So I've owned my 2011 GTI for about 3 years, and I've loved every second, but it was time for something new.
My GTI was a base SBM 2 door with DSG and an APR stage 2 with the TBE.
I recently traded it in on a 2014 BMW 328i xDrive. I thought I'd offer up some comparisons for those of you that might consider a BMW.
First, I'll say, this is not my first BMW - before the GTI I owned an '08 e90 335xi.
The specs on the new car are as follows:
328i xDrive Mineral Grey on Coral Red, 8 speed ZF Auto, M Sport Package, Premium Package, Navigation System with Enhanced BT, Cold Weather Package, Lighting Package, M Performance Black Kidney Grill
So it's fairly loaded, MSRP was around 51,400, paid approximately $46,400 before $500 BMW CCA rebate.
Exterior:
I think the GTI is a gorgeous car, but I can see how the BMW, especially with the M Sport, could be considered the more handsome car. Personally I think they both look great, and the Mineral Grey paint is awesome after a wash.
Interior:
GTI was tremendous in it's price range (about $24k when I bought my '11), but it can't hold a candle to the BMW. The new F30's materials, panel gap, solidity, etc. have all been markedly improved from the e90, and IMO, surpassed Audi. The sport seats are even better than the GTI's, which I couldn't believe.
Features:
My GTI was a base model so I didn't have too much in the way of amenities, so obviously the BMW with options like a 9" Navigation screen, 10 way power seats, adaptive headlights, push button start, etc is way beyond what I experienced in the GTI. I'm sure an Autobahn edition GTI would have closed that gap a little.
Performance:
Having previously owned a 335, I expected to buy that car in F30 trim when I went to the dealer. However, the new BMW 2.0L N20/N26 engine is a marvel. I really felt no need to pay the extra for the bigger engine after driving it. I'd estimate stock it is as quick as my Stg 2 GTI, and stock for stock it is much quicker. The power delivery isn't as exciting thanks to the 8 speed, but there's something to be said for smooth shifts as well. The ZF seems to shift just as quickly as the GTI as far as I can tell, but shifts quite a bit less hard. Putting the BMW into Sport+ mode firms up the shifts a little, but they still aren't as sharp as the GTIs.
Handling is a mixed bag. I liked the GTI's steering better, but the BMW being RWD based and near 50/50 weight distribution is obviously much better balanced. The BMW's suspension (especially with x Drive) is quite a bit softer than the GTI. I did this on purpose because of a relatively new, much longer commute I have every day.
Braking I feel both cars are adequate, with the nod probably going to the BMW if I had to pick. The brakes on the 328i aren't quite as strong as I remember them on the 335i.
Quality:
Both cars are very well made. I think the BMW is slightly more so, but a lot of that comes down to how much more expensive it is. Both cars feel decidedly German, and the attention to detail in both is awesome.
Value:
GTI definitely wins here. That's not to say I don't think the 328i is worth the $46k, I believe it is, I just think the GTI is more worth it's modest price tag. If you don't mind FWD and a little less refinement, the GTI is an awesome place to spend time and a great car to own.
If anyone has any questions I'd be happy to try and answer them.
A few pictures when I picked her up...all I've done since is add the M performance kidneys and had her Opti Coated.
My GTI was a base SBM 2 door with DSG and an APR stage 2 with the TBE.
I recently traded it in on a 2014 BMW 328i xDrive. I thought I'd offer up some comparisons for those of you that might consider a BMW.
First, I'll say, this is not my first BMW - before the GTI I owned an '08 e90 335xi.
The specs on the new car are as follows:
328i xDrive Mineral Grey on Coral Red, 8 speed ZF Auto, M Sport Package, Premium Package, Navigation System with Enhanced BT, Cold Weather Package, Lighting Package, M Performance Black Kidney Grill
So it's fairly loaded, MSRP was around 51,400, paid approximately $46,400 before $500 BMW CCA rebate.
Exterior:
I think the GTI is a gorgeous car, but I can see how the BMW, especially with the M Sport, could be considered the more handsome car. Personally I think they both look great, and the Mineral Grey paint is awesome after a wash.
Interior:
GTI was tremendous in it's price range (about $24k when I bought my '11), but it can't hold a candle to the BMW. The new F30's materials, panel gap, solidity, etc. have all been markedly improved from the e90, and IMO, surpassed Audi. The sport seats are even better than the GTI's, which I couldn't believe.
Features:
My GTI was a base model so I didn't have too much in the way of amenities, so obviously the BMW with options like a 9" Navigation screen, 10 way power seats, adaptive headlights, push button start, etc is way beyond what I experienced in the GTI. I'm sure an Autobahn edition GTI would have closed that gap a little.
Performance:
Having previously owned a 335, I expected to buy that car in F30 trim when I went to the dealer. However, the new BMW 2.0L N20/N26 engine is a marvel. I really felt no need to pay the extra for the bigger engine after driving it. I'd estimate stock it is as quick as my Stg 2 GTI, and stock for stock it is much quicker. The power delivery isn't as exciting thanks to the 8 speed, but there's something to be said for smooth shifts as well. The ZF seems to shift just as quickly as the GTI as far as I can tell, but shifts quite a bit less hard. Putting the BMW into Sport+ mode firms up the shifts a little, but they still aren't as sharp as the GTIs.
Handling is a mixed bag. I liked the GTI's steering better, but the BMW being RWD based and near 50/50 weight distribution is obviously much better balanced. The BMW's suspension (especially with x Drive) is quite a bit softer than the GTI. I did this on purpose because of a relatively new, much longer commute I have every day.
Braking I feel both cars are adequate, with the nod probably going to the BMW if I had to pick. The brakes on the 328i aren't quite as strong as I remember them on the 335i.
Quality:
Both cars are very well made. I think the BMW is slightly more so, but a lot of that comes down to how much more expensive it is. Both cars feel decidedly German, and the attention to detail in both is awesome.
Value:
GTI definitely wins here. That's not to say I don't think the 328i is worth the $46k, I believe it is, I just think the GTI is more worth it's modest price tag. If you don't mind FWD and a little less refinement, the GTI is an awesome place to spend time and a great car to own.
If anyone has any questions I'd be happy to try and answer them.
A few pictures when I picked her up...all I've done since is add the M performance kidneys and had her Opti Coated.
And the gas mileage would not have been ideal for my 75 mile RT commute.
