Golf GTI 7.5PP or BMW 330d?

[Jasonc0909]

Please can you help me get off the fence choosing between these two cars?!!?

I have a budget of approx. £25k and would like something with a bit of poke and nice to drive.

I've always had VWs and have been generally very pleased with them. My last car was a 2018 Golf R, which I had from new as was lucky enough to sell on 3 months ago for more than I paid for it. Whilst the outright performance of the Golf R was amazing, I have always fancied a Golf GTI, mainly due to it's relative 'classiness', tartan interior and the nostalgia, as my dad had one back in the early 80s.

That said, I like the idea of a BMW 330d (Straight six, similar performance to GTI, good economy, great interior etc, etc.).

To be honest, journeys are generally quite short (around 8 miles), but I also 300 mile journeys approx. 3 times a month over a year. With that in mind, the GTI may be the better option, but I need some persuasion one way or the other please !!!!

I'm estimating that that with a budget of £25k, I would probably be looking at something between 2017 and 2018, depending on spec / mileage etc.. Ideally I want to buy from a dealer for peace of mind.

Thanks in advance.

[CG2020UK]

I looked at trading in my GTI for a BMW 330D but I just don't do the mileage for a diesel or the roads to make it worthwhile.

I personally found the BMW feels more solid while the GTI feels lighter and more agile.

Both are quick and both will return similar fuel economy.

I'd base it simply on whichever you prefer.

Both are cracking cars BMW will be a better cruiser and the GTI more fun but doubt there lots in it either way.

[ITR1]

I went from a 18 plate Mk7.5 Golf R to a G20 330i. Although the BMW is slower on paper, for the sort of driving I do (generally <10 mile journeys in built up areas) I haven't missed it. The fuel economy is much better so I don't miss filling up more frequently!
The interior quality in the BMW is a massive step up, everything feels more solid and I get on well with the i-drive system.
I know its only a 4-cyl but I'd go and take a look at one if you are considering a 330d. I don't do the miles to justify a diesel. I paid £27k for a low mileage m-sport 19 plate with the fancy HK sound system early last year, but I expect prices have moved on since then.

[M.F.D]

It's obviously subjective but as good as 330d and 335d's are, they are just rep mobiles with decent grunt. Nothing special about them IMO.

Get the GTI, clearly the more special/fun car.

[GTEYE]

I have a ‘69 GTI PP and an ‘68 320d M Sport and previously a 330d and 430d.

The GTI is a great car for fun driving on A and B roads, but the 3 Series offers much the same performance but much better refinement.

Depends what you value most really, the GTI is definitely more characterful, but it can be a bit droney on the motorway. The BMW is much more relaxed but it lacks character.

For me the GTi is a keeper, but I do value the refinement and easier going nature of the 3er.

Truthfully you can’t go too far wrong with either, just think of where you do most of your driving.

[GTEYE]

I have a ‘69 GTI PP and an ‘68 320d M Sport and previously a 330d and 430d.

The GTI is a great car for fun driving on A and B roads, but the 3 Series offers much the same performance but much better refinement.

Depends what you value most really, the GTI is definitely more characterful, but it can be a bit droney on the motorway. The BMW is much more relaxed but it lacks character.

For me the GTi is a keeper, but I do value the refinement and easier going nature of the 3er.

Truthfully you can’t go too far wrong with either, just think of where you do most of your driving.

[Brett748]

The engine is better in the 330d. I drove a Golf GTI MK7 PP and the engine was awful. It felt neither boosted or N/A and sounded crap.

Handling is better on the GTI, it is a decent steer.

You can’t really go wrong with either.

[ZX10R NIN]

From what you describe I'd say a 330i would be the pick:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201061...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110178...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111269...

[Bobupndown]

Currently weighing up the pros and cons of a Golf GTD and a 320d.

[nutbehinddawheel]

Try locating a well specked Golf Gti Clubsport 40 with buckets.
They’re out there.

[Jasonc0909]

Thanks for the very insightful responses everyone - much appreciated.

It has now led me to think about whether the BMW 340i or 440i Grand Coupe would be an option? Almost the best of both worlds, combining performance, refinement and relatively good MPG for a glorious sounding straight 6??

Thoughts anyone??

[cerb4.5lee]

A 440i GC would make a very nice car I reckon. A lovely engine in a good looking car, plus you have the added benefit of the hatchback, so you get the practicality thrown in with it too. A great all round performance car I think.

[ITR1]

Jasonc0909 said:

Thanks for the very insightful responses everyone - much appreciated.

It has now led me to think about whether the BMW 340i or 440i Grand Coupe would be an option? Almost the best of both worlds, combining performance, refinement and relatively good MPG for a glorious sounding straight 6??

Thoughts anyone??

340i was top of my list but over budget for a decent one. If your budget stretches then go for it!

[dmsims]

Bobupndown said:

Currently weighing up the pros and cons of a Golf GTD and a 320d.

In the context of this thread and absolute terms neither have any appeal

[DanStirl]

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110088...

Very few manual 340i about, not sure if that was a requirement but this seems to be good value when compared with a GTI.

[Jasonc0909]

DanStirl said:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110088...

Very few manual 340i about, not sure if that was a requirement but this seems to be good value when compared with a GTI.

Thanks. Definitely prefer the auto to be honest. The DSG box in my Golf R was great (my first auto box), and I understand that the BMW 8 speed auto is awesome. Plus I have reached that age (49) where autos seem more preferable !!!!!!

[Pistonheader101]

340i for sure

[ITR1]

Jasonc0909 said:

Thanks. Definitely prefer the auto to be honest. The DSG box in my Golf R was great (my first auto box), and I understand that the BMW 8 speed auto is awesome. Plus I have reached that age (49) where autos seem more preferable !!!!!!

The auto is great and it still has the flappy paddles like the R does. I think for your budget if you are looking for an AUC then you might only be getting an F 340i rather than the newer G series.

[Canon_Fodder]

Jasonc0909 said:

I also 300 mile journeys approx. 3 times a month over a year.

If they're motorway journeys I'd get the 330d, if they're on better roads I'd have the GTi

[HelldogBE]

Jasonc0909 said:

To be honest, journeys are generally quite short (around 8 miles), but I also 300 mile journeys approx. 3 times a month over a year. With that in mind, the GTI may be the better option, but I need some persuasion one way or the other please !!!!

Is that 300 miles, 3 times a month, every month?
That would make the case for a 330d worthwhile as the MPG and performance on the motorway (riding the torque) will be superb.
However for your daily 8 mile journeys it'll be pretty miserable. It needs a few miles to get some heat in the engine & transmission.

I think you have the perfect use case for a 330E which can be tuned from 250hp to 340hp/550Nm combined (compared to 258hp/560Nm for the diesel)! Avoids the diesel resale uncertainty, future ULEZ problems and the petrol/electric hybrid combination is a lot better suited to your short trips. You'll feel the weight of the battery in the back, but then with a 3.0D you can feel the weight pushing in the nose so you wouldn't throw either car (330E/330D) around like a Golf R.

Edited by HelldogBE on Thursday 27th January 19:06