I am going to be trading in my wife's CRV in a few months and will be giving her my Accord ( 2004 Accord LX-Sedan with V-6) I am currently looking at a 2004 Accord Coupe ( V-6 with Stick) and a 2004 Jetta GLI ( 1.8 Turbo-6 speed) to buy. Anyone have friends with the Jetta GLI's? Are these VW's made in Brazil, Mexico or in Germany? Suggestions?

 

The Accord Coupe with the V6 and manual is the superior car, not to emntion I think it costs more. You'll have a lot more torque and HP, and the Accord only weighs about 400-500lbs more if I remember correctly, but it makes over 50 more HP and ft-lb of torque. At lower RPM's the Accord probably has almost a 80 ft-lb torque advantage.

The Accord will be a little faster, a little quieter, more refined, smoother riding, more luxurious, nicer interior.

OTOH... the Jetta is sportier, handles a little better, steering is more precise, and there's just something about the feel of a turbo. I drove a Volvo S60 recently and the turbo can be heard even at low speeds. Pretty cool sound.

ALSO you don't need premium fuel with the Accord... the Jetta recommends it. The resale value is also much higher on the Accord. So total cost of ownership will be much less.

 

After the recent reliability problems VW has been having lately (especially with the Beetle) I wouldn't go near one. Know a couple people who have older models (96-97ish) and they have had far more problems than I have had with any of my Hondas.

 

The resale value of the Jetta will drop like a stone as soon as you take it off the lot. And I am not impressed with VW/Audi dealerships at all, piss poor customer service. If your not sure, get the Honda.

 

You will feel alot better driving an Accord than Jetta, As far as the Turbo & sound, Put an Intake with a K&N filter and it will give you a nice sound and more HP if you are looking for that sporty car.
But overall Accords are the best.

 

I couldn't agree more. I spent 6 and a half years working as a tech for VW, and what GARBAGE. Sqeeks and rattles to make anyone go crazy, over-engineered electronics with a high failure rate..piss poor gas mileage (DON'T believe what the sticker says). Then I went to work for Honda, and Honda is overall a better car, much more reliable and well-built. Anyone else notice how much that new Jetta looks like a Corolla?

 

very true. With my employee discount I'd bought a 2001 Jetta with the 1.8T engine for 22k out the door, brand new. In 9 months time and 12k miles, it had LOST 10 grand in value. I learned when I went to trade it in for an Accord. 10 grand in 9 months? WTF???