Comments appreciated--128 vs. GTI - Page 2

lecchilo · 04-08-09, 12:10

I wrote a fairly long post and then said to myself "why..?"... so..

BMW hands down

(easy to maintain, fun to drive, and built better is the summary of the long post... I owned 2 of each so I'm not biased or anything, BMW was just better in every way except losing the rear end sometimes in the snow)

XRL · 04-08-09, 01:25

How is the coupe with a tiny trunk as practical as the hatchback?

Here's something to factor in too. I called up Allstate today to get some quotes on my insurance, an R32 was nearly double what a 350Z was, and 50% more than a G35. I can only imagine that would extend to the GTI as well, as the R32 isn't that much faster and is also significantly slower than the Z/G.

Have you looked into the 370Z? It'll be faster, with a better interior, and you get flappy paddles with the (faster than manual) 7 speed automatic. The G37 is also very nice, as is the new Hyundai Genesis Coupe. They could all be bought new or like new in your price range too.

lecchilo · 04-08-09, 01:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by XRL

How is the coupe with a tiny trunk as practical as the hatchback?

What's your definition of 'practical'?

Oh and let's keep it Euro please, the man wants to have fun driving.

slicknickis3 · 04-08-09, 02:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by XRL

How is the coupe with a tiny trunk as practical as the hatchback?

Here's something to factor in too. I called up Allstate today to get some quotes on my insurance, an R32 was nearly double what a 350Z was, and 50% more than a G35. I can only imagine that would extend to the GTI as well, as the R32 isn't that much faster and is also significantly slower than the Z/G.

Have you looked into the 370Z? It'll be faster, with a better interior, and you get flappy paddles with the (faster than manual) 7 speed automatic. The G37 is also very nice, as is the new Hyundai Genesis Coupe. They could all be bought new or like new in your price range too.

How is it as practical?? Well for starters it's only got 2cu ft. less cargo space than the oh-so-practical hatch, the back seat is also more roomy in the 128i than the GTI. A more usable back seat seams more practical than a non-usable one. 128i seats four comfortably compared the the claimed 5-seater GTI. It offers more usable features and ammentities wraped up in a better built package. What's your definition of practical?

The BMW is a better car in almost every facet then the GTI. I don't dislike the GTI as I think it's an awesome little car, it's just not up to BMW standards.

I can't speak for the OP, but if he were looking for the fastest/blistering mode of transportation for the money, he'd be better served getting a Yamaha YZF or Kawasaki Ninja... He's looking for a fun to drive car that is going to give him years of service. Of his options, the 128i is probably his best choice.

While Hyundai has finally figured out how to make a somewhat excited car to drive, the Genesis platform is no-where near BMW/370 rigidity/strength. The driving dynamics aren't there either. It's a good car for a first attempt and as a Eclipse/Base Mustang/G6 coupe competitor, it's not so bad

Hey, Moe! · 04-08-09, 05:03

The 128 was my original pick. The 135 is tempting, but it does poke over my cost ceiling. I busted my butt to get out of debt after I got divorced six years ago, and I don't want to go back there.

I'm not into the boy-racer scene, and I have no plans to track it. I just want to enjoy taking the "long way" to get somewhere, something I never had time to do before, and enjoy myself while doing it.

BMW's four-year, cover-almost-everything plan is inviting. I had a pleasant experience with the BMW dealer I visited last fall.

My girlfriend (a truly fine person) keeps telling me to go for the BMW, because I have always wanted one, and because I have worked numerous 60-70 hour work weeks to beat down the financial demons in the last handful of years.

The 1-Series, when ordered with the Sport Package, includes run-flat tires. Anyone want to comment there?

wfedwar · 04-08-09, 05:26

Drive both, then decide. I think in many cases the 3-series is actually lighter than the 1-series. Might want to check that out before making your decision. I'd personally look at Audi, too, but then again, I'm biased.

