I'm between the GTI and A3 2.0t still. I have not driven either yet, so I have no fair basis for comparison there.

Here they are optioned out:

<b>2007 VW Mk5 GTI 2-Door 6 Speed Manual</b>
Black Magic with Black Leather Interior
Package #1
--&gt; Power Tilt and Slide Sunroof
--&gt; Sirius Satellite Radio
Package #2
--&gt; Climatronic Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
--&gt; Cold Weather Package
--&gt; Heated Front Seats
--&gt; Front Heatable Windshield Washer Nozzles
iPod Adapter
Premium Audio System
Mat Kit
<b>MSRP $26,599</b>

<img src="http://config.vw.com/autodata/vehicleImages/W165xH80xB24_Q2_FFFFFF_R0_NONE_USB70VWC082A04601.j pg">

<img src="http://www.vwvortex.com/gallery/albums//Volkswagen/Golf%20-%20GTI%20-%20Rabbit/Golf%20V/GTI%20-%20US/016.jpg">

Here are some interior shots. Note I would have the solid black leather seats, no navi, the A/C controls would look like the 2nd pic, and I would have a 6 speed and not DSG.

<img src="http://www.vwvortex.com/gallery/albums//Volkswagen/Golf%20-%20GTI%20-%20Rabbit/Golf%20V/GTI%20-%20US/043.jpg">

<img src="http://www.vwvortex.com/gallery/albums//Volkswagen/Golf%20-%20GTI%20-%20Rabbit/Golf%20V/GTI%20-%20US/045.jpg">

<img src="http://www.vwvortex.com/gallery/albums//Volkswagen/Golf%20-%20GTI%20-%20Rabbit/Golf%20V/GTI%20-%20US/050.jpg">

<img src="http://www.vwvortex.com/gallery/albums//Volkswagen/Golf%20-%20GTI%20-%20Rabbit/Golf%20V/GTI%20-%20EU/017.jpg">

<img src="http://www.vwvortex.com/gallery/albums//Volkswagen/Golf%20-%20GTI%20-%20Rabbit/Golf%20V/GTI%20-%20EU/018.jpg">

<img src="http://www.vwvortex.com/gallery/albums//Volkswagen/Golf%20-%20GTI%20-%20Rabbit/Golf%20V/GTI%20-%20EU/052.jpg">

<b>2007 Audi A3 2.0T 4-Door 6 Speed Manual</b>
Brilliant Black with Black Leather
Audio Package
Cold Weather Package
Premium Package
S-Line Package
Technology Package
<b>MSRP $32,740</b>

<img src="http://mediaservice.audi.com/media/aoa/e/f/c/x/50147/2007/8PA52C/14+a2a2/bbo6fa/eil7m0/radcr5.jpg?alt=http://ak4-fr.audi.de//img/1pxt.gif">

Note: The A3 below has H&amp;R Cup Kit and 19" RS 4 Replica Rims.

<img src="http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/8088/CRW_4449copy.jpg">

Both would likely get smoked markers right away:

<img src="http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/images/product/iadmin/4978_x200.jpg">

These open grilles might look a pinch better on the GTI as well:

<img src="http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/images/product/iadmin/5123_x150.jpg"><img src="http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/images/product/iadmin/5123_x150.jpg"><img src="http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/images/product/iadmin/5120_x150.jpg">

I think the A3 looks better, but the A3 seems expensive for not having quattro. I'll know more after I drive them both soon. Obviously the A3 shown above is modded, and with the cost of the A3 I likely won't mod it nearly as much as the GTI would have the potential for. The GTI looks awesome from the front, but so-so from the rear. I think the GTI in black looks much better from the rear then in the lighter colors. Also the interior on the GTI seems to be a lot cooler.

Is the A3 worth a whole $6,141 more for like optioned cars? That's 18.76% more money for the rings and more doors, which I don't want. I don't know if the A3 makes sense at that point.

Other cars considered at one point or another:
Daytona Blue 350Z Touring 6 speed
Audi B6 A4 Ultrasport 1.8T 6 speed CPO
Audi B6 S4 6 speed CPO (never very likely)
Audi TT 225 6 speed CPO (too small in the end)
VW Mk4 R32 CPO (used pricing same as new)