[bCAINGLIT]

Im going to be purchasing my next car in a couple weeks. Saying goodbye to the MK6 GTI so I'm trying to get others opinions and thoughts. The MK7 w/ the autobahn package sounds tempting. It basically has all the options i can get in a luxury car. But you gotta love those BMW engines!. I know that these two cars are night and day comparing apples to oranges and may get bias opinions since this is the BMW forum. What are your guys thought? Anyone going through the same situation?

I've gone through several cars through the years, so heres a little background on my taste. 96 Acura Integra, 05' Mercedes C230, 06' Honda S2000, 07' BMW 328i, 11' VW GTI.

[BimmerBoomer]

I think you'd need to spend a lot of money on an F30 to do better than the GTI. Did you have a spec in mind?

[langn08]

I came from an autobahn mk6 APR stage 2. day and night difference between the two. I grew up and out of the GTI into something that fits where I am in my life with family,finances, & career.. that being said I feel that my 320xi provides me with a great deal of driving pleasure compared to the gti. especially on my morning highway commute now that I'm not being shaken down the highway...

[Reelknead1]

I came from a 2010 GTI base model with a Stage 1 tune. As Langn08 said, the BMWs ride is just amazing compared to the GTI. The power of stage 1 felt faster then my 328i due to its massive amounts of TQ but overall I think they are pretty well matched. Overall the BMW is a nicer car but the size of the car shows a bit when driving it. I'm not saying its a huge car but coming from a 2 door GTI, the 3 series felt a bit large at first. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

[JN1]

I think its 'apples to oranges'. F30 is more of sports sedan versus a smaller sportier car. For me with clients and such the F30 made more sense. Even modified has a 'professional' appearance and feel. Running Bilstein PSS10 at a reasonable height looks OEM+ with a comfortable ride even at long distance.

Its all business during the week and can double as a weekend warrior at the track. That's just my personal preference.

[JMK007]

My last car was a Mark VI GTI. Although I prefer my 328 over the GTI, they are both great cars. The GTI is a ton of fun and the quality is as good at a considerably lower price. I just prefer the RWD experience, especially on track. But for overall value, I'd give the nod to the GTI.

[nicknaz]

Personally, I think you should lease a 335 m sport. There is one being transferred on this forum for $500/mo including CA taxes that is pretty loaded.

I think the Mk7 with the electronic LSD option package is interesting but RWD with 3.0L turbo instead of FWD with 2.0L turbo is definitely a difference

[JN1]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

Personally, I think you should lease a 335 m sport. There is one being transferred on this forum for $500/mo including CA taxes that is pretty loaded.

I think the Mk7 with the electronic LSD option package is interesting but RWD with 3.0L turbo instead of FWD with 2.0L turbo is definitely a difference

Missed that point in my rant. RWD is why I got this over many choices. I couldn't imagine having a car that wasn't RWD unless maybe AWD. Once again, personal pref.

[JBH320]

Originally Posted by bCAINGLIT

Im going to be purchasing my next car in a couple weeks. Saying goodbye to the MK6 GTI so I'm trying to get others opinions and thoughts. The MK7 w/ the autobahn package sounds tempting. It basically has all the options i can get in a luxury car. But you gotta love those BMW engines!. I know that these two cars are night and day comparing apples to oranges and may get bias opinions since this is the BMW forum. What are your guys thought? Anyone going through the same situation?

I've gone through several cars through the years, so heres a little background on my taste. 96 Acura Integra, 05' Mercedes C230, 06' Honda S2000, 07' BMW 328i, 11' VW GTI.

My last 3 cars have been 09'VW GTI, 10'BMW 323i, 13'BMW 320D.

I loved the GTI as it was fully optioned up and went like a rocket. However my wife hated the harsh ride, firm seats and direct steering. Over much teeth clenching and knuckle gnawing I sold the GTI and got the BMW. It was a great car with a fantastic engine and unfortunately went to the BMW gods in the sky after taking an off road excursion one evening in the countryside.

After much discussion over a few beers I/We agreed to get another BMW and I think this one - 320D is just as good as the GTI. Would not have a hope in hell of beating it in a straight line or around a set of curves, but for pure comfort, luxury, performance and overall finish I/We are very happy with the BMW.

[Falafel Combo]

I had an MK6 GTI (Wolfsburg) in 6MT last year and am now driving a loaner base 320i xDrive auto with premium package.


I have to say, I loved my GTI. I still do. And frequently miss it. Such a fun little package and a very VERY competent all arounder. Having said that, even when put up against the 320i which would be considered the entry level f30 ... no contest. The f30 is just a few degrees above the GTI in terms of refinement, confidence on the road and safety. Even with the base xDrive suspension it handles impressively well and the steering is spot on - much better than the GTI in both aspects. Never thought I'd say that with an f30 but with the newest software update, they have pretty much brought the f30 cars back home.


The GTI may edge out the f30 in terms of pure giggles-per-miles, but overall the f30 is more grown up. It's everything you need from a car in this segment, just not as playful as the GTIs.


