What to buy? GTI or R20

[Corey_R]

Interesting how they will be available in DCT (DSG) and the MY10 has twin scroll turbos.

Just wanna point out that it has a twin scroll turbo, not turbos. They changed from a twin turbo to a single turbo with twin-scroll. (Sorry if that was picky, I've just seen lots of people on the net confused over this change).

[G-rig]

Just wanna point out that it has a twin scroll turbo, not turbos. They changed from a twin turbo to a single turbo with twin-scroll. (Sorry if that was picky, I've just seen lots of people on the net confused over this change).

Sorry my bad.

Hard to know which is better though until you drive one. The technology is good, but have heard that twin scroll is better turbo technology, but having twin turbos is better.

It's probably just something to keep the M3 at the top of the food chain as a modded 135i is faster. It's rumored that the M3 will go to a twin scroll or twin turbo not sure on this.

[Corey_R]

Yeah I know what you mean. Twin scroll is a better turbo, but is it better than having two normal turbos?

Well, based on the 'official figures', the single twin-scroll has the same power and same torque, but the torque is usable over a wider range.
Having said that, it's well known that the previous twin-turbo 135i motor was underrated by the 'official figures'.

But in other news, BMW are bring back the 'is' models. I can't remember whether it'll be a 135is or 335is or both, but apparently they'll have even more power and torque (not sure if there is a mechnical difference or just an ECU different though).

[Timbo]

135...hmmm...I had a long test drive of the 135 before I bought the S3. Three big issues - ride; traction and looks. IMHO, the S3 is superior in all three areas.

Ride - the 135 is not a comfortable daily drive. I suspect this is due to the run-flats, bit unless you live on a billiard table, it will drive you nuts.

Traction - all that power but no LSD, even as an option. Madness! Those I know who have bought the for any spirited driving have ended up spending $5k on a third party LSD. this is all about protecting the M3.

Looks - err, late '80s Hyundai... Just my opinion

...but I love that engine!

Finally, price: the price difference between a 135 with reasonable options, and the S3 I bought was near as dammit to $30k!!

[G-rig]

But in other news, BMW are bring back the 'is' models. I can't remember whether it'll be a 135is or 335is or both, but apparently they'll have even more power and torque (not sure if there is a mechnical difference or just an ECU different though).

I always loved the E36 318is, looked awesome at the time with the BMW 17" 5 spokes...

Still don't like Chris Bangle designs, but the 135i is tollerable due to it's performance. Could be slightly better in the looks department.

The bad ride is mostly due to the runflats i've heard, which i would just swap for normal tyres once they run out (or immediately) would save some money too and not hard to get a plug/repair kit.

A better car with less options > lesser car with more options IMO, especially come time to sell.

[cube_3]

The Performace of the R as a stock setup looks to impressive and I am sure there will be flash upgrades etc. to enhance the R further. It looks like the first R acceleration video is now on youtube showing 0 to 100 being reached in about 5 to 5.5 second:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvDDXbbZgtM

DISCLAIMER: The above video shows acceleration from 0 to 120kms per hour and is assumed to be done in a foreign country where the speed reached is legal. Don't click on the link if you think its an illegal activity.

[dave_r]

I currently dont have an undercover park at work but been parking at the shops (undercover), don't know how long that will work. Was wondering if White holds up better outside?

Yeh I park outside at work, but it'll get washed once a week so all good. Blue isn't too hard to maintain. Everyone says white is easier but it isn't really cos it looks dirtier much quicker. Excluding black which is a prick and silver which is so boring even dirt hides, they're all much of a muchness.

I'm surprised by the comments that the S3 is nicer inside than the VW's? Are you guys comparing them to Mk6 models or Mk5? Cos IMO the S3 is better than Mk5 but not Mk6.

[gregozedobe]

DISCLAIMER: The above video shows acceleration from 0 to 120kms per hour and is assumed to be done in a foreign country where the speed reached is legal. Don't click on the link if you think its an illegal activity.

Does the Northern Territory count as a "foreign country" ?

I thought they had a 130Kmh limit on some roads there (not quite the same as "unrestricted", but better than 100/110Kmh)

[Corey_R]

I thought they had a 130Kmh limit on some roads there (not quite the same as "unrestricted", but better than 100/110Kmh)

Yeah, NT has 130kph on the roads which were previously unrestricted.

On a side note, and contrary to what the government would like us to believe, on the first full year that the 130kph speed limit was enforced, the death toll rose in NT by 25% !!!

[Nath]

Yeah, NT has 130kph on the roads which were previously unrestricted.

On a side note, and contrary to what the government would like us to believe, on the first full year that the 130kph speed limit was enforced, the death toll rose in NT by 25% !!!

Yeah I remember driving up to Darwin for work back in 2004 (I think) when there were no speed limits, love that black circle with a line through it. Anyway most of the road toll at the time were tourists (international and domestic) who flogged their cars at insane speeds and ran off the road or into a roo, the locals travelled fast but at a speed they were comfortable with. Sad really that the locals get punished because of tourists. Have to say as well that the NT has the best roads in Aus that I have driven on, well maintained and smooth as, have to be with all those road trains.