Audi A3 1.8 T Mk1 1998?

[s4q1b]

I'm looking to buy an Audi a3 1.8 T but not too sure wether its better than the its younger sister the mk4 golf gti..
Both have around the same bhp, 147 and 150 respectively.
Which one is a better car, mechanically,handling and maintenance wise?
Appreciated..
Thank You

[LaSarthe+Back]

Engines will be identical. As will alot of the suspension/chassis parts.

The A3 is 100-150kg lighter though.

[Pablo16v]

My wife had a 1998 A3 1.8T Sport. She owned it from 2002 to 2005. It was a lovely wee car and we chose it ahead of the Golf GTI. The A3 had a slightly stiffer ride and felt quicker although there wouldn't have been much in it. I also thought that the A3 was better looking than the Golf and the interior had a higher quality feel to it. That said the A3 did cost a grand more than the Golf.
Maintenance wise it was pretty cheap to run. The basic servicing was done once a year by Audi and other stuff by a mate in the car trade. The only thing I can think of that it needed were rear suspension bushes, front tyres, exhaust clamp and a battery. We sold it with only 40K on the clock so I can't comment on higher mileage reliability and suchlike.