[///Matt]

So my buddy just bought a new GTI, 200 hp turbo wagon.

It's got balls.

We took a couple of straight line runs against each other, and his car, which has the VW equivalent of an SMG, kept up with my steptronic 330 almost every step of the way. I TOTALLY get him on launch, and jump about 2 car lengths ahead. After that, he doesn't lose or gain an inch on me.

Not bad, for a rated 55 less hp...

Matt

[backtofront001]

The MKV GTi is a nice car. Very fun to drive, pretty fast and I do not for a moment disbelieve that it kept up with you. Actually you said that SMG is the same as DSG (VW's SMG) -- not true. In theory they are the same because both have paddle shifting and what not. But, DSG is a lot more advanced. The DSG car is actually rated to be faster than the manual tranny. Very fast and seamless shifting, very nice transmission. BMW definately needs to update SMG.

[hotsand5]

Audi/VW SMG is one of the best in the business~!

[///Matt]

Originally Posted by backtofront001

The MKV GTi is a nice car. Very fun to drive, pretty fast and I do not for a moment disbelieve that it kept up with you. Actually you said that SMG is the same as DSG (VW's SMG) -- not true. In theory they are the same because both have paddle shifting and what not. But, DSG is a lot more advanced. The DSG car is actually rated to be faster than the manual tranny. Very fast and seamless shifting, very nice transmission. BMW definately needs to update SMG.

I've driven the E60 M5. It's SMG shifts a LOT faster than the MKV gti's DSG.

The SMG shifts in less than 100 miliseconds. That's fast. New M3 is reported to have a shift time of 60 mil.

Matt

[ward]

I'd take the VW over a civic si everytime

[///Matt]

well... duh? lol

to ME, there are two kinds of car.

German, and NOT German. =)

[canucklion]

so what do you think about cars that are engineered by a german company, and made by americans? e.g. X5

Originally Posted by ///Matt

well... duh? lol

to ME, there are two kinds of car.

German, and NOT German. =)

[///Matt]

I think... no thanks? lol....

I've never been a fan of the X5 ANYWAY, I don't pay much heed to it's breeding VS upbringing. =)

Matt

[LOLrance]

Originally Posted by hotsand5

Audi/VW DSG is one of the best in the business~!

fixed it for you

[hkj]

Interesting comparison. How did you launch your car?

-hkj

[///Matt]

I had my left foot on the brake, and my right above the gas, DSC completely off. When it was time, I lifted left and floored the gas, and off I went. I have M3 wheels, with Continental SportContact 1's. No break loose on the rubber, just a solid launch.

GTI with DSG did about the same, except in first, when he floors it, it's off to a slow start, while the turbo spools, then the front tires break free (with SportContact 2's) and spin fairly freely for most of first. If he could get a solid launch, we'd be neck and neck all the way up to an exceptionally high speed, at which point the benefit of six cyls VS four takes over.

Matt

[jojogargoles]

how much weight does the VW have?

[///Matt]

not much, that's for sure... probably just over 3000 lbs?

[BK]

3308 pounds (Google is your friend)

Also - I tested a 2006 Jetta GLI when I was looking to buy. Fun to drive, and the 2.0T was a blast and IMO sounds great. While it doesn't really compare to a 330i, it provides a lot of the fun of a Bimmer and I love VW interiors, all for a much, much lower price. But again, it's quite a step up to the Bimmer from the GLI. But if I were looking in the $25K range, that's the car I'd get. Definitely a GTI over a Civic Si. The other in that range to consider would be a Mazdaspeed 3. I tested a Mazda 3 and it's more like a "regular" Civic or Golf. The "speed" version should be like the Si and GTI.