GT TDI to GTI - buying advice

[Treker]

Hi all,

New to the forum.

I am thinking of buying a mk7 GTI. The car is going mainly be a commuter.

I currently have a mk7 GT TDI but want something more punchy.
For people that have come from a GT TDI to a GTI, is there much difference in the NVH levels between the two?
I’m mainly worried about an increase in tyre noise/ road / wind noise in the cabin.
Also, is the GTI suspension firmer than the Gt?
And if I got a DCC car, how does comfort mode compare to the GT TDi?

Anecdotally there seems to be some people on the internet suggesting sound insulation took a step backwards on the mk7.5 and the Mk7s were quieter in the cabin (road/tyre/wind noise). Is there any truth in this?

Are there any typical problems with the Gti I should be looking for when buying?


Thanks all, really appreciate any advice you can give!

[jdoubleu]

I'm assuming the GTI springs and dampers would not be shared with the GT. The GTI will be firmer. What size wheels are you coming from? That will probably make as much difference as the suspension if you went from 17 inch to the optional 19 inch on the GTI (for example).

I'd say if you're concerned about it, the DCC could be worth seeking out. I didn't have it when I had my MK7 GTI and regretted that a bit. I went on to a Leon Cupra after (that has DCC standard) and that rode better even on the 19 inch wheels.

[Exonian]

Welcome Treker 

Sure, the ride in the GTI is a bit knobblier than in the GT TDI but it’s far from harsh.
Depending on the age of the car and mileage it’s not impossible DCC dampers might be leaking by now, and even if you’re looking at standard dampers they’ll be past their optimum by 40,000 miles. If I were buying a used example I’d factor in a fresh set of dampers within a couple of years to restore ride and handling to their optimum.
What you lose in ride quality you gain in sharpness, keenness and confidence. Same with the engine, you lose that almost silence at cruising speed but gain a much cleaner revving and more willing engine that’s more flexible on hills and doesn’t grumble when cold at idle.

Plus the GTI’s specification is way better, the chassis, brakes and driving dynamics are all significantly improved over the TDI and the headlights if you’re coming from a non-xenon or LED equipped car are pretty impressive.
What’s not to like?

[Treker]

Morning fellas,
Thanks for your replies.
My Tdi is on 17s. The GTI will be on 18s, I’m not a fan of the 19s.

Exonian - it’s really interesting you say the GTI loses that almost silence at a cruise. Being a commuter car, that’s one of the things I love about the TDI. Is it the fake engine sound that causes the noise in the GTI and thus it can be turned off? Or is more exhaust/ tyre noise you mean?

New dampers by 40k?? 😱 that’s poor!

[Exonian]

I don’t mean the dampers will be spewing oil out by 40k but the internals of the shocks will be pretty degraded on ANY car by then after being used on UK roads unless solely on motorways. They lead a hard life and I’m fussy about such things.
As for noise, it’s more to do with gearing. TDI’s are normally running much higher gearing to reduce noise and fuel consumption for cruising. On acceleration Diesels are noisier by nature but cruising they’re normally very quiet.
GTI’s are a little lower geared but not noisy per se.
I’d recommend disconnecting or at least turning down the Soundaktor if you’re sensitive to noise.

I’d also recommend a thorough drive before buying.

I don’t think any GTI I’ve owned has been much worse as far as NVH goes than anything else wearing a Golf badge.