F31 340i Touring to Golf GTI Mk7.5 Performance ???
Discussion
Hi all, last year I sold my F22 M240i manual and purchased an F31 340i Touring. I wanted the big boot for carrying bikes, and the ZF8 for traffic on my commute. There are many advantages to the F31, but also several drawbacks, which have led me to consider a Golf GTI Mk7.5 Performance pack. I ve always wanted one; I d free up some cash; and I d return to a manual box.
The drawbacks of my F31 include its value and relatively low miles, the fuel bills, the weight, and the fact that I never really utilise the B58 or the boot space.
I m looking for thoughts and advice from people that have had or experienced both cars, or have been in a similar predicament. Specifically things like NVH, comfort, and the overall perception of quality.
The drawbacks of my F31 include its value and relatively low miles, the fuel bills, the weight, and the fact that I never really utilise the B58 or the boot space.
I m looking for thoughts and advice from people that have had or experienced both cars, or have been in a similar predicament. Specifically things like NVH, comfort, and the overall perception of quality.
Edited by tomprestriidge on Saturday 10th October 22:13
I think you ll find the 7.5 a real step down from your 340i and much less exciting and much less engaging to drive. I ve had F31 and a MK7. They re both nice cars, personal preference really, go drive a couple and see what you think.
Edited by BlindedByTheLights on Saturday 10th October 22:21
I had a Mk7 Gti Perf pack as a daily a few years ago, for the last 7 years I've run a F31 335xd. I'd rather have the 340, however the 335 was more sensible. It's still rather have either F31 over the Golf. The Golf was a good car, but no more than that. I was a bit due most of the time.
I test drove a 2017 manual GTI 7.5 Performance at the weekend.
My first impressions were the damping and front end felt much better. This is probably because of the lighter weight and quicker/variable steering rack.
I was also surprised by the torque. The GTI is definitely slower than the 340i in a straight line, but on smaller, twisty roads I reckon the GTI will match or surpass the 340i. And it was nice to be in a manual again, even if it's not the greatest shift I've felt.
In terms of NVH, I deliberately tested both cars over very rough surfaces. The better damping of the GTI actually has the effect of reduced road and cabin noise. Fewer interior rattles in the GTI as well! Obviously, at motorway speeds the GTI in 6th is more drone-y.
I think a lot of the GTI attributes are due to its lighter weight compared to the 340i Touring, which appeals to me. This also makes the power to weight of both cars similar.
You also get all the useful equipment the 340i has, except the Harman Kardon audio, which I'd miss. I rummaged through the service history and the invoices suggest that GTI maintenance would be much cheaper than the 340i.
My first impressions were the damping and front end felt much better. This is probably because of the lighter weight and quicker/variable steering rack.
I was also surprised by the torque. The GTI is definitely slower than the 340i in a straight line, but on smaller, twisty roads I reckon the GTI will match or surpass the 340i. And it was nice to be in a manual again, even if it's not the greatest shift I've felt.
In terms of NVH, I deliberately tested both cars over very rough surfaces. The better damping of the GTI actually has the effect of reduced road and cabin noise. Fewer interior rattles in the GTI as well! Obviously, at motorway speeds the GTI in 6th is more drone-y.
I think a lot of the GTI attributes are due to its lighter weight compared to the 340i Touring, which appeals to me. This also makes the power to weight of both cars similar.
You also get all the useful equipment the 340i has, except the Harman Kardon audio, which I'd miss. I rummaged through the service history and the invoices suggest that GTI maintenance would be much cheaper than the 340i.
tomprestriidge said:
I test drove a 2017 manual GTI 7.5 Performance at the weekend.
My first impressions were the damping and front end felt much better. This is probably because of the lighter weight and quicker/variable steering rack.
I was also surprised by the torque. The GTI is definitely slower than the 340i in a straight line, but on smaller, twisty roads I reckon the GTI will match or surpass the 340i. And it was nice to be in a manual again, even if it's not the greatest shift I've felt.
In terms of NVH, I deliberately tested both cars over very rough surfaces. The better damping of the GTI actually has the effect of reduced road and cabin noise. Fewer interior rattles in the GTI as well! Obviously, at motorway speeds the GTI in 6th is more drone-y.
I think a lot of the GTI attributes are due to its lighter weight compared to the 340i Touring, which appeals to me. This also makes the power to weight of both cars similar.
You also get all the useful equipment the 340i has, except the Harman Kardon audio, which I'd miss. I rummaged through the service history and the invoices suggest that GTI maintenance would be much cheaper than the 340i.
Sounds like you've already decided? The 340 is in a different class to the Golf imo, totally different driving experience. I'd have the BMW every time but I guess it comes down to what you want at that particular time? You're justifying the Golf and seeing all it's plus points where they might not be plus points.My first impressions were the damping and front end felt much better. This is probably because of the lighter weight and quicker/variable steering rack.
