Re: A4 Vs A3 GLX (very long)

["Christopher Morgan" <cmorgan02@sprynet.com>]

Hey Kevin (and everyone),

Based on what I've heard so far...and with a big IMHO...
Comparing an A3 GLX to an A4 GLX isn't exactly apples to apples.  A change
in marketing strategy from the A3 to the A4 is that the GLX will now be a
luxury model (just like the Passat) and not a sport model.  Overall, the
model range of the Jetta IV is going to be just like that of the Passat with
the addition of an entry level GL 4cyl.  So, in addition to the GL there
will be a GLS 4cyl, GLS VR6, and GLX VR6.  I think I've heard that there
might be a sport option, but we'll have to see.  A GTX version like you guys
in Canada had with the A2's would be nice.  Anyway, the A4 should be
superior to the A3 in virtually every aspect except for more weight, less
rear headroom, and less trunk room.  It should ride/handle like the New
Beetle, which is to say very well.  The list price of the new car is
supposed to be close enough to the old one so it won't make much of a
difference.  However, you should be able to purchase an A3 for much less
because they're nearly leftovers (and discounted as such) and there also is
a $750 factory to dealer incentive on them.  The A4's will probably sell for
close to list price for a while.  Although I really like my '97 GLX (with
G-chip, Bilsteins, and RE-71's), if I were looking for a car now I'd hold
out for an A4 with a VR6.  The A3 looks and feels a bit dated, like a car at
the end of its production (which it is), while the A4 will be fresh and
modern.

I've driven several '98-99 Passat GLS 4 and 6 cyls, manual and auto trans,
but not a GLX (very hard to find, and for '99 they will all be Tiptronic
Syncros).  The new Passat is nice enough, but it is not nearly as sporty as
the previous Passat.  They all have soft suspensions and 65-series tires
(sport package due eventually).  The V6/manual trans combo is pretty potent,
but it is not quite as refined as the VR6.  It's a 90deg V6, which explains
that.  The Tiptronic smoothes things out, but it takes the edge off the
performance.  The sound system isn't very good when compared to the A3's
Bose system, but I hear that there will be an upgrade available in the near
future.  OK, those are my bitches about the Passat.  It really is a good
car, but I don't think it is an enthusiast car.  They're definitely aimed at
the family sedan market.  However, if I *had* to get an automatic, I'd take
the Passat over an A3 or A4 in a heartbeat.  The 5sp auto is much better
than the 4sp.  Oh, one more thing.  If you test drive a Passat (or Audi A4),
try to get a car that has at least 100 or so miles on it.  This gives the
ball joints in the front suspension (all 8 of them) enough mileage to wear
in a little.  Otherwise the steering can feel overly stiff and imprecise.
If the dealer doesn't have one with the miles, at least make sure the car
has been prepped.  There are shipping blocks in the front suspension that
get removed during the prep.  These things kill the ride if they are left in
place.

So you have plenty of money to spend, eh?  Having compared the Audi A4 and
the Passat side by side, I could *almost* justify the ~$4k price difference.
The Audi interior is the finest of any car I've ever been in.  Overall, the
car is very stylish, tasteful, and elegant.  Unlike the Passat, you can get
an A4 with sport seats, sport suspension, and a manual trans.  The only nit
I have with the car is that the back seat is too small for a car in its
price range.  In fact, my parents just decided against an A4 in favor of a
BMW 323i mainly for this reason.  Anyway, if the Jetta IV is as good as it
is supposed to be, I think it would be hard to justify the extra ~$10k for
the Audi.

-Chris (a different one)


-----Original Message-----
From: Kevin Coutinho <yu212841@yorku.ca>
To: jettaglx@igtc.com <jettaglx@igtc.com>
Date: Friday, September 25, 1998 9:17 PM
Subject: A4 Vs A3 GLX


>Hi,
>
> I will be buying my new GLX sometime soon, I'm in the midst of
>moving from Canada to the US (Cincinnati, OH) and am still unsure of if I
>should get the car here or in the States.  Also, am wondering if I should
>get a '99 A3 GLX or wait a few more weeks and get the A4 GLX (or is the
>GLX going to be out in spring?)
>
> Does anyone have any idea about the cost of the A4 GLX?  I've also
>just found out that I get a car or $x / month allowance part of my move
>*evil grin* so cost is not so much of an issue.
>
> Two more question:
>
> 1) Anyone test driven or drive a Passat GLX?  Any thoughts on
>    how the two cars compare (other than cost)
>
> 2) Would you guys recommend I get the A3 or wait a month or so for
>    the A4 GLX
>
>Thanks,
>
>Kevin.