gtd or gti

[Awry]

You have kind of answered your own question already. 335 is the GTI the 330d is the GTD. In fact now that I come to think about it... what is wrong with a 330d. It's as fast as a standard GTI and more economical   

Actually the 320D is the GTD don't you think? Similar in performance, though the BMW is much more economocal and with a better engine.
I think he could stick with BMW 3 series saloons as you suggest as IMO they have the best engines but which are unfortunately housed in pig ugly bodies.
Maybe that's why he wants to change.

I agree. 320D is closest to a GTD.

[PenguinGTI]

Actually the 320D is the GTD don't you think?

Technically you are correct and I concede. I was presenting the 335 and 330d however as the top of the range in their respective fuel types. The golf R is strictly faster but the GTI and the GTD both represent the top of the range petrol and diesel options from VW. The 330d and 335 are the same. (apart from M power cars).

I think the price difference is too considerable. I agree with you wanting to look at the VW models. If it was only about 10k then I'd recommend the BMW but for 20k it's a bit different.

I have a friend with a mapped Astra 1.9 cdti sitting at around 200bhp and a shed load of torque. I would imagine this is what a mapped GTD is like. It is a brill car. I'm just a petrol guy.

[am1w]

All I can say is the 3 Series saloon is pig ugly whatever you do to it. But it drives like a dream.
The other car which we have is a new Mercedes C Class 350 CDI Sport with a 7 speed auto. Very smooth and fast, better looking than the 3 Series IMO, but I hate the foot operated handbrake.
I still have more fun with my GTi. I would probably have an orgasm with a Golf R!

[DDRFan]

...
I still have more fun with my GTi. I would probably have an orgasm with a Golf R!

hmmm...... perhaps I won't ask to have a go in your R straight after you have had round for a spin... 
if it was leather and i had a pile of KFC wet wipes with me i might give it some thought...

[am1w]

...
I still have more fun with my GTi. I would probably have an orgasm with a Golf R!

hmmm...... perhaps I won't ask to have a go in your R straight after you have had round for a spin... 
if it was leather and i had a pile of KFC wet wipes with me i might give it some thought...

 

[denyason]

don't get a bmw 3 series.  they're changing model soon.  the golf is fresh and new.  personally i'd get the 5 door mark 6 gti, like mine.  v practical and very fast. imo it is very economical- its all about how u drive it.  also it is desireable, iconic, good residuals, 5 stars with 'what car'.  the reviews with the gtd from r hammond was that it didn't deserved to be compared to a gti-  rather slow.
i'd go for this or a audi a4. a5(sportback) both very good- better than bmw and merc.  maybe a a5 cab-  exception quality and superb residuals.never buy merc- they depreciate so much.  
the gti can seat 5 adults easily with a huge boot too.  stay clear of vauxhall.  although that is german- it aint any good.
our family have been thru so many cars.  but best overall is the golf, we've had 5 golf's, one polo in the last 11 yrs.

[Steve30]

don't get a bmw 3 series.  they're changing model soon.  the golf is fresh and new.  personally i'd get the 5 door mark 6 gti, like mine.  v practical and very fast. imo it is very economical- its all about how u drive it.  also it is desireable, iconic, good residuals, 5 stars with 'what car'.  the reviews with the gtd from r hammond was that it didn't deserved to be compared to a gti-  rather slow.
i'd go for this or a audi a4. a5(sportback) both very good- better than bmw and merc.  maybe a a5 cab-  exception quality and superb residuals.never buy merc- they depreciate so much.  
the gti can seat 5 adults easily with a huge boot too.  stay clear of vauxhall.  although that is german- it aint any good.
our family have been thru so many cars.  but best overall is the golf, we've had 5 golf's, one polo in the last 11 yrs.

There is very littel in it between the 2 cars IMO, if you want fizz GTI, or MPG & torque GTD

[Snoopy]

If i was buying again i would probably go for the GTD as i miss the torque of a turbo diesel.
But it depends how you drive or want the car for. If your in your teens or twenties you will be screeming around at 5000 rpm. If your in your 30s and just simply want somthing that looks good, drives well and has decent overtaking pull when you want it then the GTD is a match for the GTI in the 30-50, 50-70 times in gears. But if you are into your high speed driving round like a nutter than the GTI is the better of the two.
Most people here have not drove the GTD and have a bias to the GTI and petrol. Drive a GTD and make your own mind up.

[Steve30]

Plus 1 couldn't have put it any better really, go and test both then make your choice

[Exonian]

I too very nearly got a GTD instead. I plumped for the GTI as I got a good deal on an ex-demo but in hindsight I wish I'd waited for a GTD.
Either way, they both need REVO or similar.