Unfortunately Bill it has already become a them and us argument not just on this forum but others aswell. Monkeyhangers comments are 100% spot on. The GTD will do 99% of what the GTI does no matter what the GTI boys like to think. VW have made it that way in that the only real difference is the engine and thats what probably annoys the die hard gti fans. Its a car at the end of the day so does it really matter?
I don't think it has become a "them and us" at all, it's just a bit of healthy banter to air our own opinions, which is what forms are for, right? Just because I disagree with somebody doesn't mean I think they are wrong! Where I do draw the line is at people calling out "GTI boys", because that's when it becomes less about the banter, and saying that the only real difference is the engine and that's what probably annoys us...eh?! I CHOSE petrol over diesel, and for the real differences, read the specs and look at the photos (or real cars if you are lucky enough!) The driving experience (i.e. the sound, the poise, the handling, the interior etc.) is not the same in a GTD relative to a GTI with a lighter, more powerful engine. On paper the maths might say they share 99% the same DNA, but that's the difference between a human and a monkey.
To be fair to myself though Bear, the comment that, "...99% of what a GTI can do on a public highway without risking the wrath of the bobbies", does somewhat imply that in a GTD you are somehow immune from the cops! Anyway, that's pedantic, because I agree that in everyday driving from A to B, any differences between GTI and GTD are negligible...but, also crucial to our purchase decision. If all we wanted was to get from A to B, and not care about what we drove, we wouldn't be on this forum in the first place.
At the end of the day, no, it doesn't matter, it's just a car. A car that costs upward of £30k with options, and purchased through hard work and an eye for something a bit special.
Oh and Bear, the "works both ways" post you made...spot on mate!
