What makes a GTI better than a Jetta (specifically GLI) and vice-versa?

768 Views 21 Replies 17 Participants Last post by BC1.8T, Feb 9, 2002

NY SLC 93

Discussion Starter · Feb 7, 2002

It seems that most people on this site are partial to GTIs as opposed to Jettas. I had a 2001 GLX and loved it. What are the pros and cons of each? (I might go w/ the new GTI over the GLI, not sure yet.)
Your advice is appreciated. Pics are also appreciated.

1 - 20 of 22 Posts

fabric8

· #2 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: What makes a GTI better than a Jetta (specifically GLI) and vice-versa? (NY SLC 93)

GTi's are a bit lighter. Jetta's have more trunk space.
Jetta's may have better weight distribution?
I've had 2 Jetta's, and now I've got a GTI. The longer doors on my GTI cause sqeeking, whereas my Jetta's were quiet. In any case, I like them equally.
Today, I saw a *clean* 90-92 Jetta GLI 16V, with the 15" BBS's, and everything original, and I I was drooling! I really liked that model of Jetta.

grue

· #3 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: What makes a GTI better than a Jetta (jjtani)

You know, I can't figure out why people bring up the weight difference. The Jetta weighs, assuming they both have the same engine, TWENTY POUNDS more. THat's hardly noteworthy.
Anyway: Jetta is more aerodynamic, so it has a higher top speed, doesn't get listed as a sports car for insurance purposes, but the GLI might. GTI is far less common in most places, but they're both allll over the place out here.

spongebob_squarepants

· #4 · Feb 7, 2002

2

Re: What makes a GTI better than a Jetta (jetta_fiend)

I own a 1.8T Jetta and got a quote for the 1.8T GTI I'm buying - no difference in insurance premium.
GTIs have better headlights, more useful trunk space and are less common, that's all good stuff! http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

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WindsorJetta8v

· #5 · Feb 7, 2002

Re: What makes a GTI better than a Jetta (spongebob_squarepants)

people just like the hatchback more

NY SLC 93

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 8, 2002

Re: What makes a GTI better than a Jetta (WOB_GTI)

Most people that I ask that don't really know too much about the cars say that the Jetta looks better. It looks more 'elegant', like a bimmer or audi. Do you agree?

Bauzen

· #7 · Feb 8, 2002

Re: What makes a GTI better than a Jetta (NY SLC 93)

there really isnt any difference thats notable, besides the shape of the rear end, as everyone knows, front ends are interchangeable, its a matter of personal preference. jetta owners primarily prefer the convenience of 4 door. i dont like too many people sitting in my car at once, so i went with the 2 door gti 1.8t, and i love my car... i dont think can go wrong picking either, ask yourself if you want a hatchback or a sedan.

soundzero

· #8 · Feb 8, 2002

2

Re: What makes a GTI better than a Jetta (NY SLC 93)

I liked Jetta alot. It was 1999, I was in the market for my first car. Instead of Jetta I got myself Honda Accord EX. That was a nice sedan but I got sick of it quick because of the mundane interior. But the handling of that car was amazing. Alot better than Jetta or even my GTI.
Anyway, So I was in the market again, For sure I thought I was going to get either Jetta, Prelude or Celica GTS. At the end I choose GTi.
Here are some reasons: I've heard of GTi but was never familiar with the car like I was with Jetta. GTi is RARE! I needed smaller car so I can park in the city more easily. GTi is more sportier. People who drives Jetta might not necessarily an enthusiast, but every GTi owners I know are VW enthusiast to begine with.
Jetta maybe more elegant in way it looks but GTi owners rather go for peppy hatchback over "elegant look" I would have choosen Passat if I was after that.
So all and all, each car has different things to offer and it happens that GTi offers more attractive package(tangible, intangible) to enthusiast owners.
Seriously, big turn on for me was that GTi was so RARE!!!

http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

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borch

· #9 · Feb 8, 2002

2

Re: What makes a GTI better than a Jetta (soundzero)

People like the GTI better than the Jetta for the same reason they like the Beetle more than the GTI.

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BostonMk4

· #10 · Feb 8, 2002

Re: What makes a GTI better than a Jetta (NY SLC 93)

quote:[HR][/HR]Most people that I ask that don't really know too much about the cars say that the Jetta looks better. It looks more 'elegant', like a bimmer or audi. Do you agree?[HR][/HR]

I agree. Then again I'm biased.

Sg4227

· #11 · Feb 8, 2002

Re: What makes a GTI better than a Jetta (specifically GLI) and vice-versa? (NY SLC 93)

One isnt better than the other, Its preference do you want a HB or a trunk.... One cant be better than the other. The are technically the same.

