1.8T..

yeah, I've already read about the suspension. One word, Neuspeed:D

If your after power, why did you buy a Protege in the first place?

My mother bought it for me as a gift when I was 16 and thats why its an auto also.

I wasn't to thrilled about it at first, but then I started to really like it. Actually, almost love it. Now after, 2 years, the thrill is starting to fade away.

I would try to make it a lot faster, like Biknman, but thats just to much money for one car. I rather just get a brand new car altogether.

Your assuming that by saying "superior German engineering" that one is referring to a Mercedes Benz as a reference point for this "superior engineering", and there lies the fault in your theory.

The Germans were superior at making just about everything 50 years ago, including planes, tanks, cars, motorcycles, trucks, engines, rockets, boats, submarines, etc...

I think the phrase about superior engineering is a take on that, and not necesarily a reference to other german autos.

Of course the engineering in a $20K VW shouldnt compare to a $50 Mercedes.

Maybe they are making a play on the quality reputation of BMw's and Mercedes, I quess well never know for sure.

On that note, if you ever look under the hood of a german BWV and see the small 4 cylinder engine, rear wheel drive setup, were talking old technology here, so it should be well designed, especially for the price they ask.

Watch out. There could be a grammar police lurking.:p

Your on the right track. Dont try to make big power from the Pro unless you have a lot of time and money and a second car.

But your considering a VW or a Dodge? Couldnt make any worse choices IMO.

yeh, to most ppl up here, I am...

but I have always liked VW and now is my chance to get one. I love their styling andI love hatchbacks. I rather have 2drs, because I don't really like ppl riding in my car. People don't have respect for other ppls property plus I like keeping a clean car. A 2dr will be my easy excuse for saying you can't fit...lol

As for Neon, I have never been a fan of Neon. Let alone Dodge. But I got bit by the SRT-4 bug after driving in one.

I'm still undecided and I change like the wind...

How much engineering do you want for 50 bucks?:p $50 barely gets the oil changed on a Mercedes.

For what it's worth,
I've got BOTH a 2002 Protege 5 (my wifes) (5spd, short air intake) and a 2001 VW Jetta 1.8T Wolfsburg (5spd, no mods). A quick note about ourselves, we only drive stick shifts...

Lets get the obvious out of the way - don't even try to compare the 1.8T engine and the P5's - the 1.8T is in a different class. And don't compare costs.

Fit and finish - no question - VW has it - more luxurious feel and look of interior and components - much more quiet on hwy - feels solid - side airbags, etc - my choice if ever in an accident - the P5 also has more rattles than my Jetta. The 2001 P5 has a plastic steering wheel (leather wasn't an option then) - so that bums us out a little. While the P5 interior is very sporty it doesn't keep my ass warm in the winter like the Jetta's heated seats!!!

Suspension - the P5 feels like a slot car - which is what we love about it, the Wolfsburg has a sport suspension - it's pretty damn good - much better than the reg 1.8T Jetta, and doen't jar you around as much as the P5 - but in a slalom course, I'd take the P5. (The stock tires on the Jetta suck for handling - but not bad for all seasons).
We've got winter tires for the P5 - with that set-up (Pirelli Winter Ice 195/55/15 on alloy rims). Looks great and ALMOST as much fun as an all-wheel-drive car - never got stuck. The VW has traction control - even with all seasons - no problems - just don't be a hero and go for milk during a really bad snow storm.

Space - P5 wins hands down - the Jetta is basically a 4 door coupe. The trunk is huge though. The Golf 2 door actually has a bit more room in the back seat.

Reliability - haven't had any major problems with either car, but the P5 has less electronics etc - and has the better history - rock solid as opposed to "solid" for the Jetta

Styling - the P5 is a beautiful piece of machinery - the Jetta is very classy looking - honestly, if the 1.8T was in the P5 - my life would be complete - I might even stop pining over the WRX! I like fog lights too.

Warranty - the new VW's now come with 4 year - all service covered included - good cause the VW's are $$$ to fix - not like the p5 is expensive to maintain.

Mileage - the P5 takes regular - the 1.8T super only - the cost adds up - also the 1.8T driven the way it should is like comparing an SUV to, well, to a Mazda Protege!!!

At the end of the day - I like more powerful (and torquey) cars (previous cars include '91 Stealth twin turbo, '96 VW GTI VR6, '98 A4 1.8T) - so it's always nice getting into and accelerating in the Jetta at the end of the day. The Wolfsburg Edition is (was) the best VW deal out there.

Mazda hit the nail on the head with the P5 - BY FAR the most bang for buck out there in every respect (except accelration). Since we are trying to save money (and since my VW lease is up) - my next car will either be a P5 or Matrix XRS 6spd (two big dogs - need more space).

The Jetta wagon is overpriced - I'd wait for the Mazda 6 wagon to come to Canada - trade in my wife's P5 for it, and then get myself a Forester Turbo or WRX and live happily ever after. :D

We have both a P5 and a 97 Jetta GLS. We have had a few problems with the Jetta. But not to uncommon on a car that is 6 years old. I think i looks nice, has a decent interior, handles like its top heavy, and has an underpowered engine. But on a positive note the engine will last for ever and its so simple to work on too. Also you could store 4 - 5 deads bodies in the trunk if you ever needed to. The trunk is HUGE. But Hey its my wifes car and Ill stick with the P5

why don't you go look at your steering wheel again and look at the model year of your car? :rolleyes:

Ooooooooooooh, I am SOOOOOOO embarassed, yup, you caught me - there WASN'T a 2001 Protege 5 - we just owned one since then - it's sunny outside, shouldn't you be driving or something?
Regardless of the year - it's still plastic, I licked the steering wheel, so I know :D

C'mon, we all know he lives in a room with no windows. The only light in his room is via his 14" computer monitor.