mk5 golf. The bonnet drops away steeply and in some funny way it almost seems that the front of the car is at the firewall. In my previous cars you could see the end of the bonnet. Not the case in the GTI (R32 would be the same) or maybe I'm just too short!

My front end is still pristine thankfully.

Hmmm - I will prob see what the price is, might skip em. Thanks for your thoughts.

[drb999]

... I wish I had some on the front (down low) to give a sense of how close you are to the "thing" that could mess up the front grille...

I second this! Bloody shopping car parks, took the bottom off my front bumper!

[rabbitoh]

Ahhh......another swayed! Good to see common sense prevailed and the car came first! Now comes the hard part....waiting.

Glad you went for the black. The grill looks fantastic on black and the OEM rims really look the part on the black as well. Black interior real easy to keep clean (1st time I've had a dark interior in years), but the beige looks hot with the black, really classy (although not as racy). Just make sure you talk your dealer into swapping the "wood" for the metal trim. In my opinion the wood looks cheap and nasty.

Oh, by the way, you never tire of that sound. Windows will only be up when its raining and the heated seats do a good job against the cold breeze!

It was funny - training this week and today and we were looking at the Herrmann Brain Dominance instrument and what it said about us. Lets just it told me exactly why I went for the R32 ;) Plus I managed to bring it into the discussion about my results and it turns out the guy sitting next to me is a car nut and to knows all about the R32 :)

Anyhoo, we are going with black, for that very reason (easy to keep clean).

The sound - well I have been on youtube since getting home watching/listening to clips. I am going to take leave in July when she is delivered and get very familiar with her growl :cool:

[rabbitoh]

I second this! Bloody shopping car parks, took the bottom off my front bumper!

what happened? sucks dude!

[VWGTi]

yeh i didn't option the parking sensors either - considering what you see out the back window is pretty much where the end of the car is!!

I'm used to driving a magna & camry so the length of the car and adjusting to the front seemed to be easier in the GTI compared to the above! LOL

[DaveMack]

BTW VWGTi or anyone else, are the parking sensors worth the $? Never used them before but I was thinking it might be the way to go for the better half.

If they can do them for the passenger side I'd be interested. :D

(Then I could, hopefully, get the rims fixed and they'd stay that way.)

Dave

[Panman]

Hi Rabbitoh,

Since you were doing the HBDI stuff, and you've bought an R32 can I guess a fair bit of Yellow?

We've done the HBDI stuff at my work and I ended up Yellow, with a LOT of Yellow under stress (off the scale).

Secondary is red.

Interested to hear what you are and if all R32 owners are the same...

[rabbitoh]

Hi Rabbitoh,

Since you were doing the HBDI stuff, and you've bought an R32 can I guess a fair bit of Yellow?

We've done the HBDI stuff at my work and I ended up Yellow, with a LOT of Yellow under stress (off the scale).

Secondary is red.

Interested to hear what you are and if all R32 owners are the same...

G'day Panman,

I picked myself to be blue (I am a Unix Admin by trade) and yellow, then red and finally green. I was actually a triple with green just in front of blue, then yellow and lastly red. However I move sharply from green to yellow under stress, so my take is:

Green. I am methodical when choosing cars (plenty of research)
Blue. I am logical when reviewing the above research (hence picked the R32 cause it is brilliant :D )
Yellow. Spending 60K is stressful, so my yellow brain comes into play and I look at the big picture (I am going to have a bloody great time) and ignore minor details like spending lots of $ on a car :)