I went from a 2011 320D Msport to probably one the cleanest Mk 5's in Jozi.
The 2011 320D had a map and downpipe did 142wkw and 440nm at Kar.
Then i went to the mk5 because the urge was to much. what a mistake.
The drive quality is just not comparable. The E90 is way more quiet, no road noise, feels solid, handling no comparison too, the e90 Msport handles like its on rails.
Then there's the consumption. The Gti i had was perfectly maintained, and had a Darkartz stage 2. Was it fast and fun... yes.
Was it that much faster than the 320D... no.
I drive very short distances and all city driving. I used to shift gears at 2000rpm on the Gti to try save juice lol. It just bugged me to always be monitoring the consumption and get way less the 320D.
And once you get used to not worrying about how much petrol you've used, you will get used to that trust me.
Every time you get more than 700km on a tank with town driving, trust me you will thank yourself.
Never mind when you go on holiday long distance, and get 1000km on a tank.
I missed the premium feel of the Bmw so much that i sold the Gti and went an older (but mint, 109000km) 2007 Pre facelift E90, and it feels and makes me feel good way more than the mk5. You get used to no rattles and road noise etc.I would always feel fatigured after a highway stint with the mk5. With the Bmw and lack of road noise etc, you cna drive for hours and feel refreshed.
so that's an E90. An F30 is an even better drive with the newer gearbox. Especially if you map it, and map the gearbox, what a pleasure!
so my opinion, i think its worth it. Even consider looking at an E90 330D.