VW R32 vs BMW 130i.... can't decide!

[navier_stokes]

Help!

I've test driven a few of each of the above and seriously can't decide which to plump for.

In almost every way I think I prefer the 130 - more refined, better economy, and RWD.

However, the noise of the R32 is epic, even if the handling is a bit too go-kart like and the steering and 'box are fairly light....

Both are about the same price, age and mileage wise.

What would you go for?

[essexplumber]

Tough one. I really like the R32 and was considering going without food recently to buy one but.....I do like bm's and I really like BM's with big engines so if I had to choose it would 51/49 in the 130'S favour. Nice problem to have though.

[soad]

navier_stokes said:

What would you go for?

Voted for the BMW 130i - that's my choice. But only you can decide in the end.

[useyourdellusion]

The noise may have a novelty factor attached. You'll get used to it before long and then tend not to notice it.

I'd go for the BMW. It will tend to attract less of the wrong attention too....

[MattyB_]

While the BMW is the better car, I still can't get over its hideous looks. For that reason, I'd take the R32 if it had to be between the two.

However I did vote "other" - are there no other considerations for you?

[Asterix]

What about the Golf GTI - I've read that it is the purer drivers car compared to the R32.

[Lefty]

There's an interesting tg test of the two on youtube, I'll see if I can find a link.

I bought an r32 for it's (relative) practicality, subtlety and 4wd for the bad weather we get up here. I love it, it's pretty much ideal for my needs. The 1-series is fugly, cramped and, being rwd, compromised in the snow and ice.

For what it's worth, if I lived in a town or city I probably wouldn't have bought it but a mk v gti instead.

[useyourdellusion]

Asterix said:

What about the Golf GTI - I've read that it is the purer drivers car compared to the R32.

That's my thinking too. I haven't driven any of the cars mentioned but have read the reviews. From what I can gather, there's no point in going for the Mk5 R32 over the Mk5 GTI.

[Soovy]

I went from a 911 to an R32. I love it. EPIC noise, quick, comfy, plenty of room, lovely trim and interior, safe, DSG box is fab.

R32 every time.

[Stu R]

R32's are great cars, definitely gets my vote.

[collateral]

I see a lot less 130s than I do r32s about, unless they are debadged. I'd bet you'd be filling up less with the BMW too.

Considered an S3?

[Soovy]

collateral said:

I see a lot less 130s than I do r32s about, unless they are debadged. I'd bet you'd be filling up less with the BMW too.

Considered an S3?

S3 is a four pot. Ruins it (like the New Golf R)

[EK993]

useyourdellusion said:

That's my thinking too. I haven't driven any of the cars mentioned but have read the reviews. From what I can gather, there's no point in going for the Mk5 R32 over the Mk5 GTI.

Unless you don't want a 4 cylinder engine. I went from 6 / 8 cylinder cars to an Elise. Whilst the car was fantastic, the engine was dismal. 4 cylinder cars lack character and sound dreadful, I just wouldn't be able to consider one ever again.

[Asterix]

Fair enough - I guess that unless you are in constant hoon mode then the relative 'purity', for the most part, won't be exploited.

[volumeone]

R32 has the worst interior ever.

[andyjo1982]

Voted for the R32, i really dont like the look of the bmw 1 series.

[ManOpener]

I went R32- they make a great noise, and are much more of an "everyday" car. I'm only 6' and I don't fit in the back of a 1-series at all.

[Mr Moley]

volumeone said:

R32 has the worst interior ever.

The worst ever...really?

[ex vtskid]

useyourdellusion said:

4 cylinder cars lack character and sound dreadful, I just wouldn't be able to consider one ever again.

E30 M3, Honda B and K Series, Impreza, Cosworth YB, Vauxhall Redtop, I'm sure theres plenty more

Edited by ex vtskid on Saturday 4th September 15:12

[Asterix]

ex vtskid said:

useyourdellusion said:

4 cylinder cars lack character and sound dreadful, I just wouldn't be able to consider one ever again.

E30 M3, Honda B and K Series, Impreza, Cosworth YB, Vauxhall Redtop, I'm sure theres plenty more

Edited by ex vtskid on Saturday 4th September 15:12

Chuck in the Honda S2000 4 pot.