Re: Jetta VR6 vs. Passat 1.8t

["John Corbishley" <gtr1@traverse.com>]

Remember that the VR6 engine is also available in the Jetta GLS for
considerably less than the GLX.
-----Original Message-----
From: Dan Sinclair <sinclair@prospro.com>
To: Jon <jwilliam@cyberzone.net>
Cc: Audi List <quattro@coimbra.ans.net>
Date: Friday, February 26, 1999 12:14 PM
Subject: RE: Jetta VR6 vs. Passat 1.8t


>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.
>>
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