New to fold GTI with Performance Pack vs GTD (Most liikely already asked 1000's)

[kelvyn29]

Hi All,
1st all aplogise I know the above question has most likly been asked a 1000 times. but I currently have a Focus ST-3 (Petrol) as a company car which i'm about to hand back.

Now have a hankering to have a Golf.

Have spec'd a faily decent GTD & GTI with performance both around similar cost to my company.

Having the GTD will mean me having a bit more chase in my pocket each month but I like the idea of having the GTI?

I did spec a GTE up but lease company wanted silly money.

Any fors/against in the GTI or GTD?

Going to local stealer at weekend to view/drive each but I know I'm gonna miss the power of the ST if I went with the GTD

[fredgroves]

GTD = better fuel economy, lower BIK, oil burner torque
GTI = petrol, slightly quicker, ediff might make a difference perhaps

[sam67GTD]

I was in a similar position to you nearly 3 years ago. I'd a Focus ST3 and was looking to purchase a GTD. I was fed up with the big fuel/road tax bills on the ST.

I went for a GTD. Whilst it has been an amazing car, it's not in the same league performance-wise of the ST. The GTD isn't slow by any means, but it delivers its power in a different way to the ST. There's not much go in first and second gears, but the car is deceptively rapid in third and picks up speed very smoothly.

One thing I don;t like about the GTD and probably diesels in general is that if you aren't in the torque band, then the car isn't going to accelerate. The ST in many ways made me lazy with there being so much torque in any gear at any revs. You just press the throttle with your foot and the ST would be off.

Plus sides, the GTD is very economical. I'm getting 450 miles per tank as opposed to 260 miles in the Focus and that had a 60 litre tank if I remember correctly.
Also, road tax for my 3 door manual is £20 per year as opposed to £285 for the Focus.

It's a really great car, but you will notice the performance decrease compared to the ST. I'm probably going to go GTI or R when I change next. I do less than 9k miles per year, so it makes more sense.

Hope this helps!

[Talk-torque]

I can sense in Sam's post ^ the same feelings I had about my previous Golf 7, a GTD. The car is an engineering marvel and I knew it was an awesome piece of kit, but the power delivery is so smooth and progressive that it just doesn't excite at all. While I respected the car, as a quick, smooth, economical mode of transport, I never fell for it - never bonded with it, if you like. After 2 years, I decided that was not how it should be with a £30K car, so I did a deal for my GTI, which is non Performance Pack. Totally the right decision! All the engineering excellance is still there, but the engine has got reserves of power across the rev band that mean it will lift off and put a smile on your face. Maybe not as quick as your ST, but the rest of the Golf 7 package will make up for that.

GTI all day for me! 

[kelvyn29]

Thanks all had pretty much decided on a GTi with PP and comments above cement that

Already looking at the remap and mild tune options 

Cant wait to have a drive at the weekend 

[Jackie Treehorn]

I posted this review of the GTI PP on the Golf mk7 forum as I post on both here and Golfmk7.com occasionally. The GTD is a great car and very capable, it will provide a greater range from each tank of fuel, but I don't feel its significant trump card is all that stand out in the real world compared to the GTI.  Great car though it is, the GTD doesn't have much else to offer that isn't ticked with the GTI (imo).  Add the VAQ diff to the GTI and you have a combo that suits people looking for a little more thrill with each mile. 

http://www.golfmk7.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5954

Enjoy your test drive!

[Daz Auto]

GTD = more smiles per gallon.

Jackie, I read all your reviews. Thank you. I was just wondering if the PP works as well in the wet?