RE: Jetta VR6 vs. Passat 1.8t

["Dan Sinclair" <sinclair@prospro.com>]

Different target market.  I think the vehicle 'class' will be a bigger
factor than the powerplant and performance.  I agree that the 115hp base
engine was a mistake - I don't know what they were thinking on that one!?!?
The folks who would buy a Jetta GLX VR6 though are buying into a compact
class, the Passat is the mid-size class.  Same distinction as A4-A6.  Class
size is the reason I drive a 90 instead of a 5000, or 100/200.  I like the
compact dimensions of the car, and I'm exactly 5'10" - thus I'm comfortable
in just about any car on the planet regardless of exterior dimensions
(British cars excluded - no one's comfortable in a Sprite or MG...).  I
don't think the price/performance overlap will hurt VW necessarily.  The
Jetta VR6 will draw a different crowd than the Passat, and vice versa.  I
think it's a matter of mutual fit between drivers/occupants and car.

Dan Sinclair
1988 Audi 90, 68K mi.
Photo and details online at:
http://131.107.68.28/a4.org/registry/details.asp?car=761

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-quattro@coimbra.ans.net
[mailto:owner-quattro@coimbra.ans.net]On Behalf Of Jon
Sent: Thursday, February 25, 1999 9:28 PM
To: Audi List
Subject: RE: new audi look alikes - JettaGLX


VW's planning here is perplexing.  They are pricing the Jetta quite
high, much more so than their eastern or american competitors.  Its
base model offers just about the weakest engine in its class
(115hp?? that's what I had in my Golf _5_years_ago_!).  In terms of
size, your not getting much leg room for anyone in the back.  Fit and
finish looks to be improved, much like the Passat.  But therein lies
the other problem; when you get to the price tag for a GLX VR6, you
are in the same realm as a 1.8t Passat, which is as fast to 60 as the
VR6 and has loads more room to boot.  I fear they may be shooting
themselves in the foot.


On 24 Feb 99, at 8:24, Dan Sinclair wrote:

> I've driven the 1998 model, not the new body style though.  The Jetta GLX
> with the VR6 is a quick car.  It behaves typically Front Wheel Drive when
> applying power in corners (skittish, torque steer action) but it's a nice
> car.  It feels considerably lighter than the A4, as you'd expect.
> Suspension feels more taught than the A4 (sport or non)  Again, probably a
> function of weight.  Interior is not in the same caliber as the A4  The
> Jetta GLX I drove had black leather and all options, but it was still very
> "VW" in look and feel - square and mechanistic.  As for the new ones...I
> don't know - go give one a spin and let us know what you think.  Someone
> suggested that the new Passat turbo could serve as an economical
> compromise for someone not able to spring for an Audi, so maybe the new
> Jetta could as well...
>
> As for design similarities - my father quote is "there are only two
> designers in the world, Porsche's designer, and everyone else".  I think
> Audi's on the right track.  I think BMW's new 3 series nose looks
> remarkably like a Pontiac Grand Am from the early 90's, and I think
> Chrysler is the only American car company that has a styling/design
> department worth retaining.  The new Taurus!?!?  What were they thinking?
> Better question, why are they selling?  I guess Audi driving folk are not
> the target market...
>
> Dan Sinclair
> 1988 Audi 90, 67K mi.
> Picture and details online at:
> http://131.107.68.28/a4.org/registry/details.asp?car=761
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-quattro@coimbra.ans.net
> [mailto:owner-quattro@coimbra.ans.net]On Behalf Of Art4@aol.com
> Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 1999 9:07 PM
> To: quattro@coimbra.ans.net
> Subject: new audi look alikes(forgive the long run-on)
>
>
> I was just wondering if anyone one out here has driven the new jetta.  I
> am very happy withe the ole a4 and wouldn't drop it for anything.  But the
> little jetta is cute or at least it is on the commericals.  I have yet to
> see one in this little doinky god forsaking  or should I say forgotten
> town.  I do like the idea( its what I read), that the little grocery
> getter will do 0-60 is 7.4.  Not that one ever needs it, but is fun to
> play with. Has anyone driven one yet, I may travel down the road this
> weekend, to try one out.  Maybe get the lil bug out of my system.  Plus I
> need to relax, school is killing me and need to do something fun and
> stress releaving, what can you say about being able to drive someone
> else's car like hell when they are in there and they tell you to push it
> harder.  Can't be it, hope they have a sport version and hope they have a
> new a4 to drive just for comparison of their tow and mine. Oh and  has
> anyone notice how much the other cars are copying the audi a4, BMW, Vw,
> just to name a few.  But in there defense what a product to try an
> emulate.  Once last thing on this bandwidth, which will open a sore spot.
> The a4 I feel in some ways reminds me of a ugh do I say it a  NEON. Hope
> the audi gods forgive me, escpecially with mine ging in tomorrow.  But is
> true, they share somewhat the same shape and the damn rear lights a cut
> the same way and the look is the same but smaller.  Hell, I don't care if
> the gods forgive me I hope my lil baby forgives me.
>