The problem with the f30 is once you start climbing up the ladder and get into the loaded 328i and 335i M Sport money, the competition gets much more fierce, and the f30 begins to loose depth. That's when it makes a less compelling argument. When you get into the $50,000+ territory. It's crowded up there.


But again, love the GTI. The bimmer gets my money.

[Nick the Greek]

Golf R7. Awesome car.
Quite a few moving from F30 to Golf here in the UK!

[rabid23]

came from a stage 2+ golf 6, now driving a stock 328i.

go for the bmw for a change. you can always get the gti viii when its out in a few years.

that said, its hard to beat the complete package that a gti offers. everyone i know who had owned one misses it.

[diesel86]

For me, the GTI would be more fun. I'm currently in a F30 8AT and while the chassis has great balance overall, it's just not as fun as my previous MKV GLI 6MT. We are moving to Denver from Phoenix soon and I have been eyeing the new MKVII GTI since it would be better in the snow.

[Steven1077]

FWD, no thanks

[diesel86]

Originally Posted by Steven1077

FWD, no thanks

Yeah...that's what I thought until I drove one. Every generation since the MKV Golf/Rabbit/GTI or Jetta/GLI has been amazing in terms of handling prowess and chassis dynamics.

[rjpeaks]

OP had a BMW before.

i would drive both if i were in the OP's position.

for me, I'm a little old for the GTI...

[CK335iMSport]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

I think the Mk7 with the electronic LSD option package is interesting but RWD with 3.0L turbo instead of FWD with 2.0L turbo is definitely a difference

Originally Posted by JNLBC

Missed that point in my rant. RWD is why I got this over many choices. I couldn't imagine having a car that wasn't RWD unless maybe AWD. Once again, personal pref.

I'm with these guys. My last vehicle was a 2011 GTI MK6 (APR Stage 1), absolutely outstanding machine, the GTI just has that special formula that makes it so special. But there is a huge difference between that car and my BMW, most everyone posting has hit the majority of points, it really just comes down to what you are looking for, because it is an apples vs. oranges comparison.

At this stage, I'm saying you can't beat the refinement and performance of the BMW (between these two). If I was ever going to look at another Golf, I'd look at the Golf R (MK7), 300HP/AWD, sounds like an awesome car. But I'm voting BMW on this one...

[bCAINGLIT]

Originally Posted by CK335iMSport

I'm with these guys. My last vehicle was a 2011 GTI MK6 (APR Stage 1), absolutely outstanding machine, the GTI just has that special formula that makes it so special. But there is a huge difference between that car and my BMW, most everyone posting has hit the majority of points, it really just comes down to what you are looking for, because it is an apples vs. oranges comparison.

At this stage, I'm saying you can't beat the refinement and performance of the BMW (between these two). If I was ever going to look at another Golf, I'd look at the Golf R (MK7), 300HP/AWD, sounds like an awesome car. But I'm voting BMW on this one...

Got a chance to test drive a 14' 328i M Sport the other day. BMW pretty much won me over. In the market now to look for a good lease deal! Considered the 335i, but after a few calculations, lease price may be a lil steep. So therefore, i havent taken it on a test drive because I know im going to fall in love with that turbo inline 6!

Also, test drove an Audi A4 S-line w/ black optic package. Although it looked nice, the steering feel was a little too light for me and it didnt have that instant linear power delivery compared the 328i.

BMW FTW!!

For those in So Cal where did you get your awesome deals on a lease?!?

[mike@x-ph.com]

2 completely different cars .
Im not a big fan of FWD though.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by BimmerBoomer

I think you'd need to spend a lot of money on an F30 to do better than the GTI. Did you have a spec in mind?

If you don't mind front wheel drive, GTI is the undeniable fun and value leader. There is a lot of fun you can have when you can leave 15K in the bank. I have a MkV GTI. Best seats ever, lots of rear seat room and headroom, fun, looks great, only issue for me is I prefer RWD. If GTI came with rear bias AWD, I would look really hard at it. It also comes with real engine sound not the digitized stuff.

You might also wait for the Audi S3 if you don't mind automatic. It looks fantastic. 290hp AWD. Again, I'm a manual guy so no workey for me but if they offered manual, I would seriously consider that too. It is a great size.

[chylld]

Originally Posted by rabid23

came from a stage 2+ golf 6, now driving a stock 328i.

go for the bmw for a change. you can always get the gti viii when its out in a few years.

that said, its hard to beat the complete package that a gti offers. everyone i know who had owned one misses it.

I switched from a stage1 mk6 golf R to the 4gc. Night and day difference, there is barely any department where the golf is better. I don't miss it a single bit.

A mk7 -> f30 switch should be similar, yes you're paying quite a bit more money, but the luxury, handling and gizmos will not have you looking back. I thought my R handled pretty good until I got this car, now my R seems like a boat

[QTC]

Echo the above comments - totally different cars, aside from the price point (loaded MkVII vs 320i or used 328i). The GTI is quick, versatile, and fun; the BMW is a bit more refined, comfortable, and easy going. My girlfriend has a MkVI GTI - its one of the most enjoyable vehicles I've ever driven (even with the silly DSG). OP can't go wrong either way.