Can't decide: GTi or A3 3.2l v6

[donovan2123]

I just can't make my mind up! Do I go for:

2005 Mk5 Gti DSG high spec, FSH, 114k miles, 4 owners, Tuned to 250bhp £3500.

Or

2004 Audi A3 8P 3.2l N/A, Automatic, 105k miles, FSH, high spec, 6 owners, miltek, uprated blue Haldex controller. Tuned to 255bhp £2800

Please bear in mind I can afford both and fuel isn't really an issue as its expensed. The a3 I would likely swap bonnet and bumper to make it more like Facelift.

I really can't make up my mind, the GTi looks fresher and nicer, the a3 has the engine noise and quattro and could be fun but looks dated.

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[KJNGTi]

Are both DSG?

From my experience a DSG box of that era were likely to throw up a massive bill now and again. Someone will correct me but I think those 3.2 are also chain driven and the gti is belt which would be easier to and cheaper to maintain.

But going on looks alone i would go for the Gti. The Audi will no doubt sound nicer at idle and full out but it will be heavier. However the mk5 will handle better and be no slouch as I’m finding out after coming from a string of straight 6 petrol BMW the Gti is a great drivers car and a lot more fun.

[bobby_fodge]

Have you driven both?

[Juliand]

Are both DSG?

From my experience a DSG box of that era were likely to throw up a massive bill now and again. Someone will correct me but I think those 3.2 are also chain driven and the gti is belt which would be easier to and cheaper to maintain.

GTI has a chain and cambelt - the chain mechanism can get quite noisy, indicating wear. Circa a £1000 to get all of the chain bits done (chain, adjuster and tensioner) and about £500 for the cambelt and waterpump - garage prices. Don't know about the A3, sorry, but just picking up on the cambelt  comment being cheaper to maintain.....

[donovan2123]

Maintenance I'm not overly concerned about. The dsg seem strong and haven't read many if any issues with them.

Cam chain stretch is a thing and I am aware of it so would be doing the relevant vcds checks which show if its stretched or not.

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[KJNGTi]

Clutch packs on DSG and Mechatronic unit are the main issues, if pulling away in first isnt always smooth then id walk away.

I stand corrected on the chains for GTi's, i thought all Mk5's were belt.

[pudding]

I'd take the Golf.  The A3 isn't quick for the engine capacity and is nowhere near as much fun in the twisties.  Good solid engine the 3.2 though and will give you no trouble, unless the chains stretch, in which case it's a 4 figure bill.

[MIJ_JAGGER]

Gti, dsg all day every day

[donovan2123]

Well went to view gti and there was to many things not right with it. Rusting along seals(vinyl placed to try and hide this), signs of wing repair (not aligning with bumper and spot weld marks), boost pipe not attached properly, bottom of boot lid rusty the entire length, steamed up headlights, and a big jerk when moving after engaging reverse.

So the search continues...

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[KJNGTi]

That’ll have a pretty expensive DSG repair by the sounds of it.

Plenty more fish in the sea etc etc

[donovan2123]

Btw if anyone is planning to sell get in touch. I have money waiting and need to purchase a car ASAP.

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[Gaz1992]

Btw if anyone is planning to sell get in touch. I have money waiting and need to purchase a car ASAP.

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Could be selling mine in the next few weeks, however it is manual.

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[Alex Booth]

Only thing the A3 3.2 has over the GTI is sound. Apart from that I don't really see any benefit. GTI also easily tuneable to be quicker than the 3.2 lump. To improve performance on the A3 you would have to look at Turbo/Supercharger options which will cost an arm and leg.

[muff1991]

Ollies right, GTI only needs a couple of tweeks to be faster! the golf looks better too..

I do see why you are undecided though.. price, looks, sound etc.. the 3.2 engine does sound lovely when pressing on. but the 2.0 also sounds alright if you ask me! and with said tweeks, it'll stink the 3.2 ;-P

[shoaybmakda]

GTI - better tuning and looks nicer.

A3 - sounds better and is a quattro...how often will you drive in the snow??

i would probably go for the GTI :)