Both excellent cars! In stop start traffic and moving slowly up inclines (especially backing up steeper driveways) I prefer torque converter automatics.
Just had to pause quick. At 3:19 you said the Golf doesn’t appear to have heated seats but if you pause at 2:40, the heated seats button is there. Just thought I’d point it out
Interesting, didnt expect that. You are one of the few Reviewers where i kinda believe what they say because we have a similar taste, ride style and experience.
Love the comparison review. So I picked up a Golf 7 GTI Performance Pack about 2 months ago and let me tell you, it's a night and day difference between it and the standard entry Golf 7 GTI. The minor tweaks make a huge difference and make the Performance Pack a great option for those that want something a little more spicy but don't want to go the whole way and get a Clubsport.
_Its the enjoyment factor that wins me over with cars. In this review the sound of the straight six does it for me, add a stage 1 tune and its done & dusted_
Thanks for the review, that's a great result for me. There are so many more VW's available, now I don't have to be so bothered if I can't find a 135i. Especially as I'd never get my folding bike in its boot. Meanwhile, no reason to replace my 140k Mk5 Gti (stage 1 tuned).
@KiwiCarLife and 20% better fuel consumption tilts things even further in VW's favour. I wonder why BMW don't fit something with as much torque as the 135i with an LSD as standard? Its not like it a cheap car to start with.
😂😂lol this is funny yesterday i was watching the said top gear episode here on RUclips(not Happy About The BMW Perfomence)....& i'm definitely looking forward to watching this one😂😂....
How did you get your hands on a M135. Those things are rare as hell in NZ. Nice feature and a plus for living in the same area as me. Its crazy seeing all the background shots in familar places
Thanks man, but M135i's are extremely common. There's nearly 50 for sale on trade me right now, and more on marketplace no doubt. Lots of jap imports. Had mine for nearly a year now.
8ms is the shift time for the DSG - I've read it's faster to change gear than a hummingbird can flap it's wing, if it's true it's absolutely incredible though couldn't find a reputable source to confirm. Do you get the Clubsport or TCR in New Zealand?
Thanks! I would say both are equally as reliable. Both have known issues but nothing catastrophic. If you got a manual GTi that would solve half the problem tbh. I believe from new you could spec an M135i/M140i with an M performance LSD, but now that they're all used if it doesn't have one you'd have no option but to buy one.
The manual GTI's have weak clutches and will slip with a stage 1 tune if running high torque maps. Gen 3 ea888 in Mk7 in up are pretty solid engines other than water pumps that are prone to fail. The GTI can be speced with a LSD with the performance pack
People put far too much weight on what Clarkson et al say about cars. When they went on their massive show and said “ listen to the wastegates” when they heard a “psssh”. Proves they’re just in the entertainment business ( which i admit they’re good at) as opposed to actual automotive journalism.
Yeah for sure, you know entertainment is the priority when they take a cheap econobox grocery getter onto a windy cliffside road and thrash the shit out of it, then come out with "this car is awful".
Would assume the gti has a little worse turbo lag also? So even with the tune I'd expect the n55 to have more power under the curve and be more usable power?
Have you had the chance to drive the F40? I know you hate the digital screens. Only drove a 118i for a couple of days....a bit underpowered but it was surprisingly good drive for a 3cyl. I'd try the rare 128ti model which apparently is better than a GTI and more fun than the M135i.
One bugbear I have about your criticism about the M135i is that you don't make it clear that it's YOUR M135i that doesn't make any real difference between sport and comfort mode. I don't know if something is wrong with yours, or if it's a low spec, but I test drove 3 (and bought the 3rd) F20 M135is and all of them were very different between comfort and economy mode. Enough that I warn people who drive mine as the steering and throttle change enough that you could get a bit of an off surprise if you aren't expecting them to be that much more sensitive in sport mode - the handling difference isn't so dramatic but definitely noticeable as well.
@KiwiCarLife otherwise obviously enjoyed the video as I watched it through and agree with much of the other stuff you mentioned for and against the BMW. The stage 1 tune can obviously also be done to the M135i to make up the ground the GTi picked up too haha
Dang, we got a Wellingtonion remaking a Top Gear GTI vs M135i video from 9 years ago. Way to go Liam. GTI may be better according to Mr. Puncha but the repair bill and insurance on it oufffff.
