I am trying to decide which to get. I realize the opinions here might be a little biased, so let me know your reasoning. Please keep in mind that minor suspension / engine mods would be made to either one.<p>A-IV Jetta GLX VR6:<br> Faster stock<br> Leather<br> Heated Seats<br> Sunroof<br> Sport package w/ 16's<br> Many other interior features<br> less than sporty handling<p>or A4 1.8T fwd:<br> Stripped-<br> cloth interior<br> slower stock<br> no sufroof<br> no sport package<br> sportier handling<p>I am really at a loss. It'll be several months before I purchase, but I'm trying to decide now. I like the looks of the A4 more, but I don't know if I want to give up the increased power and more luxurious interior of the Jetta.

Lucky you--both are great choices. I think you will be happy with either.<br>I've driven the A4, as well as VW's new cars and frankly think the A4 is a<br>superior drive. But to be honest (and contrary to the feelings of most on<br>this board) I'm not that impressed by the 1.8T. If I had to choose between<br>a stripped A4 and loaded Jetta I think I'd opt for the latter. Principally I<br>like the A4 though because it is luxurious, superbly balanced, and the<br>interior delights. But give up leather, the sunroof, and the acceleration?<br>No thanks. The VR6 is fast, the sunroof is great, and frankly VWs are <br>pretty comfy themselves. But what about buying a 2 year old A4? <br>You could get one with 24-30,000 miles off a lease return, as loaded<br>as the jetta and for the same price. The (remaining) warranty on interior parts would<br>be comparable, and the A4 loades is much preferable IMHO. <p>Just my .02$

I was on my dealers lot the other day and saw a 96<br>A4 2.8 with 38,000 miles for 19,999. It was an<br>automatic and did not have quattro, but what a deal.<br>Apparently the 30v engine and the Tip. have lowerd the <br>resale value of the 12v and auto. From your post it<br>sounds like an auto tranny isn't for you, and I don't blame you.<br>But why not by a 96-97 2.8? Youll get all the bennifits<br>of the Jetta, but with more power and lux.<p>After this I would choose the Jetta. the VR6 is a <br>great engine. And I never quite understood why they<br>didn't put it in the Passat or A4 (in lew of the 1.8t)<br>My last choice would be the 1.8. Engine is just too weak<br>unless you get into pricey mods.<p>Good luck<br>Mark

I have never driven a Jetta, but I do own a 95 GTI VR6 & a 98.5 fully loaded A4 2.8. I can tell you the VR6 is a great engine and one I would chose hands down over the Audi 1.8. <p>LouisE

After looking at the Passat V6, 323i and A4 1.8Tms, I believe I'm going with the Audi. I sort of had the same decision as you, with the VW being a little faster, but with less sporty handling. The looks (and price) of the Audi, plus a test drive that proved to me that the 1.8T is anything but boring or unrefined, have swung the needle to the A4.

If I go for the A4, I will certainly get Leatherette, sunroof, trip comp, and sport steering wheel.<p>If it's such an ordeal choosing between the 2, why not get a fully loaded Passat?

VR6 is outdated! It's still a lovely little engine but in terms of efficeiency, the 1.8T is a much better one and will be used by Audi/VW for the coming years!<p>

Right now I'm trying to decide between the same two cars. I have an old GTI that had a suspension makeover and it did wonders for that car. Before it was soft and floaty, but now its tight and corners like a go-kart. I think the same would apply to the Jetta. I know I might have some that disagree, but add Bilstiens and springs or coilovers and you will get the sporty ride that you are looking for, and still come out costing less than the A4 with the same equipment and still no leather. I have driven both cars bak to back and I gotta go with the VR6. I would rather have the torque and the sound it makes, oh yeah........Just add a P-Flow and a nice mufffler and it's perfect.

Well not precisely, but in my family we have a Golf IV "GLS", an A6q, and I have a 30vQ. After about 2000 miles in the Golf, which is basically the same as the Jetta, I can tell you that it is definitely way less "comfy" than either Audi. And I mean, WAY LESS. Yes, ours doesn't have the heated seats and the engine is weaker, but this is not the difference I am talking about. I mean: listen to the sound. Look at the center armrest. The console in general. It's as if someone deliberately made it look bad - behind the cover it's the same instrumentation cluster as in the A4. And so on...<p>I was driving the Golf very very hard and never got it to misbehave, unlike the A6. So in that category I would have no complaints, it's just about how the car felt. Plus the annoying blue instruments...<p>Just my $.02...<p>- Stan<br>