very small update:
so, i just hit 120k with the GTI. Still going strong with no issues at the moment. i had to change the driver's side window switch since i lost the auto-up ability on the driver's window. I think the repair took me all of 5 minutes and the part was pretty cheap; a nice surprise.
As i drive the z3 and GTI interchangeably i definitely appreciate the nimbleness of the GTI and the boost. They're almost the same weight (Z3 being just under 3k lbs and the GTI just over). Oddly enough the Z3 is more comfortable to drive, but that's probably due to the aged BMW suspension and the slightly fatter sidewall tires on the z3 (225/55/16 as opposed to the 225/45/17 on the GTI). The biggest difference i notice in everyday driving are the gear ratios. The z3 has a longer/wider 5-spd and the GTI has a closer 6-spd. I actually find it much more comfortable to drive the Z around town since i'm not shifting nearly as much and it does feel better with the lower-end torque in stop and go. Around twistier roads i can tell how the Z3 grips compared to the GTI; you can really feel just how much lower you are to the ground. I wouldn't call either better since i'm not pushing them in a controlled environment, but i enjoy the feel in the z3 more even with the un-refreshed suspension. Different tires and ages of tires on both, but both are using summer tires. I wish the kid could ride with me in the z because if she could i'd probably just sell the GTI now while it's not in need of any repairs...
so, i just hit 120k with the GTI. Still going strong with no issues at the moment. i had to change the driver's side window switch since i lost the auto-up ability on the driver's window. I think the repair took me all of 5 minutes and the part was pretty cheap; a nice surprise.
As i drive the z3 and GTI interchangeably i definitely appreciate the nimbleness of the GTI and the boost. They're almost the same weight (Z3 being just under 3k lbs and the GTI just over). Oddly enough the Z3 is more comfortable to drive, but that's probably due to the aged BMW suspension and the slightly fatter sidewall tires on the z3 (225/55/16 as opposed to the 225/45/17 on the GTI). The biggest difference i notice in everyday driving are the gear ratios. The z3 has a longer/wider 5-spd and the GTI has a closer 6-spd. I actually find it much more comfortable to drive the Z around town since i'm not shifting nearly as much and it does feel better with the lower-end torque in stop and go. Around twistier roads i can tell how the Z3 grips compared to the GTI; you can really feel just how much lower you are to the ground. I wouldn't call either better since i'm not pushing them in a controlled environment, but i enjoy the feel in the z3 more even with the un-refreshed suspension. Different tires and ages of tires on both, but both are using summer tires. I wish the kid could ride with me in the z because if she could i'd probably just sell the GTI now while it's not in need of any repairs...
'19 Golf R
Intro
J Ray's Top Ten
Previous: '99 BMW Z3 2.8L | 2019 Honda Ridgeline | 2010 VW GTI | 2008 CBR 600RR | 2005 Nissan Titan SE King | 2003 Honda CBR 600RR | 1998 Integra RS | 1998 Suzuki GS500e | 1999 Honda Civic Si | 1986 VW GTI 8v
Intro
J Ray's Top Ten
Previous: '99 BMW Z3 2.8L | 2019 Honda Ridgeline | 2010 VW GTI | 2008 CBR 600RR | 2005 Nissan Titan SE King | 2003 Honda CBR 600RR | 1998 Integra RS | 1998 Suzuki GS500e | 1999 Honda Civic Si | 1986 VW GTI 8v