I've driven a Golf R, and honestly I prefer the GTi. Lighter, more nimble, less cumbersome. I don't think hatchbacks need AWD personally. Honda, Renault, Hyundai have all proven you have have a 200kW+ FWD car and it works
I would like to see your opinion on a manual Mark 7 GTi. Sure it wouldn't be quite as quick in a straight line but the extra driver involvement may make up for that.
Weld up the diff, flash the ECU on your M135i and you have got yourself a real fun machine 😉 Great non bias review as always and Jeremy needed a bit more time on the skid pad at his DDC😂
Weird that your steering doesn't change in sport mode, when I put mine (2013 M135i) in sport mode it becomes significantly heavier and the turning ratio feels different. It's not as good as my Megane RS but still pretty good. What put me off buying a GTI (or R) was worse reliability and the engine's tuneability. Because of the extra displacement in the N55 you can get right up to 400whp on the stock turbos, whereas in the golf you need to sink a serious amount of money into it (hybrid turbos, fuel pumps, E85 sensors etc). Also the ZF8 is just a better box than the DCT, from a performance perspective they are basically just as fast as each other when the ZF8 is tuned, however the torque converter is just so much better for driving through regular traffic. I think the M135i is an objectively better drivers car, and it's a better platform for upgrades, but the fuel economy and practicality the Golf offers while still being able to put a smile on your face is definitely worth something to a lot of people
Yeah maybe the steering in mine is different, some have adaptive steering and others don't, but yeah it definitely doesn't do much when you put it in sport. Yeah that's definitely true the BMW's main advantage is overhead from having a bigger engine. I'd say stock for stock the Golf is just as good, but as soon as you do any mods the BMW will respond better. And I do agree the ZF8 is smoother around town. But that said modern DCT's are getting very good now
Both very good daily car, but on track I doubt the GTi would be as more fun. No LSD it will be understeer fest when the tyres will loose their bite. Whereas you can still play with the rear of the BMW, less understeer because of better balance of masses.
The Performance Pack MK7 GTI comes standard with an LSD, more horsepower, bigger brakes and adaptive suspension. It would certainly be just as good as the M135i on proper tires.
I didn't find the GTi understeered, certainly not on the road anyway. Agree, with mods/on track the BMW will shine through but on the road both are right on par I'd say
After 3 years of saving for a mk7 gti I finally picked up my gti this weekend. And you post this!
How good! You enjoying it?
@@KiwiCarLife It's so good after being in a 100hp 1.5L for 5 years...
I love how got dressed up for the BMW...😅
Haha I just happened to be going out that evening
I just assumed he filmed it right after work or something, but man I wish my brain worked like yours 😂
Both excellent cars!
In stop start traffic and moving slowly up inclines (especially backing up steeper driveways) I prefer torque converter automatics.
Yeah agree actually, it's a lot smoother
@@exegenisis yep, the DSG in my Golf doesn't cope well with ramps at low speed.
Just had to pause quick. At 3:19 you said the Golf doesn’t appear to have heated seats but if you pause at 2:40, the heated seats button is there. Just thought I’d point it out
Can confirm it does have heated seats🤙
Ahh, obviously didn't see that sorry
@@KiwiCarLife all mk7 with leather seats will have heated seats
your channel is growing good ! Very good job ! Keep it up
Thanks!
I was just researching this the other day! Was trying to find out why top gear didn't compare with a golf r, much more fair comparison
Yeah who knows aye, maybe the mk7 Golf R hadn't come out by the time they did the video?
To a lot of people the Golf GTI is the better drivers car than the R.
Interesting, didnt expect that. You are one of the few Reviewers where i kinda believe what they say because we have a similar taste, ride style and experience.
Glad to hear!
Love the comparison review. So I picked up a Golf 7 GTI Performance Pack about 2 months ago and let me tell you, it's a night and day difference between it and the standard entry Golf 7 GTI. The minor tweaks make a huge difference and make the Performance Pack a great option for those that want something a little more spicy but don't want to go the whole way and get a Clubsport.
Yeah man definitely I just reviewed a GTi clubsport and it's significantly better than a stock mk7 gti
7kw more over standard
Fair review, nice video man!
Fuel consumption comes in to play here don't you think? Especially these days
If so i'd take the gti
7.1 for the golf, 8.7 for the BMW. Not hugely different
@@KiwiCarLifethat's nearly 25%!
I'd consider that's a big difference
Another banger of a review mate!, two great cars, I would lean towards the BMW, but I would be rapt to own either!
Thanks man, yeah I’d agree
Very insightful video!
Thanks!
Gti with a tune is all the car I would need
It is a fantastic package
_Its the enjoyment factor that wins me over with cars. In this review the sound of the straight six does it for me, add a stage 1 tune and its done & dusted_
Yeah definitely man, if both were stage one I’d take the BMW every time
Thanks for the review, that's a great result for me. There are so many more VW's available, now I don't have to be so bothered if I can't find a 135i. Especially as I'd never get my folding bike in its boot.
Meanwhile, no reason to replace my 140k Mk5 Gti (stage 1 tuned).
Yeah man honestly the GTi is like 95% as good!
@KiwiCarLife and 20% better fuel consumption tilts things even further in VW's favour.
I wonder why BMW don't fit something with as much torque as the 135i with an LSD as standard? Its not like it a cheap car to start with.
Did i see that right? The golf won the rolling race?
it was tuned vs stock m135i
Golf with a tune makes more power than a stock 135i
Yeah stage 1 tuned Golf. If both were tuned/stock the BMW would have walked
😂😂lol this is funny yesterday i was watching the said top gear episode here on RUclips(not Happy About The BMW Perfomence)....& i'm definitely looking forward to watching this one😂😂....
Haha classic
How did you get your hands on a M135. Those things are rare as hell in NZ.
Nice feature and a plus for living in the same area as me. Its crazy seeing all the background shots in familar places
Thanks man, but M135i's are extremely common. There's nearly 50 for sale on trade me right now, and more on marketplace no doubt. Lots of jap imports. Had mine for nearly a year now.
Great video
Thanks!
8ms is the shift time for the DSG - I've read it's faster to change gear than a hummingbird can flap it's wing, if it's true it's absolutely incredible though couldn't find a reputable source to confirm. Do you get the Clubsport or TCR in New Zealand?
We get the Clubsport, not sure about TCR. The former is very rare though. And yeah DCT is definitely a snappier shift
Thanks for the feature bro!!
All good man! Great car you've got tehre
Make the vids longer!
It's already really long bro... If it was any longer it would just be waffly.
Few reviewers are able to be so objective, well done. 2 questions. a) is the GTI's engine more reliable. b) Does a 140i have a LSD?
Thanks! I would say both are equally as reliable. Both have known issues but nothing catastrophic. If you got a manual GTi that would solve half the problem tbh. I believe from new you could spec an M135i/M140i with an M performance LSD, but now that they're all used if it doesn't have one you'd have no option but to buy one.
The manual GTI's have weak clutches and will slip with a stage 1 tune if running high torque maps. Gen 3 ea888 in Mk7 in up are pretty solid engines other than water pumps that are prone to fail. The GTI can be speced with a LSD with the performance pack
I'm actually looking to buy a mk7 GTI, I think I'd be happy with one
Yeah man they're excellent
People put far too much weight on what Clarkson et al say about cars. When they went on their massive show and said “ listen to the wastegates” when they heard a “psssh”. Proves they’re just in the entertainment business ( which i admit they’re good at) as opposed to actual automotive journalism.
Top Gear was great, but agree they were quite biased
Yeah for sure, you know entertainment is the priority when they take a cheap econobox grocery getter onto a windy cliffside road and thrash the shit out of it, then come out with "this car is awful".
Would assume the gti has a little worse turbo lag also? So even with the tune I'd expect the n55 to have more power under the curve and be more usable power?
Honestly I was surprised, even with the tune the lag was virtually unnoticeable
Have you had the chance to drive the F40? I know you hate the digital screens. Only drove a 118i for a couple of days....a bit underpowered but it was surprisingly good drive for a 3cyl. I'd try the rare 128ti model which apparently is better than a GTI and more fun than the M135i.
I would be interested to drive the new one actually. Bit odd looking but if it’s anything like the GTi it’ll be a great drive I’m sure
Come across any 2015-2016 M135i prefer below 50km. After watched your video I am let go my 9th Gen Civic hopefully getting M135i😅
Fortunately with all the jap imports here, there's a few around with those k's. Would recommend! Great cars
One bugbear I have about your criticism about the M135i is that you don't make it clear that it's YOUR M135i that doesn't make any real difference between sport and comfort mode.
I don't know if something is wrong with yours, or if it's a low spec, but I test drove 3 (and bought the 3rd) F20 M135is and all of them were very different between comfort and economy mode. Enough that I warn people who drive mine as the steering and throttle change enough that you could get a bit of an off surprise if you aren't expecting them to be that much more sensitive in sport mode - the handling difference isn't so dramatic but definitely noticeable as well.