I was also surprised by the torque. The GTI is definitely slower than the 340i in a straight line, but on smaller, twisty roads I reckon the GTI will match or surpass the 340i. And it was nice to be in a manual again, even if it's not the greatest shift I've felt.
In terms of NVH, I deliberately tested both cars over very rough surfaces. The better damping of the GTI actually has the effect of reduced road and cabin noise. Fewer interior rattles in the GTI as well! Obviously, at motorway speeds the GTI in 6th is more drone-y.
I think a lot of the GTI attributes are due to its lighter weight compared to the 340i Touring, which appeals to me. This also makes the power to weight of both cars similar.
You also get all the useful equipment the 340i has, except the Harman Kardon audio, which I'd miss. I rummaged through the service history and the invoices suggest that GTI maintenance would be much cheaper than the 340i.
If you want the Golf, just buy it? I do it all the time, not so much in the last couple of years. if it doesn't then work out, then I move on.
nordboy said:
Sounds like you've already decided?
Not at all. As they're quite different cars I'm struggling to decide which of each car's advantages I prefer. Maybe I'm seeking a change after three consecutive BMWs.nordboy said:
You're justifying the Golf and seeing all it's plus points where they might not be plus points.
If you want the Golf, just buy it? I do it all the time, not so much in the last couple of years. if it doesn't then work out, then I move on.
Fair point. Weighing up pros and cons is academic. I'll only find out which I truly prefer by owning both and reflecting...If you want the Golf, just buy it? I do it all the time, not so much in the last couple of years. if it doesn't then work out, then I move on.
nordboy said:
tomprestriidge said:
I test drove a 2017 manual GTI 7.5 Performance at the weekend.
My first impressions were the damping and front end felt much better. This is probably because of the lighter weight and quicker/variable steering rack.
I was also surprised by the torque. The GTI is definitely slower than the 340i in a straight line, but on smaller, twisty roads I reckon the GTI will match or surpass the 340i. And it was nice to be in a manual again, even if it's not the greatest shift I've felt.
In terms of NVH, I deliberately tested both cars over very rough surfaces. The better damping of the GTI actually has the effect of reduced road and cabin noise. Fewer interior rattles in the GTI as well! Obviously, at motorway speeds the GTI in 6th is more drone-y.
I think a lot of the GTI attributes are due to its lighter weight compared to the 340i Touring, which appeals to me. This also makes the power to weight of both cars similar.
You also get all the useful equipment the 340i has, except the Harman Kardon audio, which I'd miss. I rummaged through the service history and the invoices suggest that GTI maintenance would be much cheaper than the 340i.
Sounds like you've already decided? The 340 is in a different class to the Golf imo, totally different driving experience. I'd have the BMW every time but I guess it comes down to what you want at that particular time? You're justifying the Golf and seeing all it's plus points where they might not be plus points.My first impressions were the damping and front end felt much better. This is probably because of the lighter weight and quicker/variable steering rack.
I was also surprised by the torque. The GTI is definitely slower than the 340i in a straight line, but on smaller, twisty roads I reckon the GTI will match or surpass the 340i. And it was nice to be in a manual again, even if it's not the greatest shift I've felt.
In terms of NVH, I deliberately tested both cars over very rough surfaces. The better damping of the GTI actually has the effect of reduced road and cabin noise. Fewer interior rattles in the GTI as well! Obviously, at motorway speeds the GTI in 6th is more drone-y.
I think a lot of the GTI attributes are due to its lighter weight compared to the 340i Touring, which appeals to me. This also makes the power to weight of both cars similar.
You also get all the useful equipment the 340i has, except the Harman Kardon audio, which I'd miss. I rummaged through the service history and the invoices suggest that GTI maintenance would be much cheaper than the 340i.
If you want the Golf, just buy it? I do it all the time, not so much in the last couple of years. if it doesn't then work out, then I move on.
MrBen.911 said:
Is your 340i still on runflats? Noting your mention of finding the front end much better on the Golf, I was underwhelmed with the front end feel of my 435i on the original Bridgestone runflats, but it was transformed on a set of PS4.
Nope, I'm on 18" Eagle F1s all round.My previous F22 M240i was on PS4s all round and had a better front end in my opinion. Again, possibly due to weight, but maybe it had a faster ratio?
Catatafish said:
BMW have largely engineered all feeling out of the primary controls
The steering is great for relaxed driving, but it's been leaving me numb. So I've recently fitted Powerflex Road front control arm bushes, which have added some texture and feedback into the steering.I went from a manual mk7.5 GTI to a F31 335d, found the GTI lighter on it's toes, more chuckable and 'fun' but the beemer is still fun whilst being a more grown up, comfy and quiet, also significantly quicker in a straight line.
Both fab in their own ways, beemer suits my needs better but then I have other stuff for fun and being a diesel I'm happier lumping miles on it, which is probably entirely psychological
Both fab in their own ways, beemer suits my needs better but then I have other stuff for fun and being a diesel I'm happier lumping miles on it, which is probably entirely psychological
Forums | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff