Ed 30 vs GTI

[wyliecoyote]

Hi all, just joined this buzzing forum! Please be gentle

I've test driven an R32 and a GTI - impressed by both but I think the GTI suits me better. I'm looking into buying an Ed 30 as it is probably the best compromise between the R32's power and GTI's handling for day to day use.

Two questions and then the rambling will be over 

Do you think it is a risk to buy a Ed30 without driving one? Apparently there are no demonstrators available at any of the dealers in my region.
Is the ride of the Ed30 any harsher than a GTI with 18 inch wheels?

Thanks in advance for your helpful answers!

[chatty1234]

For me the ED30 interior is very nice. The extra power has to be the consideration. But what about price considerations? I saw at Motorpoint in Peterborough a standard GTI with the ED30 interior set up and in black at 19K. At first I thought it was an ED30 as the black looks similar as the plastic on the skirting is black. That is about 3-4K under a ED30? Monza wheels seam to get the nod from most people as better. I know it maybe heresy to many people, looks like the standard GTI is better when you consider the deals you can get from the already cheaper price. ED30 not such good deals, although some are mentioning discounts of a few hundred pounds. So if you are paying attention to money I would say standard GTI, if you are looking to be more exclusive and want to beat a standard GTI from 0-60, the get the ED30 and enjoy!

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Hi all, just joined this buzzing forum! Please be gentle

Hi there, and welcome to the forum.  I'm sure we'll all be nice and gentle, if you are nice and receptive !!!!           

I've test driven an R32 and a GTI - impressed by both but I think the GTI suits me better.

OK, both great cars, but with slightly different characteristics, and running costs!

What are the particular aspects of the GTI which suit you better?

I'm looking into buying an Ed 30 as it is probably the best compromise between the R32's power and GTI's handling for day to day use.

OK, the handling issue first.  The "standard" GTI comes with 17" Monza alloys.  Many people actually order it with the factory optional 18" Monza II alloys, so which was on the GTI you tested?

Moving on to both the Ed30 and the R32, they both come with 18" alloys as standard.  The point I'm trying to make, is that if the standard GTI had the optional 18" rims, then all three (the GTI, the Ed30, and the R32) will all handle identically.  Obviously, different tyres will also have an effect.  It seems to have been generally establised that Dunlop and Bridgestone are $hyte, the Contis and Mich Exalto are OK, and the best (though not see any OEMs) will be Michelin Pilot Sport PS2.

The power issue:  The R32 weighs quite a bit more than the GTI (heavier VR6 engine, and 4wd transmission), and although it produces an extra 50PS over the standard GTI, the power-to-weight ratio, effectively the "real world" performance "benchmarks"; the R32 only has an extra 7PS per tonne more than the standard GTI.  I havn't done my homework for the Ed30, but I guess it would be a similar figure.  Therefore, the "real world" differences between the two, especially the Ed30/R32 are negligable!

Two questions and then the rambling will be over 

Do you think it is a risk to buy a Ed30 without driving one? Apparently there are no demonstrators available at any of the dealers in my region.

No.  If you liked both the standard GTI and the R32, then the Ed30 should not disappoint.  The only two issues with the Ed30 to really consider is the lack of full leather, and, can you live with the red stiching?

Is the ride of the Ed30 any harsher than a GTI with 18 inch wheels?

No, as stated above, all would be identical, save for tyre differences.

Thanks in advance for your helpful answers!

OK, your welcome.

One thing you didn't mention in your considerations, is running costs.  The R32 is one insurance group higher than the standard GTI (dunno what the Ed30 is, though!).  The R32 is band G for VED, meaning £300 this year, £400 next year for your tax disc, whereas the GTI and Ed30 are in band F at £190 this year, and (I think) £210 next.  The R32 uses about 30% more fuel than either the GTI or Ed30.  And finally, the R32 requires more maintenance, the Haldex 20k mi oil and filter change!

I havn't touched on actual purchase prices, as chatty1234 has touched that point.

Get back to us, with your musings on our opinions!

[p3eps]

Heres my 10p worth!

I had made my mind up that I wanted a new Civic Type R.  I've previously had an old CTR and my last car was an Integra Type R, so I thought this was the next step.  Went and test drive it and thought it was great.  My father in law told me not to jump in yet, and try out all the similar style cars.  I went and tried the Astra VXR, Focus ST and then the Golf GTI.

To be honest I'd never even considered a Golf before that, but after driving it I though it was by far the best out of those I'd driven.  The dealer then spoke to me about the Ed30, and I test drive it too.  To me the £1715 difference seemed a small price to pay for all the extra bits and bobs (I know many people will disagree!).  The performance of the car was a little better - but then it had under 200 miles on the clock, and the GTI had 6000.

