What's the difference between a Audi A3 2.0T & a Mk5 GTi?

[Mk5 GTian]

Looking for my third K03 GTi, and just wondered abut getting the same engine in an A3?

I'm interested in the chassis/ suspension differences in a 2wd one. Would it feel similar to a GTi, or is the engine the only bit of parts bin sharing?

Has anyone experience of owning one of these, and if so how was it?

Also, has anyone owned a Quattro version?

Thanks 

[th3_f15t]

Guess the only way to know is to go test drive one and find out for yourself. Then let us all know as I've wondered the same thing myself...

[J400uk]

The Audi is just a normal A3 that happens to have the 2.0 TFSI. The GTI has chassis, suspension and steering tweaks etc over a normal Golf so is sportier to drive. However they are fundamentaly the same car under the skin. As above test drive them both and see what you think!

[GrayMK5GTI]

It's basically the same car underneath the Audi badge. It will never have the cult following as the GTI which is why you never See Autocar magazine saying "buy a A3 2.0 TFSI", they always say "buy a Golf mk5 GTI"

Same car - but just not as special

[mart.]

I sold by MK5 GTi back in March, to make way for an A3 Sportback 2.0T Quattro (2007), in sprint blue, as i needed a 5 door.

In my experience so far there really isnt that much difference. Granted i dont push it to its limits of cornering ability, so I havent noticed any different between the 2 really. The Audi feels slightly tighter, but that might be because it has 30k less miles than my golf.

Engines are exactly the same when you look under the bonnet, everything in the same place.

I quite like the quattro aswell. Fuel does suffer a little with the quattro, but in the wet the other day, where the golf was spinning this seemed to be much more stable. Might just be a placebo, but thats what it felt like to me.

They do seem quite rare in 2.0t with quattro format though, as I was looking for a while, whilst considering a focus ST at the same time.