While the gti is a nice car, the 2013 focus st is the only front wheel drive car that made me second guess getting a fr-s. Would much rather have an st over a gti.

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I traded my 2010 golf for the FR-S. It is basically the same as a gti except for the motor, I had a 2.5L I5 5speedMT. And compared to the FR-S the golf is a torque monster. Like when I floored the golf at 2000 rpm It would rip up to redline quickley. The golf interior, comfort, and noise level was in another class way above the FR-S, just like the FR-S is in another class On the handling and fun to drive factor. In the words of jermey clarkson The GTI is the most practical car you can buy, I cant wait to see what he has to say about the 86.
The thing I hated most about the golf is you cant turn off the VSC, so riping e-barkes in the snow was a no go. Some day when I have enough money to own both, Ill get another one, for now Ill make due with THe FR-S:thumbsup:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l8...99494036_n.jpg

While I agree with the comfort and overall design and materials of the interior, unfortunately I had a GTI that rattled like no other and know quite a few other people with the same issue. I know its hit or miss, but sometimes I really question what everyone is talking about in terms of the interior quality of the golf. Part of the reason I got rid of mine.

I wish they brought the Scirocco to North America. The GTI is probably the most practical sporty car around, but as a front wheel drive platform it is somewhat limited in its potential (modded or otherwise) vs the twins.
I will change my mind when INdy and F1 go front drive :lol:

I still have my '06 GTI. It has 95,000 trouble free miles on it, no rattles and still feels and drives like new. Very quiet and refined compared to my BRZ.

The torque is something that really sets this car apart from others. I will be getting a MKVII GTI when they come out. I would consider the new ST but I really like and want to stay with the DSG trans that I have.

That said I do like my BRZ but I would not have it as my only car. I'd have to go with a GTI if that was the case.

My BRZ is my alternative to a motorcycle as I've really cut back on riding due to health issues. I take it out just for fun runs on the back roads much the same way I use my Carrera.

I have a 2010 GTI (manual) coming off lease in a few months, and was seriously considering one of the Toyobaru twins as its replacement.

A lot of my thoughts echo others posted here. My GTI is stock, and in straights, it feels much quicker than the BRZ/FR-S, while the magazines have it about 1/2 second quicker to 60 (substantial, but the subjective gap feels wider, due in no small part to the difference in torque... the difference in weight doesn't cover that).

In corners, it's not even close. The GTI's weight distribution is all wrong, and the height of it makes it even worse. The BRZ I drove put the GTI to shame. Great balance, great feel... it really is the modern day 240SX (I had one as my first car), with a far better engine to boot.

The GTI is my DD, and that's the reason why the BRZ is not my next car. It's a lot more fun when you find the right corner, but it's nowhere near as nice as the GTI is inside, doesn't have as nice a stereo, etc.

For a weekend/track car, it's no contest. For me, as a DD, it's not a contest either, despite my general dislike of FWD. The GTI was That Good(TM) for me to overlook its FWD shortcomings (at the time). The BRZ is That Good(TM), but for me, I can't overlook its shortcomings this time around.

I traded in my 2011 MK6 GTI for my FR-S. I originally wanted the FR-S when I first saw concepts while I was deployed. The GTI was my second choice, so when the FR-S wasn't released when I came home I picked up the GTI.

They are both amazing cars in their own right, but not a good comparison. The GTI is all electronic and you don't "feel" the road, transmission, gear changes, etc. like you do in the FR-S. The GTI does come with more amenities for the price and much more storage room, but that's because it's a sporty hatchback.

The FR-S just has that fun factor. The power delivery is drastically different in the 2.0L boxer motor compared to the 2.0T in the GTI, but the FR-S makes up for that in other ways. The handling and feeling you get turning into a corner gives you that rush as the car just grips around the curve. It's also a completely different feeling when you turn the traction control off and start to let the rear end get loose.

Either way you look at it, both cars are great cars in their own right, I prefer my FR-S. That's my .02.

My GTI
http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/...h/5581488c.jpg

My FR-S
http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/...h/IMG_1036.jpg

Living in New York City, do you think an automatic GTI or BRZ is better? For the BRZ, I'm worried about slip and slides from the snow we get in the Winter. I know we have to change the tires but thats such a hassle doing it twice a year. And with the snow tires, its still not very safe, IMO.

I live in Toronto...

As long as you get appropriate winter tires and drive cautiously you should be fine. I myself have Michelin X-Ice 3s, and equipped my trunk with a bit of weight.

I've driven on everything from slush, to ice and foot deep snow.

I also lead myself to believe that NYC snow crews are probably better than the crew we have up here (as any city probably has a better winter operations plan than us).

I love my BRZ.

WTF is with all these necros? lol This thread had 2 years of no activity until today :P

Also, changing tires twice a year is a hassle? You're supposed to rotate every 5 grand or so depending on your driving anyway.

If you're worried about sliding in a FRS you should probably buy a VW.

If one is driving mainly in a large city I don't think the triplets are the best choice. I much prefer my mum's Yaris than my car when driving in Sydney. Smaller, better visibility out the back 3/4, park anywhere. Would prefer a Polo over a Golf.

Hey, at least he didn't start "How are these cars in the snow?" thread #2,894.

Proper snows and these are every bit as good as any other car in the snow.