Peugeot 308 GTi v Volkswagen Golf GTI 2016 Comparison

Peugeot 308 GTi 270 v Volkswagen Golf GTI 40 Years

Both these front-wheel drive models are near the pinnacle of each respective model hierarchy, although there's the all-wheel drive Golf R above the GTI in the pecking order.

We were impressed by the Peugeot during the last running of ABDC; could it hold off the well-received commemorative Golf?

The Golf GTI 40 Years is new to the local scene, but its forebears were a long time coming. We had to wait until 1990 – 14 years late – for the second-generation model to arrive in Australia.

A power hike for the 40 Years Golf brings it within striking distance of the muscular Peugeot, and what the Volkswagen lacks in outright performance, it makes up in other ways… not least of all a slightly sharper price and the debatable benefit of a dual-clutch transmission.

Can the Peugeot retake the high ground with its impressive differential and a manual transmission?

Well, the 308, with the bigger boot, is a car more for empty-nesters leading an active lifestyle – or maybe young families. The Golf is roomier for larger kids. However, both cars are really four-seaters only – five at a pinch, provided three of the occupants are small kids.

Cosmetically, the Golf is blatantly sporty, whereas the 308 is a bit understated. Inside, the Golf is a conventional design to the 308's alternative layout, which can be an acquired taste.

The Golf with the DSG option fitted to the car tested is priced at $48,990 (plus ORCs), which is $1000 less than the 308 with the higher output (270hp/200kW) engine. Peugeot can only sell you the 308 GTi with a manual (six-speed) transmission, which might preclude many buyers right there.

Both the 308 and the Golf can be ordered with a panoramic sunroof with electric blind ($1200 for the 308, $1850 for the Golf).

For warranty, the Golf's three-year / unlimited-kilometre coverage holds an edge on the Peugeot's 100,000km limitation. Service intervals are the same for both cars, 12 months / 15,000km.

We know from previous experience that the 308 GTi 270 can be a lot of fun on a race track. It's also subtly styled and nicely appointed inside, with lashings of leather upholstery. The Golf does have an Alcantara-bound steering wheel though, which is nice to grip.

Both cars corner well and provide strong braking. In character the Golf was easier to drive, point-to-point, based on the wet conditions prevailing. The Peugeot's torque peak is all piled up in the mid-range, whereas the Golf's torque curve is flatter and power delivery is easier to modulate through the DSG.

Probably the 308's most conspicuous weakness is its unconventional driving position. It may be innovative, but the tacho needle swinging anti-clockwise for higher revs isn't much of an ergonomic advance. Having the driver's seat set up correctly reduces rear-seat legroom and the side bolstering wasn't up to par, measured against the Golf. The steering wheel is mounted quite low and the cowl seems higher than the Golf's.

There's not much reason to criticise the Golf. The steering lacks the meatiness of the 308's, but selecting a different (Sport) driving mode helps, by adding weight.

It's a clear victory to the Golf, although there are numerous reasons to opt for the 308 as well.

The 308 is a solid, nicely upholstered car that delivers cracking performance from its 1.6-litre turbocharged engine.

But the Golf is cheaper than the 308, even with the DSG option. It's similarly quick – in a straight line as well as in corners. Being roomier too, and better equipped, makes it the better daily-driving all-rounder in this test.

2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI 40 Years