Both models have the same lowered suspension, dropped by 15
mm compared with the standard Golf, and both the standard GTI and the GTD come
with essentially the same braking system, with 312 mm diameter front discs.
Only the GTI can be specified with the $1,650 Performance pack which provides
bigger (340 mm) brakes, along with the extra 10 PS and the amazing electronic
front differential control system which can endow the GTI with such incredible
grip and handling, although this can only really be fully exploited at a track
day on a race circuit.
On the outside,
the GTI is distinguishable by its red brake calipers, unique 18-inch alloy
wheels
We’d like to say that it would be great if this system were
made available as an option on the GTD, but it’s not realistic to imagine that
the GTD will be as regular a sight on a race circuit as the GTI and the take-up
is not likely to be significant. But it’s always a possibility for the future,
perhaps for a GTD Sport? In the meantime, the GTD also comes as standard with
the same XDS+ enhancement as the GTI, which uses the ESP and ABS systems to
improve traction control and add a vectoring effect when cornering, for
improved agility.
Speaking of which, you’ll occasionally come across pundits
telling you that the diesel Golf will never handle as well as a GTI because of
‘all the extra weight of the engine over the front wheels’. There are slight
differences, inevitably, but not enough for even an expert driver to notice and
it has been a very long time indeed since any Golf understeered badly because
of ‘a big block of iron under the bonnet’. You’d be more likely to notice if
the washer fluid bottle was full rather than half empty.
The GTD sits on 18
inches alloy wheels
Other differences between the two models are much more
subtle. The interior trim, for instance, with the GTI sporting a natty red and
black check seat upholstery called ‘Jacara red’ along with red stitching on the
steering wheel and gear knob, while the GTD has a much more subdued Jacara grey
check pattern and grey stitching throughout. Both have the same equipment
levels, with the only other obvious difference being the badging and the red
line on the tachometer.
The GTI has a
bigger boot than most rivals manage and all the practicality that comes with a
flat-floored, 1270-litre load space
A final consideration is the purchase cost, even though few
people these days buy a car outright at the full asking price. Model for model,
at current prices, the GTD is $930 cheaper than the GTI. Not a lot in the overall
scheme of things, but it would buy you around 10 tankfuls of fuel, which in the
case of the GTD would mean more than an extra 5,000 miles of motoring
effectively for free. The GTD is also in a slightly lower insurance group, 26E
rather than 29E, so you might see some extra benefit in your annual premium.
Residual values are another consideration, but less easy to be definitive
about. Servicing and maintenance costs are likely to be very similar, although
some might suggest that the GTD is likely to have a much higher mileage on it
after a few years. Then again, why do you buy a car except to use it; some
might call that getting value for money.
Like all Golfs,
GTD has a good-sized boot with a height-adjustable floor
So, GTI or GTD? It’s difficult to call. Purely on individual
merit points they probably stack up pretty much the same, with ‘faster but
frugal’ versus ‘more frugal, not quite so fast’. You really have to drive them
both, back to back, and let either your head or your heart take the decision,
depending on your personality. Or toss a coin and let random chance determine
your purchase. All that can be certain is that, whatever you decide, somewhere
down the road you’ll find yourself asking if you made the right choice. Maybe
on a long motorway journey when you stop to fill up the GTI, or when you visit
a track day and stand watching while the GTD sits in the car park. Maybe you
could let us know which car you chose, and why?
