MkIII Golf GTi 16V or BMW 318is?!

[tobz]

Hi all

I've decided it's about time I got myself a decent (and quick) motor after years of having crappy Fiesta's, Metro's etc   (don't laugh, I didn't have money to spend on cars when I was a student).

After having a look around (Auto Trader etc) I've pretty much decided to get myself a MkIII Golf GTi 16V. I would love a VR6, but my budget just doesn't allow it at the moment.

Discussing it with my mates down the pub last night, a couple of them were trying to talk me into getting a BMW instead. They have both recently got themselves a 318is and were raving about how good they are (one is an old style boxy thing and one is the more modern shape).

Am I right in thinking:

a) a standard mkIII GTi 16v would trounce a standard 318is 0-60? (from what i've found on the net Golf ~ 8s, 318is ~ 10s)

b) running costs would be lower on the Golf?

Basically, I'm looking for some reassurance that the Golf is the way to go  

Cheers  

[jv]

You are on this forum so it's the only way to go!

jv

[golfvr6]

If you can afford a BMW then you can afford a VR6  

[Fraiser]

Buy a vr6

[golfvr6]

Yep  

[tobz]

If you can afford a BMW then you can afford a VR6  

You can can pick up the old style 318is's for 1.5 - 2K. If you can find me a VR6 for that price, I'll gladly buy it  

[golfvr6]

How old a car are you looking for?

[modulater]

At the end of the day its your money so buy what you want, I would have the golf.

Is the BMW the same shape as the first M3 left hooker?

[k.d.wallace]

I recently sold my E36 ('modern shape' - 1997) 318is and bought a 16v GTi (1996).

To be honest a lot of it is subjective and depends on what you want the car to do. I can guarantee the BMW will be more expensive to run - extortionate servicing costs. I have found VW parts to be much more accessible and cheaper - and the car is less complicated so I have been doing most things myself. I also got a big rebate on my insurance when I changed the car on the policy.

The figures for power and 0-60 etc. are as you said but I haven't found much difference really. The BMW was probably better in a straight line but the Golf is definitely more nimble on twisty stuff.

A decent Beemer will cost a lot more than a Golf and it will have less equipment probably (the BMW standard list back then wasn't too long and the options list was).

The old E30 318is is good fun - less technology, a lighter car with a revvy engine - but it is hard to find a good one.

I guess what I am getting round to concluding is that the Golf is a better deal. Cheaper to own/run/insure and definitely more fun.

Probably not as good looking though. I did like the style and comfort of my Beemer. It was much more comfy for a 30 mile commute too.

But I do enjoy my Golf.

Hope this is of some help.

[Grovit]

Yep = would go along with the above - it isn't too clear which BMW you are comparing the Golf too.

The E30 shape 318is is becoming a bit of a classic as it has the unique interior, 16v engine and suspension tweaks (I think).  Nice examples are however becoming hard to find.  The newer version is far more common, however you still have nice premium rates to pay with regards to spares, insurance, servicing etc ..

I don't really think the Golf and the Beemer are comparable as similar cars - Depends on what you're after really ............






.........although personally - I'd rather have the Golf