Golf VI

[Northstar]

An Evo will still Smoke it. Don't even mention the STi. X3

Yes, but you won't look like a tool while driving it.

 

[Azuremen]

Yes, but you won't look like a tool while driving it.

Funny, since I think anyone in a GTi is a bit of a tool... near WRX pricing for something slower and less reliable...

But honestly, the WRX/EVO/GTI are kind bro toolish anyhow.

 

[EA11R]

Okay, I'll take a whack at it:

In an R20, no one can see that you're no gentleman.

 

[sumbrownkid]

I think VW needs to cut down on the pricing for the R20 if it wants to really compete with the EVO or STi.

 

[Philly]

Funny, since I think anyone in a GTi is a bit of a tool... near WRX pricing for something slower and less reliable...

Yet the GTI is such a better all-around car. Fifth Gear even sent the GTI around their track much faster than the WRX. And the GTI has the advantage of being German, so it is built better for the most part. So go with the VW and you get something that'll be better around a track, will be better designed, more usable interior room, better fit and finish and a much higher class interior. I would imagine that the GTI is also more fun to drive, but I haven't been behind the wheel of a new WRX.

The GTI is pretty perfect for a commuter who also wants something pretty sporty, yet still needs all the practicality and refinement in the world. And with the WRX, you're going to have to give up a lot only to win at the drag strip.

 

[Azuremen]

Yet the GTI is such a better all-around car. Fifth Gear even sent the GTI around their track much faster than the WRX. And the GTI has the advantage of being German, so it is built better for the most part. So go with the VW and you get something that'll be better around a track, will be better designed, more usable interior room, better fit and finish and a much higher class interior. I would imagine that the GTI is also more fun to drive, but I haven't been behind the wheel of a new WRX.

The GTI is pretty perfect for a commuter who also wants something pretty sporty, yet still needs all the practicality and refinement in the world. And with the WRX, you're going to have to give up a lot only to win at the drag strip.

I drove an 06 WRX quite a bit, quite hard (back gravel roads anyone). Honestly, because it doesn't have a fake e-diff, it is a lot more fun to drive. I could actually get on the gas in less than perfect conditions and not have a one tire fire. Or traction control kick in. I'd take the WRX any day over a GTi, because it would be faster in real world conditions - it is just too easy to lose traction in the GTi since it lacks a true limited slip.

Despite my new found love for German made cars, the VW just doesn't cut it. The fit and finish initially is better, but everyone I know with a GTi has had so much more warranty work done than Subie owners I know that it is absurd. Sure, the WRX's interior is a cheap sea of plastic bits, but at least the windows will work after 50,000 miles. Or the turbo won't eat itself.

 

[Philly]

I thought you were pretty opposed to AWD like you were to FWD... But yes, I know what you're talking about. It's going to happen with any performance-oriented FWD car. But on the same token, the GTI has the advantage of a lighter and more efficient drivetrain. Without the weight and losses of AWD, it can be lighter in the corners (where the GTI was made to do well) and still be more efficient while doing day-to-day tasks.

And no, the reliability isn't as good.

 

[Azuremen]

I thought you were pretty opposed to AWD like you were to FWD... But yes, I know what you're talking about. It's going to happen with any performance-oriented FWD car. But on the same token, the GTI has the advantage of a lighter and more efficient drivetrain. Without the weight and losses of AWD, it can be lighter in the corners (where the GTI was made to do well) and still be more efficient while doing day-to-day tasks.

And no, the reliability isn't as good.

The weight savings isn't that big between the GTI and WRX.. couple hundred pounds. I like 2 wheel drive setups more over AWD often, but with FWD, it must have a proper LSD and it must have usable power. I still feel a turbo is a bit silly in FWD because the torque just isn't usable at lower RPMs in lower gears.

 

[Philly]

Actually the GTI slightly heavier than the WRX (using R&T fact sheets for both). Which means that the GTI is just a heavier all around car, making room for other stuff (like a good dashboard and probably a stiffer chassis). But I agree that the car could use an LSD. Although I guess VW has tuned the e-diff in the MKVI to adjust the torque in corners so you can put the power down earlier than the MKV.

But unless it's raining, I never have problems putting the power down anywhere in the rev range in second. And it is possible to pull first gear flat on freeway onramps. Drag strips also have enough grip to do flat starts every time. But where I really like the torque down low on the engine is when I don't have to shift for pretty much any hill or pass. And you don't need AWD to put 200 lb-ft down at freeway speeds.