Im getting a new Passat GLS, but Should I get the 1.8T, or the V6?

Re: Im getting a new Passat GLS, but Should I get the 1.8T, or the V6? (quailallstar)

I explain it this way...To me, the 1.8T has a lighter, more agile feel...
more *fun* to drive. The V6 is a heavier, more sedate driving experience.
Go with the one that suits YOU the best... http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

Re: Im getting a new Passat GLS, but Should I get the 1.8T, or the V6? (quailallstar)

Here's my first-hand experience: The V6 has smoother acceleration and is quieter at highway speeds. It also has a slightly higher resale value (if that matters to you).
Drive both and see for yourself
..Alpha

Re: Im getting a new Passat GLS, but Should I get the 1.8T, or the V6? (quailallstar)

Michael,
I went with the 1.8T because it has good performance with the stock chip, potentially better performance with an aftermarket chip, has better fuel economy than the 6, and felt better to ME when I drove it. I actually thought the V6 would be more desirable, but I drove the V6 after the 1.8T and I said to the dealer "The 1.8T feels stronger and faster!".. It's the feeling of the turbo kicking in that really excites.
Speaking of the turbo, you do get this rush when it kicks in, and it's strong. But, what you are feeling is a non-linear increase in performance suddenly. That's fun, but you have to drive it a bit differently than a more even performer (like the 6). Off the line the 18T feels too slow, then the turbo hits and it's almost too much. That's called turbo lag, and it is minimal in this car, but noticable. I'm just sensitive to it. That with the front wheel drive delivers a slight feeling of a combo of turbo lag and torque steer. Like the others, I agree that you should try them both and select the one you like better. However, the 1.8T gives you the option of going with one of several aftermarket chips that will change the performance characteristics of the car, where the 6 has little forum support for aftermarket chipping.
Finally, the car is an amazing deal. Get a Passat. Get one with either engine. Just get one. And then smile quietly to yourself (and to us) that you got away with one of the best deals in the automotive industry.
Andy

Re: Im getting a new Passat GLS, but Should I get the 1.8T, or the V6? (quailallstar)

Michael,
When I bought mine back in the summer of 1998, I had the same question. I test drove both cars (both autos, even though I wanted manual) and came across a few points about the 1.8T vs. V6. First, some insurance companies will charge more for the 1.8 (or won't insure it at all) than the V6 since it has a turbo charger. Tri-State Consumer, Inc. has a blanket policy - if it has a turbo, go insure it elsewhere.
Secondly, the acceleration in the V6 is much soother than the 1.8T. As mentioned in a previous reply, this is due to turbo lag. You have a small engine that gets going once the turbo kicks in.
Thirdly (is that a word?), I do a lot of skiing and camping and find the V6 much better at pulling a car loaded with people and ski/camping/scuba equipment through the hills and dails of New England. Friends of mine that have four cylinder turbos find the hills difficult to climb unless they hit them very fast.
On the question of fuel economy, I average 20 MPG city and 31 MPG highway. On my drive back from Watkins Glenn, I averaged 32.8 MPG with three people plus camping equipment (and a couple of cases of wine http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif ). If you don't have a heavy foot, you'll probably get better mileage than that.
That said, test drive both cars and see what you like. I've had my car since August 1998 and haven't regretted the extra cost for the V6 yet. But whichever one you pick, I'm sure you'll love it, just like the rest of us here.

Re: Im getting a new Passat GLS, but Should I get the 1.8T, or the V6? (vwguild)

Michael,
I agree with just about everything already stated, particularly with Arc's thoughts. I purchased a V6, 5-speed and could not be more pleased. My 4-cylinder Accord grew tiresome and I longed for the power that my Vigor in-line 5 gave me... and the Passat offers that and more!
Although premium fuel is "recommended" for the V6 (not sure about the Turbo), I generally average 23mpg around town and a fair amount higher on the highway. The V6 is sooo smooth and power is readily available, unlike having to wait on the Turbo to kick in.
It has been said previously in these pages that you should go for the Turbo if you are into modifying your car, otherwise the V6 in stock form should keep you smiling for miles to come