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Wakaru

· #12 · Feb 8, 2002

3

Re: What makes a GTI better than a Jetta (soundzero)

quote:[HR][/HR]I liked Jetta alot. It was 1999, I was in the market for my first car. Instead of Jetta I got myself Honda Accord EX. That was a nice sedan but I got sick of it quick because of the mundane interior. But the handling of that car was amazing. Alot better than Jetta or even my GTI.
Anyway, So I was in the market again, For sure I thought I was going to get either Jetta, Prelude or Celica GTS. At the end I choose GTi.
Here are some reasons: I've heard of GTi but was never familiar with the car like I was with Jetta. GTi is RARE! I needed smaller car so I can park in the city more easily. GTi is more sportier. People who drives Jetta might not necessarily an enthusiast, but every GTi owners I know are VW enthusiast to begine with.
Jetta maybe more elegant in way it looks but GTi owners rather go for peppy hatchback over "elegant look" I would have choosen Passat if I was after that.
So all and all, each car has different things to offer and it happens that GTi offers more attractive package(tangible, intangible) to enthusiast owners.
Seriously, big turn on for me was that GTi was so RARE!!!

http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif [HR][/HR]

right, for it seems GTI is rare and an enthusiast is always behind one...
for me, GTI is ALL over the place just as the JETTA is all over too. it's the $$$ that goes into the decision of buying a GTI or JETTA. I see alot more "soccer moms" behind sporty looking GTIs now then ever. The GTI, or in fact, any other nice sporty car out there that is affordable will not be "rare". If anyone can buy it, anyone will. And those "anyones" are "soccer moms" and non-enthusiast folk. I'd say, even if Audi brings over the S3, the same might happen. You'd have your enthusiasts driving them and you'll also have your fair share of non-enthusiasts.

[Modified by Wakaru, 12:47 PM 2-8-2002]

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Roy1.8T

· #13 · Feb 8, 2002

Re: What makes a GTI better than a Jetta (jetta_fiend)

quote:[HR][/HR]You know, I can't figure out why people bring up the weight difference. The Jetta weighs, assuming they both have the same engine, TWENTY POUNDS more. THat's hardly noteworthy.
Anyway: Jetta is more aerodynamic, so it has a higher top speed, doesn't get listed as a sports car for insurance purposes, but the GLI might. GTI is far less common in most places, but they're both allll over the place out here.[HR][/HR]

Huh? Where the heck did you see that?!? LOL...
Two extra doors, and a longer trunk does not equal 20 pounds. Last time I checked the difference in weight was a bit over a hundred pounds...

Roy

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pman81

· #14 · Feb 8, 2002

Re: What makes a GTI better than a Jetta (Roy1.8T)

personally i just like the shape of the GTI better. and it's the only two-door car that vw sells that i would want to drive

steez

· #15 · Feb 8, 2002

Re: What makes a GTI better than a Jetta (pman81)

You can fit a HUGE tv box in a GTI , cant do it in a jetta
Thats about it =D

grue

· #16 · Feb 8, 2002

Re: What makes a GTI better than a Jetta (Roy1.8T)

you know what? I'm retarded. Nevermind what I said. it's 120lbs, not 20. I should wake up a little more before I start doing math.

[Modified by jetta_fiend, 12:19 PM 2-8-2002]

H20Power

· #17 · Feb 8, 2002

Re: What makes a GTI better than a Jetta (jetta_fiend)

I have owned both. The cargo carrying abilities of the GTi are awesome with the seats down. But I like 4 door cars more because I can carry my DJ equipment in the trunk and not lose back seat space. Also the trunk is more secure from prying eyes.
(Puts on flame suit) I am pretty sure that the Jetta is considered to have better handling because of its better weight distribution.
One more point while I still have my suit on..... I thought it was interesting that VW has made some changes to the GTi package to get back to its roots. People were complaining that the GTi had gotten too soft and heavy so VW is now offering the a back to roots GTi without leather, sunroof, climatronic, power seats etc. Hmmm sounds like the WE to me

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dokter stranj

· #18 · Feb 8, 2002

Re: What makes a GTI better than a Jetta (H20Power)

The hatch man.....the hatch! http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

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steez

· #19 · Feb 9, 2002

Re: What makes a GTI better than a Jetta (H20Power)

Is it true GTI has better handling because of shorter wheel base? (or something like that)

BC1.8T

· #20 · Feb 9, 2002

Re: What makes a GTI better than a Jetta (T0oDamnFast)

Well personally I like the Jetta headlights better, which is a good thing given that I own one.

For me one of the deciding factors was the fact that I can lock stuff in the trunk. And I mean _lock_ (I'm talking work laptop, etc.).

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