E30 BMW 318is vs. Mk1 VW Rabbit GTI | Behind the Wheel

The E30-chassis BMW 318is and the Mk1 VW Rabbit GTI were two ways to go fast back in the day on an affordable budget. So how do these two stack up against each other today?
And what if the Rabbit GTI was turbocharged by Calloway?
Learn more about our Project cars:
E30 318is:
grassrootsmotorsports.com/pro...
MK1 Rabbit GTI:
classicmotorsports.com/projec...
Thanks:
CRC Industries:
www.crcindustries.com/
Tire Rack:
www.tirerack.com/content/tire...
AEM Performance Electronics:
bit.ly/grmcm-tv
Red Line Oil:
www.redlineoil.com

[@ForSunday]

Golf MK1 really is a 70s car, first production was 1974. The fact it held up so well is a testament to just how great they were.

[@nairbtits]

I am a bit bias and I really love my e30 318is. It is -- in my opinion -- the best driving car I've ever used. It's not a cross-country car, it's not a family car. But if you want a smile on your face and a sense of fulfilment after returning back to your garage -- the 318is is an amazing car that can just as easily be a grocery getter just as it can tear up some mountain canyons. Incredible balance, drivability, efficiency and comfort -- an all rounder! m42 love!

[@aaaaz123456ful]

I'm one of the lucky people who happens to own an e30 318is. I've owned it for the past seven years and I don't belive ill ever be without it. To drive it is one of life's great pleasure. It never gets old or boring. Long live the e30.

[@AliasHSW]

Me too. Actually prefer it to my e46 M for DD.

[@SoBe80s.]

I don't recall if that was a 318is, but that E30 in white is gorgeous

[@normsallitt2753]

The MSRP on a 1991 VW GTI was $9,355.00 according to NADA Guides, which means the BMW 318is was more than double it's price at $21,500.00 (NADA). Come on guys, do better researching your information. Otherwise, Great comparison & review 👍

[@rennkafer13]

came here to say exactly this... some basic research was in order.

[@djkenny1202]

Precisely my thoughts. My 16v GTI (a closer competitor) was $14,000 in 91.

[@djkenny1202]

How can you compare pricing? The 318is was over $20,000, the 91 GTI 16v was $13500 range. Let alone, the basic 1.8 GtI was barely $10,000. Huge difference!

[@onespeed2624]

Owned both amazing cars both amazing in their own way GTI very different personalities that achieve the same goal an amazing era for cars also simple to maintain compared to modern counterparts great review.

[@DB19736]

Great video👍🏻I love my 84 GTI. Very hard to find any good ones here in PA.

[@carpcruzin1970]

I owned an E36 318is and own an 83 GTi... I love the GTi, it's just so iconic.

[@grover02]

Heh - RE: the VW Rabbit GTI - I'll say it's a timeless and beautiful design.

[@davidbee9563]

I have owned two e30 wagons, an 84 Rabbit and 3 series 2 Jettas, including a 1.8 and 2.0 16V. If you were to compare a 318iS and a 2.0 16V Golf it would be close in stock form. The Golf/Jetta 16V is sportier in set up, especially the upgrade Recaro's. In fact, my Jetta was stolen and stripped for the seats! The 318 is a budget version of a 325iS. Both were slow enough that you could use all of the performance without losing your licence. The Jetta was more fun to drive but the e30 325 wagon was a nicer car.

[@djkenny1202]

My 1992 GTI 16v has been my favorite car, owned since 98. It would be a better combination.

[@samhulk318i]

Very cool cars and cool mods but the proper comparison would be a stock 1984 318 (m10 engine) against a stock 1984 rabbit gti. I think the e30 would have a slight edge on hp but it would be a bit closer

[@marcholmes284]

I'm looking for a MK 1 GTI...I'm in Florida let me know if you have any contacts regarding where I can find one

[@turbovarg3552]

4:50 Later BMWs may have later been known for good steering but stock E30 steering is just bad. The rack is way too slow for a light compact, especially with such a large wheel. I can't recall if the much needed Z3 1.9 rack swap was done on the E30 in this video but if you haven't done it, it is a top modification. I would never own another E30 without doing it. BMW made few errors with the E30 but the choice of steering rack specifications is a puzzling one.

[@nikossafras3653]

Mine has the exact steering rack youre mentioning and having driven a stock one too, I can say its a great mod for any e30

[@mikeantj]

Window seals that work made me laugh. My 84 gti needs seals, it's not a fun car to drive over a long period of time but I also have bilstein coilovers and the roads in upstate ny are not great. The rabbit design is awesome and ugly at the same time. I love both cars they are very iconic and stand out alot when you see them in the wild. I have a tuned 1.8t in mine and she frigging rips and turns heads. Very fun car to drive

[@samhulk318i]

I too have an 84 gti with a big turbo 1.8t! And some of those window seals are outrageously expensive!!

[@wcovey25]

The e30 will absolutely dust the MK1 on the track, not even close. Both iconic but my choice is the e30

[@sytran666]

True i own both, its not even close

[@olaflange8210]

True but tha real comparison should be between mk2 16v and the e30 that would be a good race!

[@bmw128racer]

"The turbo gives the GTI more lift, I would say." ...Well, duh... 🙄

[@rogerwilliams2042]

Bad comparison.

[@GoSwearingOrGoHome]

E46, E38, E60 has the best steering. Not E30 that’s the cheapest and old BMW.

[@chrisenright7003]

Pointless comparison of a turbo-ed Golf against a bored out Beemer. Lazy reporting. Couldn't be arsed to find bone stock cars?

[@beinhart8611]

Its a fake 318is.... sad but its okay. You can tell by the light Headliner (original has the black M Technic Headliner like a 320/325 with original M tech from the Factory) The seats without "Überkaro" And the gear knob

[@sytran666]

Not true, ive owned 2 real 318is with beige headliners

[@mattspangler170]

Not true, at least for the 318is in the states, mine has a beige headliner from factory

[@lakeshorerides]

Not true in the us. Have a 91 318is asc with beige headliner.

[@djkenny1202]

Maybe in Germany, not is USA