[Sandman99]

I probably know the opinions that will be thrown my way...but here it goes anyways...

I have a 4GC on order...in fact production is finished...but I drove the 15' GTI the other day just for the fun of it...really liked it and it is half the price!

What do you think?!? Am I crazy?

[Nick the Greek]

Golf R.

No contest.

[DJ Rocc]

Originally Posted by Sandman99

I probably know the opinions that will be thrown my way...but here it goes anyways...

I have a 4GC on order...in fact production is finished...but I drove the 15' GTI the other day just for the fun of it...really liked it and it is half the price!

What do you think?!? Am I crazy?

Do you mean the VW GTI, or the GT of the 3 Series?

[Jimminez]

Originally Posted by Nick the Greek

Golf R.

No contest.

This for certain, but if you are only looking at GTI, it depends on what your needs are. GTI is a fun little car while the GC will be more grown up and probably won't be as quick.

[Michael Schott]

Originally Posted by Sandman99

I probably know the opinions that will be thrown my way...but here it goes anyways...

I have a 4GC on order...in fact production is finished...but I drove the 15' GTI the other day just for the fun of it...really liked it and it is half the price!

What do you think?!? Am I crazy?

How is it half the price? Are you comparing a loaded 4GC to a basic GTI? A decently optioned GTI is about $30K and can easily be more. Damn fine car but lacking the refinement of the 3 series. A better comparison is the 320 with sport package. Not that much more expensive.

[Hernandiaz11]

Originally Posted by Michael Schott

How is it half the price? Are you comparing a loaded 4GC to a basic GTI? A decently optioned GTI is about $30K and can easily be more. Damn fine car but lacking the refinement of the 3 series. A better comparison is the 320 with sport package. Not that much more expensive.

and a decently optioned 4GC is about 60k and can reach close to 70k.

[Sandman99]

The 4GC I have on order is loaded...MSRP $61950...VW GTI loaded (Autobahn) is $30K...this is the comparison...

[elistan]

GTI is a nice car, I test drove one before getting a 328i. I liked it except for the FWD - I can't stand FWD anymore when looking for a fun drive. That was an absolute deal breaker for me. YMMV.

[Michael Schott]

Originally Posted by Sandman99

The 4GC I have on order is loaded...MSRP $61950...VW GTI loaded (Autobahn) is $30K...this is the comparison...

Is it a 428 or 435? The GTI does not have power passenger seat, CA, any cameras except rear, no Xenon's and has a tiny 5.8" screen. I agree the GTI is a bargain but without doubt your GC is better equipped, offers more options (the GTI leather is only available in black) and is more sophisticated.

[AustinYellowMakesMeHard]

Originally Posted by Jimminez

This for certain, but if you are only looking at GTI, it depends on what your needs are. GTI is a fun little car while the GC will be more grown up and probably won't be as quick.

A 435i GC is faster in a straight line. Probably handles better as well considering that the GTI is a FWD car.

A 428i and a GTI will be matched pretty even imo.

[karupspc]

Admittedly I took a long hard look at the Golf too prior to ordering 428i xDrive GC. The test drive of Golf was super fun certainly made me feel young again (even though I'm 39). Decided on the 4GC because I couldn't leave the BMW brand especially the luxury feeling.

[DJ Rocc]

4GC any day over the VW! But depends on what you are looking for, I believe they are both in different classes.

[F30MSPORT12]

Are we seriously comparing a VW to a BMW? Buy the VW, and come back here in 3 months and let me know how you still like it. I've owned 3 VW's, they're complete shit.

[AustinYellowMakesMeHard]

Originally Posted by DJ Rocc

4GC any day over the VW! But depends on what you are looking for, I believe they are both in different classes.

This!

RWD>FWD anyday. Especially for a sporty family car.

[IndotagSwizz]

I don't understand this post, are we really comparing a GC to a hatchback?? How does that even make any sense, two totally different kind of cars..

[Michael Schott]

Originally Posted by Hernandiaz11

and a decently optioned 4GC is about 60k and can reach close to 70k.

But a carefully optioned 4GC can be under $50K. The point is there are more options available on the BMW, it's a larger car and is just a more grown up vehicle. I briefly considered a GTI before leasing my 2014 328i, but felt the BMW was just a better everyday car and in particular the interior was nicer.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by Sandman99

I probably know the opinions that will be thrown my way...but here it goes anyways...

I have a 4GC on order...in fact production is finished...but I drove the 15' GTI the other day just for the fun of it...really liked it and it is half the price!

What do you think?!? Am I crazy?

If you can save a ton of money and be just as happy with the car, why not?

I was traveling last week and had a loaded Hyundai Veloster Turbo as my rental car. I am not running out to replace my 335 with one of those, but at the same time, I still had a lot of fun and could see the rationale for saving a lot of $$$ by getting the less expensive car

Did the GTi have the performance package with mechanical LSD and bigger front brakes?

Also, for what it is worth, for $61k I think you should cancel your 4GC order and get a base F80 M3

[Falafel Combo]

If you enioyed the GTI, get it. Its an amazing machine. Great all arounder and lots of fun. No contest for that price delta.

[dtn]

Another apples and oranges comparison. It again, comes down to lifestyle.

Personally, as a business executive, I could never see myself driving a GTI. I would rather drive a used BMW than a new GTI. Don't get me wrong, a buddy of mine has one and it is a blast to drive.

The lines of the car is more catered to teens to early 20s. Just my $0.02

[chylld]

i went from a Golf R to a 4GC. both cars are fun to drive the first few times, but to live with, the 4GC is miles better. more comfortable, more flexible engine, quieter, better handling at everyday speeds, everything.

also the fuel economy is much better - my R averaged 21mpg, the 428i GC 25mpg so far and hasn't even finished break-in yet

[JeffreyC]

I am in the process of moving from a 2011 GTI to a 2015 328i X Sport Line. My rationale (in no particular order):

GTI is fun to drive, but FWD can be a pain - I often lose the grip of the front tires when doing a spirited take off.

Have 2 kids and the cargo space in the GTI precludes all but a one day or over night trip.

Updated and better gadgets - auto climate, back up camera, blind spot detection, etc. The 11 GTI (top of the line) was pretty limited gadget wise.

We are into skiing and the 328i X with snows in the winter should be a great ski trip car. Currently use the Odyssey with all seasons and it can be a bit scary. GTI is not big enough for a family ski trip.

Wife will not drive the GTI due to the stick (although she drove my e28 for years). Would be nice on road trips if she could drive for a while. F30 will be automatic. I may regret getting a car she can drive.

Overall refinement - GTI is a blast to drive, but feels a little like a go cart. F30 is more refined. GTI kind of wears on you during a long road trip.

I am probably paranoid, but I am not crazy about having my kids in the backseat so close to the rear fender in the GTI.

I am middle aged and the BMW is a better fit for me than the GTI. I routinely have 20 somethings telling me how cool my car is. One guy told me he swears he saw my car at "Waterfest." I have no idea what that is. Woman say my car is "cute." I don't really want to have a cute car.

I want a new toy.

[King Bimmer]

I was looking at the GTI as well, however once I took delivery of the 435i GC on Friday I was really glad that I didn't buy the GTI. The GC is a truly gorgeous car and super comfortable while offering utility. BMW killed it with this one. FYI my last car was a 2011 535i m-sport.

-King