GTI or Jetta?

I have a 98 jetta k2 with the 2.slow in it.
I need a new car asap but not sure which to get.
the gti with the 1.8t or the vr6?
or the jetta with the 1.8t or the vr6.
looking for a good commuter and race ability.
any pros and cons on these?

GTI pro-
*personally think it looks better
*a bit lighter
*not sure but might have some more options for body modification for it? (more popular for modders coz)
*more sporty? that's IMO, it's 2 door and all
*can strip back seats easily, around 50 less pounds

cons-
*smaller, less space for the trunk, not sure about leg room, I think it's about the same
*hatchback, meaning less aerodynamic, possibly more noise when at high speed, and less top speed coz of this
*it's 2 doors, hard to get to the back seats, but not as hard as some other two doors, like the hondas

Jetta pro-
*some like it's look
*it's a sedan, easy back seats access
*so better for picking up friends and all, more of a "commuter"

cons-
*possibly less body mods, may not, who cares, you are not a ricer right??~
*it's a sedan
*so it's heavier, a little
*some say it's a "girl's car"


1.8T pros-
*hell one of the most legendary compact engine there is
*so there are tons and tons of options for modding it
*has stock turbo
*very very easy to get power outta it
*bang for buck for power mods
*light
*faster than a VR6 from a stop(mostly, 1.8T = 6.5-6.7s, VR6 = 7s, 0-60)
*goes "whooosh" when you install a CAI, some likes it
*great engine for casual sporty use

cons-
*you can only get so much outta the turbo
*coz the stock k03s turbo is about the size of your fist :(
*it's a 4 banger, and only 1.8L at that
*so you can't really get much more than 400whp and wtq at the very very limit with top-end turbo and all, which you DON'T need I am sure
*nothing special about the sound it makes, stock

VR6 pro-
*freakin' nice sound, one of the best sound V6s there is
*compact V6
*it's a V6
*not bad power
*have great potential, put some turbos in and you can run with high end sports cars, even ferraris
*great engine for high-end tuners

cons-
*you NEED to have a LOT of money to really get great power outta the VR6
*coz it has no stock turbo
*and is a N/A engine, which means little power gain for expensive modes
*so no bang for buck
*but it's great if you are a serious high-end tuner and have the time and money to snap some turbos on it, which not many people do
*and a little slower from a stop stocked


conclusion

commuter = Jetta, can pick up buddies easily, more space and all, easy access to rear seats, sedan

race ability, since you are talking about a commuter, don't think you need GREAT power and all, but want it to be sporty and has bang for bucks for mods
so engine = 1.8T


most recommended from me

the 2004 Jetta GLI (only comes with 1.8T), why? it's the best looking factory Jetta, and all the extra stuff on it are worth the small extra
and it's year end, so the 2004 models are cheaper than ever, yet new

mods:
boost guage, it's needed
chip, read some other posts for recommendations
aftermarket DV, you need it after chip
air filter or CAI if you want the "whoosh" sound
N75, depending on your chip
a turboback, 2.5" GHL is good

there you go
a great looking commuter that's also an exceptional sporty car :D

Well the Jetta is a little heavier but you get the convienience of it being a 4 door and the storage and such. The GTI is a 2 door and doesn't have as much storage but is lighter too.(any other experts want to pipe in on how much the weight diff is?)
Now the 1.8T is going to be out of the box easier to modify and make faster. Once you start to modify the 1.8T chip, Forge Diverter Valve, down pipe etc. The one good thing to do is get a bigger intercooler b/c the 1.8T gets heat soak pretty quickly.

Now if you want a beastly sounding vehichle the VR6 would be a good choice. Now save $5000.00 and get an EIP stage one turbo and you will have a reliable 300whp. So it's up to you.

The GTI with after market springs and shocks will have great handling.

weight difference is minimal
don't matter at all

great thanx for the replies, not looking for big HP, just some zip to get around. I have a 69 mach 1 for looks and rumble ;)
I think the GTI is sporter lookin too, I think I am leaning toward th GTI.

well both of them are really the same

but if you want more room and access to rear and all, get the Jetta

if you just drive yourself or maybe another 1 person, then the GTI is good


if so, then try and find a 20th Anniversary Edition GTI

it has better spring, looks,seats, etc. etc. just like the GLI Jetta

but if you are gonna tune all of them anyway, then just get a normal GTI

ya dig?

if i were you... since you already have the muscle car, buy a commuter car. buy the TDi, you'll love yourself sooo much in another year or two, trust me. (and chip it, you'll have more torque than alot of chipped 1.8ts)
not to mention the looks of a golf/gti, commuterability (new word?) of a jetta/4 door, 600-800 miles per tank, and lower insurance. very cool (just buy the gti tail lights ($150), upgrade suspension ($650), and finally chip it ($300) and you'll have one very nice car.

I commute with a friend, and the back seats aren't that important to me anyway just a spot to throw stuff, the trunk just need a big enuff spot for the speaker, I was thinking of getting a tdi but diesel fuel is across town from me(a pain in the neck to get it from there for me).
also I want a new car did the used car thing to many times before.
I got my jetta now (that is dieing)
the gas engine sounds like a diesel now lifters rattlin around in there.
my F250 is for snow and towin the boat
my mustang is for weekend fun, weather permitting:)

I like the VW's gotta love the germans, they just need alittle more horses under the hood, but you get alot for your buck.
21000 for a gti loaded not bad.
thanx agian for the info

So is it a Jetta or GTI? Either way the car will be fun to drive. If you do get the 1.8T you will have decent gas mileage also plus it will be a bit lighter than the VR6. Also you don't have to spend that much money to make it a bit quicker even though this is more of a commuting car. A chip and Forge DV will be a nice add on also if you do get one ABD has a really nice CAI for the 1.8T I think it gave like 12whp to the 1.8T.

ok I am A NOOBIE.
what is a mk4 or an mk3?

I think I will get a GTI with the 1.8t probably in a month or 2,
depends how long the jetta lives for, figure I will trade it in and pay cash for the rest. not sure if I want to wait for the 05 GTI heard it has 200hp 1.8t but not sure on the body style.

http://www.streetracersonline.com/articles/gti/

dont know if I like that style to bubble I think.

mk3 is the last gen, mk4 is this gen, and the one in the link is a mk5, which will be out here soon

get the mk4 instead, the first few models of a brand new gen in a series of cars are never too reliable, whereas the mk4 is at it's final model and will stop production soon

also cheaper and faster, just upgrade the springs and such and you'll be good

I think I will get a GTI with the 1.8t probably in a month or 2,
depends how long the jetta lives for, figure I will trade it in and pay cash for the rest. not sure if I want to wait for the 05 GTI heard it has 200hp 1.8t but not sure on the body style.

http://www.streetracersonline.com/articles/gti/

dont know if I like that style to bubble I think.


its a 200 hp 2.0T, not 1.8. gonna have FSI, DSG option, much more reinforced body, redesigned front suspension (by the same dude who designed ford's focus suspension :thumbsup: )

im pumped

yea the mk5 will handle awesome, not a speed machine, but fun for track