GTD or GTI

[isleaiw]

If you like the whole petrol power, red accent/red strip through the headlights thing (and the wheels too) then maybe paying a tenner a week extra for fuel and a bit more tax is the way to go.

Personally if I went to petrol it would have to be an R as otherwise I would constantly wish I had bought the extra performance....an issue you don't have with a GTD.

I guess I am not a typical GTi buyer in that I am the wrong side of 50 and my car isnt bought to be the fastest thing ever. I bought it as it was reasonably fast and fun, reasonably refined, reasonably economical and decent value for what I was getting in comparison to the BMWs. Mercs and Volvos I have had recently (and an Alfa....)

I wouldnt have touched an R as the 4 exhausts at the back just were not me, it isnt as practical due to boot restrictions and the GTi is really as small as I could go...and it is not as economical and again the GTi is my limit for a daily driver. I didnt want a GTD though - if i was having a sporty car over the diesel barges I normally have I wanted petrol power - and I dont regret that one bit.

It will probably go towards the end of the year - debating whether replacement will be a 335d X drive touring, or a cheap daily driver so i can have a Jag XJ / XK8 as weekend toy....

Ian

[NeilH]

I went through this a while back. I wanted DSG, I know it's not perfect but it's right for me. DSG goes really well with diesels and as a company car driver the GTD made perfect sense. So, here I am waiting for my GTI PP....

I guess the issue for some folk will be that a diesel hot hatch will have to a be so much better than the petrol version before they would consider getting one, maybe that's me. I've got a diesel saloon at the mo' so no issues with diesel and it's a great car and very rapid TBH. I just couldn't see myself enjoying the benefits of a diesel in the way I do now in hot hatch instead of a big saloon.

Also, I miss my MK5 GTI!

Neil.



 

[kenny.c]

If you do alot of short trips...be aware of possible problems with DPF regens on the GTD much like any diesel you can buy, not just a VW problem.

Ken

[Snooze]

Sorry for the randomness of this post, but straddles a few areas.

In the market for new car. After exhaustive research have decided on Mk7 GTD or GTI. Have been reading some very helpful posts here but still can't bloody decide.

Not sure which way to jump. Have driven Mazda MX5's (3 of them) for last nine years so I like a punchy petrol. But drawn to the better economy of the GTD.

And I've done the obligatory research on web and in the car mags. I know this posting will excite both camps to vim, vigour, and vitriol, but can anyone help a VW newbie to make his mind up?

I drive about 14,000 miles a year. And having originally thought of picking up an ex-demonstrator motor with only a few miles, my local dealer suggested tonight that I go for a brand new vehicle, which they would bring in, pre-register, and pass the saving onto me.

Which left me not looking to pick up an existing car, but onto the VW configurator, to build my own.

Now just bloody confused.

Firstly give them both a test drive. Secondly if you've always driven petrol and like the responsive feel you won't like diesel. Thirdly I don't think you do enough mileage to warrant a diesel.

The new Gti is pretty good on fuel. I've only had mine 3 weeks and I'm getting 340 miles a tank, I expect this to improve once the engine is run in. I'd also look at buying new. The deals VW are offering at the moment are excellent. It's actually likely to cost you more to buy a slightly used one!

[caprigreen]

GTI all day long if fuel cost is not an issue. I love the heritage of the GTI and the styling. Completed 1000 miles in the last week (motorway) and averaged 37 mpg . Can get 40 mpg  with a few road works and sit at 70 mph. Average around 32mpg  on the local cornish roads. Drops to sub 30 if you gun it.
Never driven an R , i would probably love it but would be frustrated at not being able to feel the benefit due to speed limits. BAd enough in the GTI . Style wise GTI wins for me as R a little too understated.Your choice cant go wrong with any of them.

[GTI_Ant]

The question is, do you want a Golf GTI or something designed to look like one but saves a bit on road tax and fuel (not that much actually).  Note that VW is now offering the GTD as an estate.  They will NEVER do this with the GTI because it is an icon.  I'm getting high 30's MPG on 30 mile commutes and the engine is still tight (only 2000 miles).  If you want a motor that pulls like a train to the red line the GTI is the one.

[davedodd]

I had the same debate a couple of months ago, but following a back to back test drive of both, it was a no brainer. The driving experience of the GTI was leagues ahead of the GTD, for me anyway. I totally forgot about the GTD from that point onwards, and signed up for a new GTI PP a couple of weeks later.

[battleshipgray]

Thanks all - very much appreciated.

Especially as it's such a new guy question! I always thought MX5 forums attracted friendly, helpful sorts. Clearly this forum is every bit as helpful!

Have had a shortish drive in a GTD, yet to try the GTI but hope to on Thursday, work permitting. 

I'm in Northern Ireland, quite a few dealers close by - I'll have to give them all a rattle. Had a couple of recommendations but no experience of dealing with any having been in Mazda's for nearly a decade. Will keep you posted.

I'm getting about 35mpg from the MX5 on average. My daily commute is largely country roads with a bit of urban driving for the last few miles. Think I'm doing about a 52 mile round trip five days a week.

[Mark V GTD]

Not much support for the GTD on this thread - I feel like a lone voice 

[battleshipgray]

Don't despair. I could be joining you yet 

I think the advice to try a back to back test has to be right. I hope to do that on Thursday!