Did anyone test drive the Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn before buying your G70?

[ussvalor]

I'm deliberating between the two vehicles. I have done a lot of research online and have test driven both vehicles in person. I find that the Jetta beats the 2.0 G70 in performance but the 3.3 G70 is on par with the Jetta, but costs $12,000 more. What has your experience been?

Yes, I know the Volkswagen's reliability isn't that great, but I don't plan on getting rid of it before the bumper-to-bumper warranty expires.

 

[BadTrainDriver]

Wife had a 2016 VW Jetta GLI DSG, and it was all right. The 2020 model seems even nicer. I'd probably own it before a 2.0 G70. I don't think it's fair to compare the VW to my 3.3 AWD Sport. Two completely different cars, marketed to different buyers.

 

[Toddasaurus]

You've got to consider FWD vs RWD or an ActiMax based AWD system with a rear LSD. That is, the drivetrains offer a totally different driving experience when pushed to the limits.

In addition to this, I'm sorry, but the Jetta GLI would get DESTROYED by the 3.3 G70 in a 0-60 race, 1/4, or on a track. 4.5 seconds vs 5.8 (a VERY generous time by Car and Driver). Now a 2.0 G70, that would be a much better comparison; but, again, you'll have totally different driving Dynamics due to those major drivetrain differences.

 

[sethsquire]

I haven't driven the new GLI so I can't really compare, but if it was FWD vs. RWD I would tend towards the RWD on general principle.

But again, haven't driven it. GLI is probably lighter and could be more tossable, and probably much easier to find with a stick if you swing that way, so there are positives and negatives.

 

[canucklehead604]

golfs/GTI/jetta GLI's...all very good cars. and great value. are prone to reliability issues, but generally still very good cars in their segments. the 2.0T + DSG combo makes them quick. my friend has had a GTI and now an R and i've driven both. they certainly outperform what i expected. they're quick and still very balanced even with FWD configurations. fit and finish are also very good with quality materials. for the money they're hard to beat.

that said, they are all very different cars compared to the G70 - either 2.0T or 3.3T - which is a true RWD platform aimed at a different (sport/luxury) market segment. if i was in my 20's or 30's, or if i couldn't afford more, i would have no issue going with a VW (though i probably would have gone Accord 2.0T Sport 6MT for reliability and still tons of fun). heck, my first car was a used jetta GLI back in the 90's . but there is a reason everyone here went with what they did. we wanted more than a run of the mill compact car. and we were either tired of the German usual suspects or we couldn't pass the undeniable value that the G70 represented in a much more luxurious and interesting package.

 

[LostMy6MT]

Never Driven the 2.0 Genesis, so I can't really talk about that one. However, you were driving like a grandma on the Demo if you think the 3.3 is comparable to the GLI. I owned a Tuned MK7 GTI 6sp, making only a little less power than my 3.3. Problem was the extra power ruined the car. Fell apart pulling out of corners, even with proper tires, and could never hook up through the top of 2nd in a straight line. Stock for stock, though, 3.3 is significantly faster. Reasons I moved on were the above issues, plus a number of small things that nagged me over time, namely seat comfort and plummeting resale.

Understand that the GLI Autobahn is the maxed out version of an economy car, lots of stamped steel and decisions made to hit a price point built on the same chassis as a a $16,xxx base model. The G70 is in a different class altogether. If you couldn't tell the difference, then you probably don't need the 3.3. I was cross shopping Camaro SS, Mustang GT, M 2/340i, s4, etc... When I bought my GTI I was looking at WRX, Si, v6 muscles, etc. This is an apples and oranges comparison, but I wouldn't pay an extra $200/mo if you don't see the value.

 

[tarhoosier]

"This is an apples and oranges comparison"
Apples-you eat the skin. Oranges, you do not. BOOM! compared.

(Lost, you make good points. Just hadda do that)

 

[Looking4Turns]

Former MK7 GTI w/pp owner and 20 yr VW customer. I too crossed shopped the Jetta GLI, albeit the 25th anniversary while looking at the G70. A manual transmission was a must so I was intrigued with the G70 2.0 w/6spd had to offer. The VW's make power differently (low to mid range torque) and upon first drive of the G70 felt it was slower than my stock GTI. I was also shopping a purchase of the GLI vs Lease of the G70 and ultimately received to good of a deal on the g70 to turn down.

As a former Auto-Xer, the GTI's suspension is better tuned (rebound/dampening is better, less body roll) but the G70 just pivots around it's center once you set it in a corner. Also the "push" vs "pull" steering response took a minute to get used to but I see the performance advantage. Power wise the stock G70 manual is slower 0-60, mostly due to weight, but it does feel more responsive mid - top range. My biggest gripe with the G70 is the shifting is not as tactile as the VW, certainly not as precise as a Honda. The throttle response is too dull in eco/comfort and a tad bit to touchy in sport, but it heel/toe downshifts great in sport. Personally I prefer the cloth seats in the GTI to the leather G70 seats, tighter grip, but I hear they solved that with the 2020's receiving the air bolstered seats.

The manual G70 is 85% a complete performance package, with a minor tune and some suspension work, it will take a good car to great. For what its worth I did not test drive the 3.3 because I didn't want to tease myself with the extra 100HP and torque, particualrly since its not a manual, but its hard for me to see it feeling slower than the GLI. P.S. I have owned modded turbo VW's.

 

[sethsquire]

My biggest gripe with the G70 is the shifting is not as tactile as the VW, certainly not as precise as a Honda.

