Okay, okay, may seem to be 2 totally different cars, but both fun to drive in their own way...

I've driven the 1.8TM in a Passat (Audi didn't have a A4M here) and driven the VR6M in a Jetta, -- dealer got a GTI GLX in once, went to drive it and it had sold before I got off work :(.

Impressions:
The 1.8TM (Passat) was fun, (way over the quite lame G20t), and seemed to be enough horses until I drove the VR6 (wow). Smoother, quieter and quicker.

Really like leather, (l'ette not *terrible*, but not leather either). Wood trim nice too. And, btw, can in no way afford the A42.8 in this lifetime ;).

I chose not to test drive the A4 1.8T w/ auto because I just don't like automatics, (even the Tip). Do you get enough feel for the handling of the A4 w/ the 1.8 auto or are you distracted by the lack of power?

Anyone driven the '99 or '00 GTI GLX? Is the handling [just] the same as the Jetta or a little tighter?

For me, the decision between the Passat and the A4 was an easy one -- A4. Really not that much more money for once you calc in the reasonably priced sports package, etc.

But this little GTI has got me thinking again...Real cow, V6, Sunroof, Real Wood, etc. for 20K invoice, (and more back seat than the Jetta which is completely useless).

I know, it's *not* an A4, but it is an attractive combo. Since I've been unable to drive the desired drivetrain in the right car, thought someone else may've looked at these same issues.

BTW, live in Central Florida -- hot, flat and traffic. I'll just have short light-to-light sprints for fun. No kids.)

Any thoughts appreciated! I'll try asking some questions at vortex if their forums ever come back up ;).

wanted to test drive all the VWs just as a comparison...I went down and did it finally a couple days ago, and almost killed myself by lauching as I do in my quattro'd out A4...furthermore, traction issues aside, I just didnt get the same feel for the road in turns etc....I cant tell you what YOU should do, but I can tell you that the decision, in retrospect of course, is/was easy...

I drove a 98 GTI VR6, and a new Jetta GLS VR6. The two cars are light years different i felt. The GTI was a lot tighter on the road and handled supperbly. The Jetta, felt like a camry in the way it handled. Regarding power, the GTI was quick and I loved pushing on the gas. The Jetta on the other hand, had that smooth acceleration. Both were awesome on the highway... BUT then I decided to drive the A4. To give you an idea of what I experienced, I allocated myself $5k more. I went in thinking I don't want to spend more than 25k, and I paid 30k for an A4 1.8TQMS. The Quattro was awesome, you can launch like a canon... it's great for all weather obstacles, it handled incredibly (and I was testdriving a plain 1.8TQM no sports package). The Jetta would spin wheels if you sneezed....
My recommendation is to wait until the Jetta and GTI offer the 1.8T engine next year (00). It all depends on what you like... As long as you go with a VW/Audi I believe you'll be satisfied... People talk about reliability and it is a concern to all, but I'd never trade my A4 for a more reliable japanese car that can't hold on to the road

Hope this helps
Dimitri

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99.5 1.8TQMS

driven an A4 1.8T manual for yourself. Sure, in stock form the VR6 is no doubt faster. If speed is all you want then your decision is made, but to many other enthusiasts, handling and "feel" are just as important to driving enjoyment.

The C&D sport seadan comparison a few months ago ranked the A4 1.8T #1 and the Jetta VR6 #8 out of a total of 8 cars. I forget, but I think the Jetta was one of the fastest if not the fastest of the bunch. Add a inexpensive chip to the A4 and the speed is right up there with the rest of them.

You need to drive an A4 1.8TQMS first before you can truly make an informed decision.

Dave
'97 1.8TQMS Wett

I was dead set on trading my 98 GTI VR6 (a whole other story) for a 99 GTI GLX. I decided to look at BMW and Audi also (but only half seriously). I ended up getting an A4 1.8TQMS. It's just in a different class than the VW, and the fact that I could chip sealed the deal. I also liked the fact that the four is lighter up front, wanted to try an AWD car, and there are lots more tuning options for the 1.8T. I always liked a hatch to haul stuff, but the idea of hauling crap with a $20k+ car was none too appealing, so I ended up buying a used 90 GTI for that (a fun car in itself). Best of both worlds.

However, I will say that if I only had $20-$22k to spend then the GTI would be in my driveway. VW has improved the quality of the A4 G/J by leaps and bounds, and the total package of the GTI GLX is hard to beat for performance AND utility. I have never driven an A4 Jetta VR6, but everyone in the VW community is pretty much in agreement that the GTI outhandles the Jetta GLX, and I can tell you that the road feel, solidity, and handling of the GTI is worlds above the A3 GTI VR6.

Bottom line is, see which car meets your needs the best. Ask yourself if you have the money to spend and if you want to chip/modify. Another attractive option will be the GTI GLS with the 1.8T when it launches after the new year. Let me know if you have any specific question, as I put a lot of time into deciding which car to go with.

I like the GTI for the same reasons;
1. Great engine
2. Completely loaded
3. Nice styling
4. Fun to drive
5. A great value

However, I bought the A4 because

1. It is a much more solid car. This isn't just in the thunk of a well built door it is in its manners.
2. The A4 drives better, hands down. The steering and handling are much better. The shifter has a much more solid feeling.
3. I like the A4 style a lot better, I did get the Avant because I like the extra room and the design better than the sedans. Same thing for the GTI over the Jetta GLX.

If you can afford the A4 get it you will be happy. Get it with quattro.

If you can't, get the GTI. It is a great car with a sweet motor and you'll at least have the consolation of being faster than most of us with A4s. Plus you'll have the rain sensing wipers, you know that has allways bother me drive fast you have to speed them up, stop they just squeek back and forth. I sure audi will offer something similar on the A4 soon.


Hugh

99.5 1.8Tqms Avant APR'd