Originally Posted by Kowalski

So..there I was pottering around the Audi USA Website, and then I decided to build "my A3 2.0 Turbo DSG".

I added just about every available option, including Brilliant Black colour, Sport Comfort Seats, 18-inch alloy wheels and the S-Line package.
In the end, the Audi Hatchback that started costing $26.820.00 ended-up costing a rather whopping $35.970.00.

Then, I decided to pay the Volkswagen USA website a visit and build "my own GTI 5-door 2.0T".

Again, I added just about every available option (except the tacky "ground effect kit", "Sports and the other Roof racks" and those "boot storage trays"), including Candy White colour, DSG Gearbox, chromed mirror caps, heated washer nozzles, Hufeisen 18-inch alloy wheels, Leather Seats, GTI Floor Mats and DVD Sat Nav.

In the end, the VeeDub that started at $22.720.00 ended up costing $29.855.00.

That's a difference of $6.115.00 between the Audi vs the VW.

Why would you spent the extra $6.115.00 in a car, that is basically exactly the same as the $6.115.00 cheaper car? Because of the 4-rings badge??? For the same money as the Audi, you could get the $35.131.00 Jetta GLI 2.0T DSG with the same level of equipment as the GTI, either in black magic or candy white colour.

You could argue the difference between a prestigious badge to a plebeian one is only $839; the A3 is a more practical car because it is a 5-door hatchback and you would be right saying so. Thing is though, if you have a family, then the saloon would be more handy, think what the $839 could do in your family budget in the end of the month.