I had a 2015 Civic Si and although the shifter made good first impressions, I wasn't ultimately as satisfied with it as I would have liked. The clutch was extremely light and didn't give a ton of feedback, and the shifter linkage itself - although sometimes buttery smooth - would sometimes become difficult and grindy, though that might have been a problem with my car.

In contrast, the shifter in my 2006 Miata, which I owned partially at the same time, was extremely tactile, notchy, short throws with rifle-bolt action, and perfect clutch takeup. Of course, its probably harder to engineer that direct feeling into a cable-driven system, as opposed to a short RWD car where the linkage is right below the shifter.

 

[mand2240]

I currently own a MK7 GTI (and love it) and am looking into G70s. My GTI has a stage 1 tune and came equipped with the LSD and extra power from the factory putting it a tad above the GLI. I drove a 3.3t G70 for the first time last week and let me tell you... Performance is on another level. Sure the GTI is easier to throw around and handles like a dream, but that is because it is almost 1000lbs lighter than the Genesis. Same thing with the GLI, not nearly as heavy. If you want a great canyon cruiser with decent performance, a GLI would be great. The G70 is on a totally different playing field in my opinion.

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[FlooF!]

I currently own a MK7 GTI (and love it) and am looking into G70s. My GTI has a stage 1 tune and came equipped with the LSD and extra power from the factory putting it a tad above the GLI. I drove a 3.3t G70 for the first time last week and let me tell you... Performance is on another level. Sure the GTI is easier to throw around and handles like a dream, but that is because it is almost 1000lbs lighter than the Genesis. Same thing with the GLI, not nearly as heavy. If you want a great canyon cruiser with decent performance, a GLI would be great. The G70 is on a totally different playing field in my opinion.

Not to mention $1000 worth of tuning parts and E30 blended fuel makes this car a beast. Only 2 vehicles have beaten me in a street race, a GTR and a c7 corvette ZR1. I am so grateful to even race with those cars and it was an honor to be smoked by them and was happy I could just sorta keep up with them.


On another note:
The GLI/GTI is not a comparison to the G70 3.3, they are totally in 2 separate classes. However if you have the extra money to spend on a G70 3.3 Sport, you should do it, you will not be disappointed. It is the best car I have ever owned and the list of performance cars I have had is not slim.

 

[MG8]

honestly cant even compare the two the G70 looks so much better in and out.

 

[robscar]

I had test driven a 2019 GLI 35th Anniversary, 6 spd. They really do drive above expectations. The engine/trans combo loves to rev. I do not mean upper rpm, just how smooth they are as they buzz through the entire rpm range. Part of this is the evolution of the EA888(?) engine, decades of manual trans experience, and much less weight to haul around. On the road, it was quiet, smooth, and comfortable. The different settings of the DCC did indeed make a difference. The limited slip diff pulled it right through the corners. You could certainly entertain yourself with this car.
And then I found the G70 Sport m/t. Not as fast, the engine feels a bit more coarse, the trans is fine, but this car is soo comfortable and handles like it is on a cloud. Nothing upsets it. If you keep the engine in the meat of the torque curve, you can handily dispatch any speed limit you choose. The interior just seems so much nicer. The control surfaces, the layout. the sound system, cooled seats.
Plus I got a smokin deal on this car. What's not to love.

 

[canucklehead604]

that G70 red is so nice...and welcome to the 6MT club!

 

[Riouxgrande]

Am I reading this wrong, or is the GLI autobahn 228hp and the OP said it beats the 2.0t g70 and is on par with the 3.3t? Its late and I've been drinking but if my reading skills havent failed me, idk how anyone could say a 228hp JETTA is on par with a 365hp G70. But like I said its late and I've been drinking lol

And my two cents to the original title of the thread, no I didn't consider the jetta. I test drove a 2018 bmw M550 before the g70. Twin turbo V8, 0-60 in 3.8, stupid fast, etc. That was my comparison lol...I wouldn't ever consider a Jetta vs the 3.3 g70.

 

[robscar]

Am I reading this wrong, or is the GLI autobahn 228hp and the OP said it beats the 2.0t g70 and is on par with the 3.3t? Its late and I've been drinking but if my reading skills havent failed me, idk how anyone could say a 228hp JETTA is on par with a 365hp G70. But like I said its late and I've been drinking lol

And my two cents to the original title of the thread, no I didn't consider the jetta. I test drove a 2018 bmw M550 before the g70. Twin turbo V8, 0-60 in 3.8, stupid fast, etc. That was my comparison lol...I wouldn't ever consider a Jetta vs the 3.3 g70.

The Jetta does beat the 2.0t. It does not beat the 3.3tt.

 

[Riouxgrande]

The Jetta does beat the 2.0t. It does not beat the 3.3tt.

Impressive!

 

[ryan_g]

The Jetta does beat the 2.0t. It does not beat the 3.3tt.

According to Motor Trend’s test results, the Jetta GLI is 0.1 second faster to 60 that the G70 2.0t. I guess this is technically beating it, and the Jetta may feel zippier due to its lower weight, but in reality they’re pretty much dead even.

 

[robscar]

According to Motor Trend’s test results, the Jetta GLI is 0.1 second faster to 60 that the G70 2.0t. I guess this is technically beating it, and the Jetta may feel zippier due to its lower weight, but in reality they’re pretty much dead even.

That is interesting, I did not think they were that close. I recently had the opportunity to drive a 2017 GTI Sport 6 spd m/t. It felt loads quicker than my 2.0t m/t. Weight certainly had a part to play. Possibly gear ratios as well.