Golf 118TSI vs. 103TDI

[rosslm]

Ordered mine early October built week 46 or 11 November, shipped 20 November arrived Port Kembla 8 January. So build to arrival in Australia near enough to 2 Months not bad really. Now the long wait to delivery 2 - 3 weeks. I'll give a report in a few weeks.

[roy]

Ordered mine early October built week 46 or 11 November, shipped 20 November arrived Port Kembla 8 January. So build to arrival in Australia near enough to 2 Months not bad really. Now the long wait to delivery 2 - 3 weeks. I'll give a report in a few weeks.

Did u guys know all the information (when to build, when to delievery...etc)about the car u ordered right after u signed the paper or a little later say 2-3weeks?
because the dealer didn't tell me anything because he didn't know...

[hoi polloi]

Thanks for all the replies...

I'm yet to take either for a test-drive (plan to do so when I get a day off again). One thing I didn't mention is that I'm planning on getting a manual rather than a DSG box. While I like the promise of the diesel (I think with torque-a-plenty it more suits my driving style) I am aware that a diesel manual is not a common combination...

Decisions decisions.

Regards,
-Anthony.

[Flipper Dog]

VW have a deal on now until end Feb with all TDI Golfs include full on road costs. Works out about the same a a TSI in same specs.

Inquired about a manual TDI today and nil stock available in country at this time, you need to order one in if you want manual but will miss on the ORC deal.

Had a good couple of hour drive of 118 TSI DSG and 103 TDI TSG today, personally the TSI has it over the TDI in general driveability. The TDI just appeared hunting to find the right gear and held lower gears too long in city driving, once on the open road/highway no difference between each one.

[Brendan_A]

"The TDI just appeared hunting to find the right gear and held lower gears too long in city driving, once on the open road/highway no difference between each one."

I don't think your right about that. TDi has heaps of toque that it doesn't need to keep hunting for the right grear, it will just pull without changing. The trick to driving a TDi is not to use heaps of throttle when going up hills etc, let it use the torque of the motor. Cause I know I don't have any issues with my TDi hunting for gears in town.

[nicandlance]

Thanks for all the replies...

I'm yet to take either for a test-drive (plan to do so when I get a day off again). One thing I didn't mention is that I'm planning on getting a manual rather than a DSG box. While I like the promise of the diesel (I think with torque-a-plenty it more suits my driving style) I am aware that a diesel manual is not a common combination...

Decisions decisions.

Regards,
-Anthony.

My current car (Volkswagen Beetle tdi) is a manual and a diesel, so not sure what you mean by not a common combination...
I find manuals in general are not common - people don't want to 'drive' any more - they prefer auto.
If you like diesel, go for it.....
Only reason Im selling mine is that with two kids going to different schools this year, I need the extra doors!

[Frankenstrat]

I'm yet to take either for a test-drive (plan to do so when I get a day off again).

Please report back when you've test driven them both, Anthony, because I'm facing the same dilemma as you are. I want to go for a manual gearbox but I can't decide between the 103TDI or the 118TSI and I need all the help you guys can throw my way. My on/off promise of a Golf for a company car is ON again and I have to do the leg-work vis-a-vis costs and trading in my present vehicle.

I am aware that a diesel manual is not a common combination...

I didn't know that.

[Corey_R]

Just go drive them both mate! It's not hard to find both in a dealership. Everyone is different.
Another reason to not rely on someone elses opinion is what I have a friend with a new Audi A4 with a 1.8T motor. He was then lent a A4 2.7L Diesel whilst his car was in for service. He told me that he hated the diesel and it had no go. Then I got in the car with him and found him trying to drive it like a petrol. Once I explained how to adjust his driving style he started to get a grin on his face...

Anyway, that's just one example, but yeah, people here have their own skills and requirements, what is important is how you find both options, and you'll only know by trying them yourself

[russ83]

I loved both cars, but found the TDI a little sluggish despite the more torque.

and I like having 3 pedals instead of 2...

[bmck]

I drove them both and, even though the experience was completely different, had no preference.

I worked out the diesel would have saved me only about $200 per year in fuel.

So, I went 118TSI and diverted the price saving into leather.