Almost everybody in Europe knows that Volkswagen Group has four compact models based on the MQB platform. There's the Audi A3, the Golf 7, SEAT Leon and Skoda Octavia. All come in a multitude of body styles and were joined by the new TT and Passat, both also based on the MQB.
Not so in America, where only the 2015 Audi A3 and 2015 Volkswagen Golf are available right now, and only with a few powertrains. Still, they are impressive cars that many people may be looking to buy.
So here's a question for you: if both are based on the same platform and come with similar engines, why pay extra for the Audi? This next video by Moto Man tries to answer that question and show what normal side people will take in this sister brand rivalry.
Money, money, money. Always sunny.
The basic Audi A3 sedan costs $30,000, but that only gets you the 1.8 turbo with front-wheel drive. If you want a 2-liter and all-wheel drive, like all Audis should have, it starts at $33,000. But the engine in that car can also be yours if you order the $24,000-ish Golf GTI, the video suggests. That's not a fair comparison though, since for that kind of money, Volkswagen doesn't offer you a lot. You need $25,000 just to get a 4-door version of the GTI and another $2,500 for the Performance Pack and DSG. You can't even get all-wheel drive…
Even though they're powered by the same engine and based on the same platform, the two cars drive differently. The A3 is set up to feel like a premium car and is softly spring, while the GTI is designed for fun, having won numerous awards because of this. Audi has also used aluminum instead of steel for the hood and the front fenders, while its interior is much better.
So at the end of the day, which one is better, the Audi or the Volkswagen? We think the only right answer is: whichever one you like. The GTI is great if you're a GTI fan and the Audi is great if you value the Audi brand and want comfort above all else. And if money is your biggest problem, get the normal Golf with a 1.8 turbo and DSG – 80% of the technology and performance for around $20,000.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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