hey folks,

seriously considering the A3. Went for a test drive today and was seriously impressed with the car.

While driving I noticed the 6-speed manual and longer clutch throw and thought, "hmm.. that's just like the volkswagens".

While reading through the info on this site and a few others, apparently the A3 is a VW gti? I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, it was an Audi/VW dealership I went to. That should have been the first clue.

So, my question is, how much exactly is the A3 based on the VW? Is it like the Acura CSX/Honda Civic where it's really just differernt interior bits and headlight mouldings, where all the mechanicals are identical? Or is it just the same chassis?

 

Thats a good question! After owning 2 VW's and test driving the A3 I really dont see how they are the same? The A3 is just such a better ride everywhere than a VW...anyone?

 

I actually test drove a GTI and an A3 before i made the choice to go with the A3. Gti was nice but the a3 blew it away in my opinion. Im pretty sure VW Audi and porsche are linked together in a way im not sure who owns who so aspects of the cars are probably similar. Ive seen many VWs that have similar dashboards to the audi.

 

VW and Audi are the same company these days. Essentially, Audi's relationship to VW is analogous to Cadillac to Chevy or Infiniti to Nissan, etc. VW has worked closely with Porsche for a long time, but recently Porsche has purchased a 30% stake in VW and is pursuing a complete buyout (There are legal obstacles being sorted out currently-- Germany has a law preventing a buyout of VW). Ironically, Porsche has only been profitable in the past year or two because of their stake in VW. A recent example of the collaboration between VW and Porsche is the Toureg/Cayenne.

Looking at the A3 vs the GTI, they do share the same platform. Mechanically, a 2.0T A3 is identical to a GTI, and the R32 GTI is essentially the same as a 3.2 A3. The entire body shell is different though. Few, if any, body pieces and interior pieces are interchangeable between an A3 and a GTI. Most engine, transmission, suspension, etc parts ARE interchangeable. The only differences that I've found performance-wise are that the GTI with DSG (automatic) transmission has launch control while the US-spec A3 does not; and that the A3's ride height is slightly lower which theoretically should mean a lower center of gravity and result in better cornering. I am fairly sure that the GTI's suspension is stiffer than the A3's though.

Ultimately, the A3 just looks nicer (IMO), is outfitted with more features, has a nicer interior, and is more 'unique' (not seen as often as a GTI / Golf). I'd guess that the A3's insurance rates are probably lower too, the GTI definitely has more of a 'boy racer' image.

 

This reminds me of the old days when I had a VW beetle. Porsche 356 guys would buy VW parts to save money. I put in a Porsche mechanical advance distributer for better performance. Same as it ever was.

 

Yeh, I just put a Porsche fuel pump in my bug. Should've done it a long time ago.

BAMF, you are right on the money (again). The only other difference I know of is that you can get atwo door GTI (still the same chasis,wheelbase, etc.), while here in the US, the A3 only comes with four.

Like fusionx, I also test drove the GTI and the A3, was actually going to buy the GTI, but after the options I wanted (DSG, four door, leather, sunroof...) the GTI was almost the same price as the A3. [8D]The looks, material quality, comfort and yes, the name were all a step above and made itan easy choice. Well worth the extra $.

 

Also take into consideration that if you get the GTI, you'll be dealing with the VW service department for routine maintenance. Out here in So. Cal, I hear horror stories from VW owners. I've noticed with Audi you get a lot better service.

 

I usually hang around the Audi A6 forum because I had 2 of them and a 200QT. One of the A6's died a horrible death when a cam bearing siezed, a cam broke, and the timing belt broke. It is hard to believe the amount of damage that can do to a motor.

Through a serries of circumstances I am getting a 98 Jetta for my daughter. I haven't seen the car yet but have been told that it isin good condition. All I have been able to learn so far is that it is called a Mark 3 and is on the VAG A3 platform. I am hoping that my VAGCom will work with it and some of my Audi knowledge will transfer to it.

I realize this is a general question - but is there anything I need to be aware of to stay out of trouble??

 

My sister has an old jetta which is probably from the 90's and has had truckloads of problems with it. It might just be a bad luck car but other than that ive heard jettas were great cars.

 

I know quite a few people who have had VW's, and every single one had numerous problems with their cars. These were rabbits, golfs, jettas from all sorts of years.

an example, One guy was so desperate to get rid of his VW that he traded down with another private buyer to get rid of it, he also had to lie about the cars problems to get rid of it (he was an outside salesmen).

Another one was a lady who traded away her Jetta b/c of numerous problems as well. One thing about this that I remember, is her dash lights didn't work. The cost to repair/replace for this was way too much, so she said she did the only thing she could, sell it during the daytime.

But these are just 2 small examples.. I know of 2 more people with new VW's and i'm just watching and waiting to see what problems they'll come up with.

Which leads to why I started this thread in the first place. What I'm really curious to know is how the 'wolf in sheep's clothing' will hold up over time as I'm looking to use my next car for 10 years minimum. I also don't buy the 'it's German, just accept it' excuse. Audi bills itself as a luxury car line, the least it's loyal and new clientele could expect is a car that doesn't outperform Ford for all the wrong reasons.