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Message: <blockquote data-quote="st8six" data-source="post: 64552" data-attributes="member: 255">SHOOTOUT: Tale of two icons Sharif Haron May 28:--------------------------------------------------------------------------------  THE BMW 3-Series and VW Golf GTI are both motoring legends. The former has for long been the benchmark in its segment that other car makers always try to match, while the GTI has gone down as one of the most evocative set of initials in the automotive industry. And in Malaysia, the new 3-Series (320i, 325i and 330i) and latest Golf GTI 2.0 were launched about the same time last month. So when it was suggested that we try side by side a 320i and a Wald-tuned GTI as they have more or less same engine displacement, fair or unfair it sounded an exciting proposition.The new 3-Series, just as its predecessors, is the most important product to BMW. As the 3-Series accounts for more than half of the manufacturer’s total sales, the styling of the new car has been kept sensible, not as radical as some models we have seen coming from the Bavarian firm in recent times.But there’s definitely more cabin space in this one than in its predecessor. It also comes with BMW’s latest innovations that include new engines. I would say the new 3-Series is more mature, more luxurious and better built.The Mark V Golf GTI is an important car too for Volkswagen. Officials had reportedly admitted that the company had taken its eye off the ball in the last few generations of GTI, so it was determined to restore lost credibility and to come up with a genuine hot hatch.And so the new GTI comes with a turbocharged petrol engine that produces some 200bhp, and 280Nm of torque from a diesel-like 1,800rpm, as well as a claimed 0-100kmph acceleration in 6.9 seconds.And the 320i versus the GTI?Of course the 320i and GTI are two different animals. One is a saloon, the other a hatchback. While there are similarities in some departments, in most cases similar they definitely are not.After using them for 24 hours each, I find the BMW to have a higher luxurious feel to it. And also by virtue of its bigger cabin space (or at least it feels more spacious) and extremely smooth ride, the passengers tend to be more comfortable inside it.But those who are not familiar with products from the marque will need time to understand the car and its workings to get the best out of it. In other words, from the driver’s perspective, I rate the GTI as friendlier.I must also say that, based on my last experience with a 2-litre Beemer, I hope the sample car made available to us had not been set up to BMW’s finest standards: I had a higher expectation of its handling and performance.The GTI meanwhile lunges foward like, to borrow a cliche, an athlete off the starting block as you floor the accelerator pedal. It’s more fun to drive and I appreciate its acceleration, thanks to its 150bhp per tonne or thereabouts power-to-weight ratio, which also means it’s the most powerful Golf GTI to date. If the 320i can make the passengers smile, the GTI can make them scream.Both cars tackle bends extremely well. But knowing that the tested GTI came with 18-inch alloys and 225/40 R18 tyres gave me that extra confidence psychologically when taking corners.While I have a lot more to rattle about the two German machines, this article is not exactly intended to be a comprehensive shoot-out between the two. But more on the distinct elements or peculiarities that distingiush one from the other.And among the two, one is about grace and the other ruthlessness, to put it in the most simplistic manner.The 3-Series easily has a wider market appeal and will continue to be at the top of the sales charts in its class. It represents an excellent choice for company executives or for the family. In fact, the 3-Series is selling so well here it has become mainstream, no longer exclusive.The Golf GTI meanwhile is more of a niche car for certain and rather limited market segment. It is not for your normal family use. It is not for the car enthusiasts either, but for the serious car enthusiasts.* BMW 320iEngine capacity: 1,995ccMax power: 150bhp @ 6200rpmMax torque: 200Nm @ 3,600rpmTransmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed SteptronicOTR Price: RM268,800* VW GOLF GTI 2.0Engine capacity: 1,984 ccMax output: 200bhp @ 5,100rpmMax torque: 280Nm @ 1,800rpmTransmission: Six-speed automatic transmission (double clutch gearbox) DSGOTR Price: RM241,160</blockquote>

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