GTD or 320d Sport Saloon

[AMarsh]

A girl in my work today just ordered a new 320d.  She gets it in 3 weeks, which didn't make me envious at all!!. Anot her 3 months seemed hard to take before I'll get mine.

The traditional comparison would be against a 120d, but looking at what she has ordered and the price there isn't actually a huge difference in price. The engines bhp and torque are almost identical. There is no doubt that the 1 series is ugly, but I don't think the 3 series is. I've just sold a 330i e46 and it was such a good car to drive.

This is def all born out of frustration with the long wait I still have left for the GTD. Was just thinking however does the golf stack up against the larger and best selling BMW saloon. In hindsight would you take the 4k or so hit and have a new car by now?

[CraigW]

£4k is a fair difference in price between the two especially when you start to add options to the 320. The Beemer was definitely in my considerations as its a good looking car with plenty of oomph to keep you happy, however when I began reading reviews of the GTI it just looked like a fantastic all round package.

If i was wanting a diesel then comparing the 320d to the GTD I have to be honest if I had the additional funds I think I would have went for the 320 especially in that gorgeous blue colour. Sorry guys 

[Gryzor]

If I could afford the £4k extra, I'd have the 320 over the GTD, because if I wanted a diesel, different things become more important than similarities to the GTI.

[mjh_056]

£4k is too much of a difference to compare really as if I have that extra money at no cost to me I would have spec a PP GTI or S3 - Doubt any like to like comparisons with GTD will have you choosing anything else than GTD - I moved to GTD as the similar Audi I was spec had far less options and smaller engine for same £ 

[matchboy]

Having had a 320d (not the new one) if it was a toss up between the two, and only those two cars, I'd have the Beemer - but there's not only two choices of car so you shouldn't restrict yourself between the two, nor restrict yourself to diesel either if you can afford 320d money. BUT - the GTD is far better specced than the BMW anyway so that makes things even more complicated!!

[Gordor]

I think I'm right in saying that the Co2's are higher on the BMW and, as a company car driver, that makes a lot of difference in cost. A 320 with the spec I wanted was over £150 a month more than the GTD I have ordered... it's a no brainer for me. That said the A3 saloon must be able to order soon so I may look at the lead times on these as my GTD delivery time is soooooooooo far away...but I am also really looking forward to getting the GTD 

[monkeyhanger]

You'd stand out more in a GTD than a 320D - that car is the new Mondeo, they're everywhere as a fleet car/company car and because of it they make a much better 2nd hand buy because of poorer residuals (if you care about that sort of thing if buying privately).

[Hawaii-Five-O]

One thing nobody has mentioned is that the new Mk7 GTD shape is only just out. Whereas the 3 Serires has been out for around 2 years. So, a Mk7 GTD will look fresher in 3 years time.  Mind you they'll have probably given the 3 Series a mid-life refresh by then so it may end up looking fresher than a Mk7.

Am I making any sense

Fact is, I seriously looked at a nearly new 3 Series as a sensible option before choosing a GTD. However I just couldn't take the plunge as its far too much of a rep mobile for me to feel special driving it. They're everywhere now. Every Tom, Dick and Harry seems to have one on their drive. I think the GTD will be a much rarer sight than a 320d. In the 3 Series favour I do remember reading a review which said it was the most perfect car to own and drive. Near faultless they said. High praise indeed. They've not said the same about the GTD..... yet

[024matt]

I would personally avoid the BMW. I've owned a couple in my time now and had nothing but hassle with them both and the BMW customer service levels around me were nothing short of appalling.

[matchboy]

BMW customer service levels around me were nothing short of appalling.

This I agree with, they're awful.