Golf GTD vs. Octavia vRS. Went for the OCTAVIA!

[dodds-gttdi]

Ok, I've been asked a few questions from a good friend (who's not too clued up on cars) which car to go for. Choice is between a 2009/2010 Golf GTD or Octavia vRS TDI. Both have the Common Rail TDI Engine with 170ps, but what are the differences. He likes the toys on offer (RCD/RNS Radios, Parking Assist on the Golf, Xenons on the Octavia, etc) and drives circa 15000 miles a year so wants something that will handle well (for a diesel).

A few questions: what are the standard equipment levels like on both cars (does one vastly outway the other?) And are there any major differences betwwen them (I know one has a boot!)? Does the Octavia have independant rear suspension like the Golf? Same options for Radios, Entertainment (iPod/mp3, etc)? Are the brakes the same as the Golf?

Price-wise the Octavia is more tempting, and also for road tax. Insurance is less in group rating but not much in £.

Would like to hear your opinions people. Thanks  

[rob_e]

Skoda is bigger (boot) and cheaper.  The other one is a golf.


 

Suspension and brakes are identical.  TBH having had a mk5 gti and then two petrol vRS estates i'd say the skoda handles better.  The golf always felt more stable in fast sweepers when i had some weight in the boot.  The skoda has a bit more bodywork at the rear so i think is a more balanced car.

Both benefit significantly from upgraded rear arb.

 

[dodds-gttdi]

Yeah, I think the added boot space is only a bonus. My mate doesn't have much need for a huge boot but they always come in handy when you have one.

Good to know about the rear suspension, for some reason I thought the Skoda had a rear beam setup.

As they're the same engine I'm pretty sure that all the same mechanical modifications can be applied.  Don't think too many upgrades will be happening in that area as he's not too interested. Can anybody shed light on what is standard equipment on the Octavia or Golf GTD?

Personally I think the facelifted Octavia looks the part, and comes in better colours than the Mk6 Golf. Not many decent colours on the Mk6, definitely a downward move from the Mk5. 

[GrayMK5GTI]

If your mate isn't after quite as much practicality as the Golf, the Scirocco looks better and handles better than both of those.

I think it's a bit lighter than the Golf so should be slightly quicker and better on fuel 

[garrardrj]

I don't know many who prefer the look of a Scirocco to a Golf

[J400uk]

GTD as its just so much nicer than the Skoda IMO. Yes mechanically they are similar but the Golf looks and feels better in many ways. Nothing wrong with the VRS but not my cup of tea :)

[dodds-gttdi]

Thanks for the varied opinions. Good to know the Octavia isn't dull to drive. Think the Golf rear seats and boot is the minimum size he'd go for. 2 kids and plenty use for a regular sized boot, think that's all that let's the Scirocco down, I love the shape of them.

[betty_swollox]

GTD as its just so much nicer than the Skoda IMO. Yes mechanically they are similar but the Golf looks and feels better in many ways. Nothing wrong with the VRS but not my cup of tea :)

Long winded way of saying....you're a badge snob?

[J400uk]

GTD as its just so much nicer than the Skoda IMO. Yes mechanically they are similar but the Golf looks and feels better in many ways. Nothing wrong with the VRS but not my cup of tea :)

Long winded way of saying....you're a badge snob?

Not really since I had a couple of SEATs before this and I'd consider having another. As I say there is nothing wrong with the skoda its a perfectly good car but the quality and styling of the Golf is notably better

[dodds-gttdi]

From what I can find on Autotrader, eBay, Gumtree most Octavia vRS seem to come with Xenons (although not standard) and a much greater percentage of them come with the equivelant of a RCD510 (Bolero?) and Multi-Function Steering Wheel, as well as the Maxi-Dot Display. Not sure what the lowline version of the cluster display is, but in my earlier post I mentioned my friend is more interested in what toys/features/equipment comes with the car rather than out and out 0-60 performance/handling/etc.

Cheers to those who have replied  , still welcome other folks' views especially if you own a facelift Octavia or Mk6 Golf, or both! 

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Thanks for the varied opinions. Good to know the Octavia isn't dull to drive. Think the Golf rear seats and boot is the minimum size he'd go for. 2 kids and plenty use for a regular sized boot, think that's all that let's the Scirocco down, I love the shape of them.

If he's a family man, and not really into modding, I'd strongly recommend going for the Octavia.  Kids will only get bigger, will want to take along mates/boyfriends/girlfriends etc.  Just look at your local private hire taxis - how many Golfs do you see, and how many Octavias do you see?

Sure, the Golf, especially the Mk6 may be slightly better quality inside, but for pure practicality, you cant beat the Octavia.  OK, actually, you can - what about the Passat - exactly the same chassis and mechanicals as the Golf 5/6 and Octavia.

And personally, I hate the Scirocco  - I can't see out of the rear very well - but then I am old and nearly dead! 

[dodds-gttdi]

Ah, didn't think about the Passat. Just mentioned to him and he doesn't like the design. I'd have to agree with him. Plus the GTD and vRS are top trim level cars.

Totally agree on the practicality of the Scirocco Shaun, although it does look a nice car (especially the facelift). :driving:

[mortygttdi]

Passant cc, would be my choice but other wise I would really be torn between both the Octavia and Golf. I'm sure the trim levels of the Golf especially the GTD would be better than the Skoda???

[J400uk]

CC is a good call, pair that with the DSG 'box and you've got a super smooth and relaxing car with loads of toys.

[brookesb32]

I can't comment on the new vrs diesel, but my mum had the mk2 vrs diesel and it was very nice and had nice spec

I have a mk6 GTD and love it, I think I would find the skoda a little big with that boot, I also like the shorter stance of the Golf.

However, spec wise I imagine you would get far more for your money with the skoda. I had to search a lot to get the one I have in the spec it has - including the xenons - they are like rocking horse poop. I paid plenty for it too (2010 plate) but was happy to because of the spec, but imagine a similar vrs would be a good few thousand if not more less to buy

Do love the Golf though