VERY different cars, VERY different to drive and look at, so personal preference will dominate. Would be a bit concerned as time goes by on availability of spares for the VW, but a common enough vehicle for parts suppliers to continue to support.
VW Passat (6 cylinder), and older VW Cabriolet as well as VW R32 all in the family. All manual trans. Taught my children and their friends to drive manuals. All appreciated it. Some never looked back! Not bad to work on once you learn the idiosyncrasies.
For me the euro ride, fun factor and a smaller vehicle is preferable...but that is just my personal preference! Good for around town and shorter trips, but maybe not the best for touring/long distances.