[ianhg]

blimey

what would u rather have, i know it might be the R32, but the A3 is a new shape and new model although not as cool as owning an R32. just wondering what your thoughts are on both of them.

considering they are both the same money at the mo

 

[GaryM]

Neither Ian, new MkV GTI.

 

[MikeP]

A3 3.2... [] but then I am biased! Plus, the A3 has the new suspension set up on the rear plus the interior is comparable with the MkIV, unlike the MkV...!

 

[Riz 32]

A Golf R32 anyday! although im biased! []

Riz

 

[Mikedav]

Quote: posted by MikeP on 02/01/2005 11:32:18

A3 3.2... [] but then I am biased! Plus, the A3 has the new suspension set up on the rear plus the interior is comparable with the MkIV, unlike the MkV...!

Got to agree!

I drove a fully loaded dealer demo - 19"s, Bodykit, satnav, etc and it was a lovely, lovely car. Proper engine that makes a proper noise and one of the best interiors out there. However its definetly a more grown up, civilised car than the R - like a MK4 V6 is to a MK3 VR, the A3 feels a lot less racy and raw to me? It didn't really feel like it had 55BHP more than mine, though its plenty quick enough. The demo was also pushing ?30k which I thought was a bit much...

Despite that though I'd definetly take the A3 personally - great car.

 

[diesel4]

Each to their own, i test drove an A3 3.2 the other day, lovely engine, nice sound but just didn't like it. Can't really say why, but for me R32 out of the 2.

 

[Chris]

Since we're all keen drivers on here, read Evo's review of both cars. They may share the same engine but one got 5 stars, one got 3.

 

[spanner]

Agree with Chris. The .:R32 is a totally different animal to the A3. The A3 is nice and soft while the R is hard and designed for the keen driver.

Remember while it's a lovely car, the 3.2 is an A3 not an S3.

 

[PJ52GLY]

yes but some times you can park a A3.2 any were but the R32 you cant realy

 

[spencert]

Have u seen the size[8)] of the discs and callipers on the 3.2 Quattro, they're massive

 

[Mister_E]

I'd go with the A3 myself as it's got the newer suspension but like Gary said, the new GTI is also 20k and you can get one from jamjar with DSG for that money!

 

[ianhg]

Quote: posted by GaryM on 02/01/2005 10:28:55

Neither Ian, new MkV GTI.

actually i think i will wait a bit and see how the mkv gti devlopes. i hear rumours of ligth weight versions and nice things like leather recaros.

so il get an s3 for a year or two. have fun in that then jump on the mkv band wagon

 

[Doc]

Quote: posted by ianhg on 02/01/2005 13:49:05

Quote: posted by GaryM on 02/01/2005 10:28:55

Neither Ian, new MkV GTI.

actually i think i will wait a bit and see how the mkv gti devlopes. i hear rumours of ligth weight versions and nice things like leather recaros.

Pischetsrieder, stated recently that VW are certainly thinking about quote "hardcore" unquote versions[]. Well it would be nice to see the "weight" removed from the GTi to make it a sharper tool.

Leather recaro's etc I would hope to see on the next iteration of the R32[]

 

[ianhg]

Quote: posted by Doc on 02/01/2005 14:27:36

Quote: posted by ianhg on 02/01/2005 13:49:05

Quote: posted by GaryM on 02/01/2005 10:28:55

Neither Ian, new MkV GTI.

actually i think i will wait a bit and see how the mkv gti devlopes. i hear rumours of ligth weight versions and nice things like leather recaros.

Pischetsrieder, stated recently that VW are certainly thinking about quote "hardcore" unquote versions[]. Well it would be nice to see the "weight" removed from the GTi to make it a sharper tool.

Leather recaro's etc I would hope to see on the next iteration of the R32[]

good things come to those who wait!

 

[PJ52GLY]

new GTI one problem 2WD any car over 200BHP "TOPS" should have rear wheel drive or 4WD

 

[MarkReading]

Here's an idea Ian - stick with your Golf and save the money then put it down on the new R34/36? whatever it's called!!!

That's my 2p's worth []

 

[hotdog]

Quote: posted by ianhg on 02/01/2005 10:09:32

blimey

what would u rather have, i know it might be the R32, but the A3 is a new shape and new model although not as cool as owning an R32. just wondering what your thoughts are on both of them.

considering they are both the same money at the mo

Buy the R32. The A3's all look the same to me. The R32 is the perfect combination of power, comfort and ability.

 

[ianhg]

i can own an s3 and save money. only a 100 pounds more to own

 

[Doc]

Quote: posted by PJ52GLY on 02/01/2005 21:09:37

new GTI one problem 2WD any car over 200BHP "TOPS" should have rear wheel drive or 4WD

I was really meaning hopefully any hardcore models would include a derivative of the R32. With the GTi you could loose say 100kg with a moderate increase in power (by say 10%, although not really necessary) and fettling of the handling to deliver a really focussed machine (aka Clio 182 in concept); even the Civic Type R and Focus RS are only approx 1200kg. The R32 carries much too much weight (1400 plus kgs) which blunts is already capable nature, plus with such a big engine it really should be looking towards at least 90 -100 bhp /litre IF the weight does not decrease; VW/Audi have the materials technology after all.

Interestingly, Vauxhall are producing an Astra VXR with approx 245 bhp (fwd), which should be no surprise as Alfa have already been there done that....but I do agree that 200 ish bhp really is about as much as you want in a fwd car before its starts being really compromised and expensive to engineer.[]

 

[Chris]

Quote: posted by PJ52GLY on 02/01/2005 21:09:37

new GTI one problem 2WD any car over 200BHP "TOPS" should have rear wheel drive or 4WD

Rubbish. You don't need 4wd or RWD at all... in good conditions a well sorted FWD car will be just as entertaining. The thing just needs to be well balanced.