Comments appreciated--128 vs. GTI

Hey, Moe! · 04-07-09, 02:46

As I am preparing to retire at the end of May after 34 years as a schoolteacher, I am also pondering a new car purchase (maybe a treat?)

I intend to keep my by-then, paid-for Focus ST, since it is enjoyable to drive, and very reliable. It would also help me keep the miles down on the new ride (I drive 18-20K a year). And, with the Blizzaks on, it storms through winter.

I have test-driven a BMW 128, and liked it. And, I have always admired the BMW brand. However, it is possible to get a GTI that has maybe 90% of the fun-to-drive factor for significantly less money. I actually owned an '83 GTI (first year in the US), and loved driving it. The slightly-redone 2010 model due in the fall will have another 10 HP over the '09.

I would appreciate any comments on the two cars, though it is a bit of an apples and oranges comparison. Also, if anyone has any suggestions for qualty VW forums to take a look at, please chime in (I already have BMW covered).

Feel free to offer anything.

Thanks!

Mike

XRL · 04-07-09, 03:58

vwvortex is pretty good.

I've been looking at the R32. The R32 is basically a GTI w/ AWD and a 3.2L V6 that sounds AWESOME. It's not gonna give you tailslides and burnouts and such, but it'll annihilate the 128 on a track. Top Gear did a test between the R32 and the 130 M Sport(hatchback over there) and had nothing but praise for the R32, and hated the 1 series.

The GTI is gonna be a much more practical vehicle, and is capable of absurd power with minor upgrades. Like 300whp and torque insane.

The 1 series is a decent little car, but really why not just go for the Z4 at that point? The backseat is pretty much useless. And if you're gonna get the 1 series, you gotta get the 135i.

I'd personally lean towards the GTI or an R32. But that's just me and my love for hatches. The R20 is set to be introduced in May, you might like that too. AWD + high output 2.0t somewhere around 270hp. should be a fun ride. If you're not all about the performance, you might like the Audi A3 with a 2.0t

Hey, Moe! · 04-07-09, 05:13

I'm aware of the R20. It does sound interesting. So, it is coming in May? Hmmmmm.....

I'll check out vwvortex. Thanks a bunch.

A 128 equipped the way I like would go for $35-36K. I've pretty much set that as my outer limit, price-wise.

But, if a GTI would make me happy for less, well, hey!

tom p. · 04-07-09, 05:26

I always factor in who can repair the car when it's broken. To me, that's a huge issue with today's car complexities. I have extensive experience with both VW and BMW in my local area. The BMW dealer is able to maintain and repair the product they sell.....

VroooomCrash · 04-07-09, 05:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom p.

I always factor in who can repair the car when it's broken. To me, that's a huge issue with today's car complexities. I have extensive experience with both VW and BMW in my local area. The BMW dealer is able to maintain and repair the product they sell.....

Both brands can be hit or miss, but at least with BMW you are guaranteed a loner.

The Focus ST is one of the most fun handling FWD cars out there ... if you have the right year you could swap out the springs for the SVT springs and really have a fun, dynamic FWD car. I don't think the GTI would add much more than a little extra horsepower...

The 128i is a very capable car. For that range you may be able to step into a 135i if you option/bargain right.

If you want to have a second car and already have a sedan...why not get a roadster? Miatas are hands down the most fun and best bang for the buck I have ever driven or owned. My Porsches (Boxster and Cayman S) were way faster, but not nearly as fun. I want to get an old 1990 and restore it sometime soon.

The R20 mentioned in this thread is kind of 'meh' to me. Bland looks. The Haldex AWD system leaves a lot to be desired in terms of it driving like a FWD until you bust the front wheels loose. The R32 I test drove understeered like a pig unless I plowed into a corner and floored the gas to get the rear end to come around.

If you are patient...Toyota/Subaru are supposed to come out with a joint project featuring a boxer 4 banger and RWD layout. That should be oodles of fun if executed properly.

dublifecrisis · 04-07-09, 06:03

370Z? I'm a GTI owner and would only take the 135i over it-not the 128. For the money how about a 370Z or even a used 06-07 G35 coupe?

XRL · 04-07-09, 07:55

The R32/R20 Haldex can be adjusted via computers. HPA has a totally stealth Haldex controller that can adjust things with the AWD.

Truthfully though, there's no reason to wait for the Toyobaru vaporcar. There's the Hyundai Genesis coupe out already that will be way better than the Toyobaru anyways.

Accumulator · 04-08-09, 09:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom p.

I always factor in who can repair the car when it's broken. To me, that's a huge issue with today's car complexities......

Yeah, and it's gonna vary by area. See how the service depts. in question impress you. I simply can't get decent BMW service in my area.

BTW, the whole loaner-car thing can vary widely too. I never had a problem getting a loaner when I had my VW.

And when it's all said and done, buy whatever *YOU* really like, regardless of what the internet-experts say

Hey, Moe! · 04-08-09, 10:39

Both of you are correct about the service being an issue. There is a VW and a BMW dealer an hour away, but friends are steering me away from both places. Another VW dealer is an hour away. I drove a 128 last fall at a BMW delaer I felt comfortable at, but it is two hours away.

I suppose the distance is less of an issue if I am not working full-time, making it easier to get to the dealer. Also, there have to be a lot of BMW owners out there who live nowhere close to a dealer.

volvoguy · 04-08-09, 11:00

Always remember about reliability, when I was looking for a new car it was between a MS3, GTI, and Civic Si. When I did some searching I found that pretty much every site always ranked Honda #1 or close to it, VW was NEVER in any top 10. They are not well known for reliability. BMW on the other hand is always in the top 10 most reliable cars you can buy, usually around #7 or so after all the Japanese manufactures.

Accumulator · 04-08-09, 11:02

Hey, Moe!- FWIW, the Audi dealer I patronize is over an hour away, and there are some Audi dealers that're a lot closer. Stoddard Imported Cars is happy to send somebody down with a loaner, free of charge, and we joke about how their guy drives past a few Audi dealers on the way to my house. Maybe you'll find a good BMW/VW dealer who's just as accommodating, see what they say.

slicknickis3 · 04-08-09, 11:31

If the car is simply to be used as a daily driver then there's no contest: BMW 128i every time. It's just as practical as a GTI with MUCH better reliability and MUCH better resale value. Plus I like the way it drives in comparison (Gotta love light-weight RWD with a 230hp I-6!)

It is the more expensive car, but you get what you pay for. Your service experience will be better at a BMW dealership (at least in my experience) and you'll visit it far less than if you choose the GTI. Overall the BMW will be the easiest car to own and enjoy on a regular basis. The overall fit and finish of the BMW will be much better. (Though VW has been known for solid interiors, just not BMW solid)

If you're into the boy-racer or auto-x scene, you may want to choose a GTI, you'll be fixing a lot of things, but the car is very well supported by the aftermarket and simple computer upgrades do wonders for the car. The car is much cheaper than the BMW and gets slightly better gas mileage.

A friend of mine recently purchased a pre-owned GTI that clearly had work done on it; while it is a quick car, it has loads of problems.

If I'm paying for a car, I want to it to be in my possession more than the dealers. My vote: 128i.(Though if I were spending the money, I'd spring for the 135i, fantastic car)