True
@KiwiCarLife otherwise obviously enjoyed the video as I watched it through and agree with much of the other stuff you mentioned for and against the BMW. The stage 1 tune can obviously also be done to the M135i to make up the ground the GTi picked up too haha
The GTi needs a is38 turbo upgrade with a stage 2 ecu tune
That would be a rocket!
Is a steering wheel upgrade from the LCI model on the cards?
I would, but it's a lot of money for something that doesn't really bother me, especially given how cheap I got the car
@KiwiCarLife fair enough.
what bodykit is on your accord and how much was the setup for it?
Bruh this is a bmw video
Although we differ on what a good car is, I enjoy your tests and comments. From Mr 380 😅
Haha thanks. One day I will review a 380
Dang, we got a Wellingtonion remaking a Top Gear GTI vs M135i video from 9 years ago. Way to go Liam. GTI may be better according to Mr. Puncha but the repair bill and insurance on it oufffff.
As someone that owns a 335i with the same engine as the m135i, I can confirm they are also horribly expensive if they break.
Any European car is naturally going to cost a bit more to maintain, but if you're smart with it you can get parts online at pretty reasonable prices
@@KiwiCarLife Yeah, but insurance on the GTI will defo be more than 135i as the GTI is only driven by teenage hoons with terrible mods.
makes me wonder if youd enjoy a Golf R, more power, better spec, awd. otherwise maybe you'd love a Gold R32 if you want the VR6
I've driven a Golf R, and honestly I prefer the GTi. Lighter, more nimble, less cumbersome. I don't think hatchbacks need AWD personally. Honda, Renault, Hyundai have all proven you have have a 200kW+ FWD car and it works
I would like to see your opinion on a manual Mark 7 GTi. Sure it wouldn't be quite as quick in a straight line but the extra driver involvement may make up for that.
you can also tell its a m135i by no fog lights in the front
True but most people wouldn’t notice
Weld up the diff, flash the ECU on your M135i and you have got yourself a real fun machine 😉 Great non bias review as always and Jeremy needed a bit more time on the skid pad at his DDC😂
Maybe an M Performance LSD?
@KiwiCarLife come on Bro... do it Kiwi styles and Welderup 😜
Great video but really it should be a stock golf. Or probably a Golf R, then they compare as new prices too.
Just took what I could get
A Golf R was a much fairer comparison.
I guess
Weird that your steering doesn't change in sport mode, when I put mine (2013 M135i) in sport mode it becomes significantly heavier and the turning ratio feels different. It's not as good as my Megane RS but still pretty good.
What put me off buying a GTI (or R) was worse reliability and the engine's tuneability. Because of the extra displacement in the N55 you can get right up to 400whp on the stock turbos, whereas in the golf you need to sink a serious amount of money into it (hybrid turbos, fuel pumps, E85 sensors etc).
Also the ZF8 is just a better box than the DCT, from a performance perspective they are basically just as fast as each other when the ZF8 is tuned, however the torque converter is just so much better for driving through regular traffic. I think the M135i is an objectively better drivers car, and it's a better platform for upgrades, but the fuel economy and practicality the Golf offers while still being able to put a smile on your face is definitely worth something to a lot of people
Yeah maybe the steering in mine is different, some have adaptive steering and others don't, but yeah it definitely doesn't do much when you put it in sport.
Yeah that's definitely true the BMW's main advantage is overhead from having a bigger engine.
I'd say stock for stock the Golf is just as good, but as soon as you do any mods the BMW will respond better. And I do agree the ZF8 is smoother around town. But that said modern DCT's are getting very good now
Look forward to seeing you next time on kwcrlf
Yessss
first!!!!!
Well done!
Both very good daily car, but on track I doubt the GTi would be as more fun. No LSD it will be understeer fest when the tyres will loose their bite.
Whereas you can still play with the rear of the BMW, less understeer because of better balance of masses.
The Performance Pack MK7 GTI comes standard with an LSD, more horsepower, bigger brakes and adaptive suspension. It would certainly be just as good as the M135i on proper tires.
I didn't find the GTi understeered, certainly not on the road anyway. Agree, with mods/on track the BMW will shine through but on the road both are right on par I'd say
more boats
HAHA need to buy another boat project lol