I took the brochure home to think about it, and took my father in law up the next day with me.  This time the dealer knew I was serious and not just after a test drive, so it was unaccompanied!  We found a nice spot with a couple of closed roads - which made an excellent 'circuit', and hammered the hell out of this poor car!  It stood up to the tests and we were both very impressed.
I spoke to the dealer about the R32, but they didnt have one I could test.  After comparing the performace difference with the fuel economy figures, I decided the Ed30 was for me and signed up for one!  Since then its been established that one of the main differences between the GTI and Ed30 is the Ed30 has alot more tuning potential.  It has an uprated turbo (some say from an S3) and the car can be remapped to over 300bhp - which is an added bonus!

I cant say how I'm getting on with my Ed30 as I'm still waiting!  The 12 week wait is a killer - and I still have about 9 to go!!!

[wyliecoyote]

Hi all,

Thanks for your comments so far

The decision that the GTI suited me better was really down to running costs, but the road tax issue has clinched it! Didn't get a very long test drive but the engines of both impressed me, however I was very disappointed with the interior of the R32 considering the asking price

The GTI I tested did have the 18 inch Monzas, I was just wondering whether the lowered suspension of the Ed 30 had made it noticably harsher....

I did managed to get a sit in a customer Ed30 that was waiting for pickup. The leather seats take me back to my old 306GTI, and the red stiching is no worse than my current LCR. Overall, I liked it.

I think the extra cost of the Ed30 will be worth it, but not so sure about the R32

And then there is the tuning potential of the Ed30 which seems greater than the R32

Please keep your comments coming in - any current Ed30 owners out there who switched from a GTI?

Cheers.

[Simonet]

I test drove a GTI and ordered an ED30 without driving one (it could only be better right?) Having had the car almost 3 weeks and driven 700 miles as of today I absolutely LOVE the car. One of my best friends has a 55 plate Type R and took me to pick up my golf. What a car that is, but for me.... it was too much like a motorbike (which he loves, and I hate!) The Type R is just RAW, LOAD and uncomfortable. It is FAST! Having been driven to see my NEW car in his Type R, the drive home was such a difference. Apart from me Driving (rather than being driven  , the car is just so more comfortable and refined. Obviously I didn't drive it hard (and only now, the max rpm I've seen is 5K) but the power is just THERE all the time, rather than 6K and then woosh! hold on to your seat (and think the engine is going to leap out of its mounts!)

I've just filled up with my 3rd tank of V Power and getting about 320 miles from just over £42 of petrol.

On a run down the motorway (being very calm with the throttle) I'm getting 38+mpg to the gallon

Around town and a smaller run up the motorway i'm getting 32mpg

Obviously I expect this to reduce as I drive a little faster, but I'm enjoying driving slowly!! (Oh dear I hear you say!)

I did take my nephew out the other night (peugeot 205 1.9 Gti owner, which I've had several) and he loved it! He actually commented how well I drove around a section of twisty roads around where I live but being modest, it's the car, not me that handles and drives well!

As you may know I have a Black ED 30 and I have cleaned it 4 times so far (yes it does show rain spots!!) but I enjoy cleaning it and so I don't care (don't as my other half about my obsession though!!!!!!!  )

Overall

1) Group 18 - £500 insurance (34, Full no claims, no accidents / convictions, Other half one fault claim + PROTECTED)
2) Great engine note
3) Fantastic handling
4) Refined - comfortable - (and I love the heated seats - didn't think I would)
5) Fantastic delivery of power (and more to come as it beds in)
6) Great looks, and yeah mines a 5 door!!
7)  8 9 10....... too much to mention, and the mrs is wondering what I'm typing 

Oh, the red stitching.... you just don't see it!

I know I'm slightly biased, but go buy an E30, you won't be dissapointed, and the Wheels look so much better in real life!

[volks695]

I have got to agree entirely with your comments Simonet.  I have had the pleasure of owning two previous mark 5 Gti's and I now have a 3 door edition 30 and I must say its an absolutely fantaastic car. 
Ok the wheels aren't to everyones liking nor is the red stitching but what the heck, it would be a boring place if we all liked the same!! 
What I will say is that no two cars seem to drive the same, I think its pure coincidence but the gear box on my edition 30 is so smooth in comparison to my old car. 

[Hully]

Simonet, where did you get your insuance from?  I've been looking round for quotes and Esure were about the best at just under 550 for me.  I know age/convictions/accidents make a difference, but interested all the same.

[Hurdy]

Hi Wiliecoyote,

I was in exactly the same boat as you. I had tested the R32 and loved its exhaust note styling and handling - then I took out a GTI - It just seemed fleeter of foot and more reactive on the twisties. The engine note wasn't quite as sweet as the R32, but still had a fine noise and a smooth rev hungry attitude that just drew me in. I was hooked. I heard about the ED30 and just had to have one. The extra detailing and the extra poke for just £1700 (ish) notes above the standard GTI was a no brainer and took me all of....errrr....1 second to decide on the purchase.

Just do it!... You know you want to...the little voice inside your head tells you so....you won't regret it...

[Simonet]

Hully, Direct Line was the cheapest (£484 including 12month interest), but I was with Churchill and they matched the quote.