AMS: GTI vs. BMW 123d, test

[AndyBG]

AMS has pitted Best ''hot hatch'' against most powerfull diesel ''hot hatch''..., all we need know is some little translation... :D

http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/tests/vergleichstest/hxcms_article_510262_14009.hbs?ext_site_number=2

http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/tests/vergleichstest/hxcms_article_510262_13987.hbs

http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/tests/vergleichstest/hxcms_article_510262_13987.hbs?ext_site_number=3

Pic's:

http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/fotos/foto-shows/test_U_technik/mpsfshw_show_503786_13999.hbs

[Ellden]

VW Golf GTI vs. BMW 123d
Your basic hot hatch always use to have an petrol engine. Nowadays the small BMW 123d with an bi-turbo diesel engine is a true rival for VW’s Golf GTI.
<O:p</O:p
For those whom are looking far a small compact car with around 200 hp. has got two alternatives. Both have their own characteristic basic points that separate them: the BMW with its longitudinal diesel engine with RWD and the VW with FWD petrol, both of them are four-cylinder two litre engines direct fuel injection and turbo power.
<O:p
On the same power level
The GTI offers a typical diesel-like torque line with a maximum of 280 Nm @ 1.800 RPM which remains constant up to 5.000 RPM. Just 100 RPM higher the peak of 200 Hp is reached. Four Hp more delivers the BMW and just tops the GTI. The engine in the 123d is the first diesel with power above the magical 100 Hp/litre. With 4.400/min the RPM lies (for an oil-burner) quite high.
<O:p</O:p
A big plus for the 1-series comes when the GTI arrives at the gas station. With normal use the diesel uses less than eight litres fuel for 100km, for the Golf a little more is required. The BMW therefore punishes “sportive driving” a bit less. During testing on similar roads the BMW used <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:metricconverter w:st="on" ProductID="9,5 litres">9,5 litres</st1:metricconverter> of diesel where the GTI used <st1:metricconverter w:st="on" ProductID="14 litres">14 litres</st1:metricconverter> of Super Plus.
<O:p</O:p
BMW with traction-weaknesses
<O:p</O:pBoth impress with agile handling. The strict separation of power supply and steering hardens the precision in the 1-series at the turn-in of a corner. But when steering quickly the RWD understeers. Combined with the smaller tires this results into the lower speed taken in roadtest. The Golf develops.. in contrast with the 123d.. when cornering a better feel because of the way the power can be deployed when steering…especially on our track.
<O:p</O:p
Deciding for BMW’s victory is the famous diesel engine. The 123d impressively proves that even with an diesel in the tank racing is possible like in a real GTI. Through the clearly lesser fuel cost one can save …on the long run …the not that small difference in price of the Golf GTI.
<O:p</O:p
First place: BMW 123d
[479 out of 650 points]
<O:p</O:p
The 1-series with multiple stage turbo offers a one of a kind mix of sovereign drivetrain and agile handling. Plus it’s driving capability doesn’t affect the superb fuel economy. One disadvantage is the lack of interior space.
<O:p</O:p

Second place: VW Golf GTI
[468 out of 650 points]
<O:p</O:p
The classic compact sportscar is defeated by this rival. The difference in single capitals (GTI vs. 123d) are minimal though the higher fuel consumption in comparison to the diesel is the decider in this end result.


Until now the hot hatch used an petrol engine under the bonnet. Now the BMW is capable to challenge …with the help of a bi-turbo diesel …the top-rated VW Golf GTI.



That's close pointwise :deal: time for a GTI-diesel.:lovl:

[chewym]

The BMW is 20% more expensive. Quite a big difference in price. But performance difference in closer.

[AndyBG]

THX for the translation! :thumb:

VW (VAG) is preparing 2.0 TDI biturbo..., BMW isn't going to be alone for a long...

[Ellden]

Well Skoda did have a hot-diesel-hatch in '06 with that Fabia VRS.
Not sure if that previous model of the VRS was a TDI...hmmz...
So in theory Skoda isn't longer alone in the word of dieselpower! :hihi:

It was reviewed by TG's Clarkson, raced it again a Golf if i remember correctly ... but i could not find it on YouTube :vhmmm:

[JavierNuvolari]

Thanks for the translation. I love the GTI, but the BMW is really a nice car and with an oil burner it's just the cherry fo the cake. HOWEVER....as chewym stated it is a big 20% price difference between those two, besides, how's the maintance of a BMW Vs the GTI? probably a lot more. I believe in the end the cheaper car to own would be a GTI, although I could be wrong.

Cheers all,

Javier