XRL · 04-08-09, 05:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by slicknickis3

How is it as practical?? Well for starters it's only got 2cu ft. less cargo space than the oh-so-practical hatch, the back seat is also more roomy in the 128i than the GTI. A more usable back seat seams more practical than a non-usable one. 128i seats four comfortably compared the the claimed 5-seater GTI. It offers more usable features and ammentities wraped up in a better built package. What's your definition of practical?

The BMW is a better car in almost every facet then the GTI. I don't dislike the GTI as I think it's an awesome little car, it's just not up to BMW standards.

I can't speak for the OP, but if he were looking for the fastest/blistering mode of transportation for the money, he'd be better served getting a Yamaha YZF or Kawasaki Ninja... He's looking for a fun to drive car that is going to give him years of service. Of his options, the 128i is probably his best choice.

While Hyundai has finally figured out how to make a somewhat excited car to drive, the Genesis platform is no-where near BMW/370 rigidity/strength. The driving dynamics aren't there either. It's a good car for a first attempt and as a Eclipse/Base Mustang/G6 coupe competitor, it's not so bad

The GTI has useable storage space though, with a nice big hatch to load in and you can fold down the rear seats to take home large items. Try fitting a decently sized TV or piece of furniture in the back of the 128i. to me, practicality is being able to use it to do assorted things you might want to, like buy stuff and take it home.

The Gen Coupe Hyundai has the same or more structural rigidity as the E46 M3. They built it to more rigid than that car. I've personally driven them, and they're damn good (for 10k less than a comparably equipped competitor). It's definitely not the best, and some things still don't feel right, but it's really not a bad car.

But I'd have to say the 128i is just not gonna be that fun to drive. It's HEAVY with a curb weight of like 3300 pounds and only 230hp. I'm sure it'll carve corners fine, but not that quickly, and not as fast as say, an S2000, RX8, 350Z, etc.

If it were the 135, that'd be one thing, but the 128... there's definitely better choices for the money. IMO at least. There's definitely something to be said for owning a BMW as a trophy or something, but I dunno. Why not just get a 2 seater like the Z4 or an Audi TT?

Hey, Moe! · 04-08-09, 07:12

Well, I do have some cars I need to drive when I am finished with school at the end of May.

If I buy a BMW, it would not be for a trophy. It would be a choice that I can enjoy driving, can afford to purchase, and has decent reliability/serviceability. Same goes for a VW.

While I have your attention, and since I am talking to Autopians, any comments on choice of color? I do like black, but I have heard all the horror stories about BMW's Jet Black (I know there is Black Sapphire Metallic). I don't know too much about VW paint right now, other then people saying it is on the hard side, so I'd like to hear more.

I have a PC, and use the smaller pads to decent effect. I am considering a Flex. I was able to keep my Focus relatively swirl-free last winter, with good wash and dry techniques.

And, I will soon have the time to keep both vehicles looking good : )

I like the sound of that. I think I will go to the fridge and get another Sierra Nevada.

Cheers! (and thanks, everyone!)

XRL · 04-08-09, 07:27

Get something with a metallic flake, to really show the paint off. Maybe even something pearlescent. Gloss finishes are nice and all, but a nice metallic color really looks nice when it's in perfect shape. Especially if you shoot the pictures in HDR.

VroooomCrash · 04-08-09, 08:04

The 135 is a really sweet engine...see where you can negotiate the price to...

Hey, Moe! · 04-08-09, 08:16

Vroooom--I hear you about the engine. That kind of power can be intoxicating. It seems like the early fuel-pump issues have been resolved.

We will see. The nice thing is, there is not a bad choice, is there? We're not talking about awful cars.

Keep the comments coming. If you're headed across I-80 in PA, let me know. I do a mean pulled pork and smoked BBQ beef brisket.

VroooomCrash · 04-08-09, 08:17

Mouth watering....I think there might also be a different steering rack on the 135i? That was my biggest complaint with the 128i I drove...