Toyobaru Vs. Volkswagen GTi?
 

Tbh, I'm surprised no one mentioned this yet (at least to my knowledge, I have tried searching). But specwise, aren't these two cars pretty similar?
Both have compact size, relatively low weight (GTi a bit heavier at 3000lb but makes up for it with 207lb/ft of torque), both in the 200hp range. Now before you guys point out the obvious, I know I know. Gti is FWD, hatchback, and FI. But nonetheless, the price point of it puts it in the FRS/BRZ category. So what do you guys think about the GTi? Worthy competitor or just another overweight turbocharged hot hatch?

On a side note, I drove the hyundai GC, 2.0t today and the GTi as well. The GC felt terribly stiff, with really heavy steering and delayed throttle response. It just didn't felt as fast as it looked. On the other hand, the GTi performed like a champ. lol but seriously, I drove the DSG version (flameshield on s:) and it's a great little car. Handles well, eager to rev, and DSG is lightning fast and smooth. I think it might be the lower weight of the GTi, but FWD didn't feel all that bad to me, compared to the GC anyways. So that's my opinion of both cars, let me know what you guys think.

I have a GTI, it has a lot of body roll in the corners and there is tons of wheel hop in first and second gear if you try to use power in a turn. It's ok I guess, not a sports car but a sporty hatch.

As you have already mentioned, FWD vs RWD is the single largest identifiable difference between these two cars.

In my opinion, you simply can not compare a FWD car to a RWD car. FWD cars can be extremely fast and capable cars, but they will never truly be sports cars. Push the limits in the GTI and you will find yourself fighting under-steer and torque-steer. Push the limits in the Toyobaru and you will learn what a sports car is...

it really depends on what you want to do with the car

some people here are gonna drift the car and well FWD + drift = fail

FWD can be lighting fast but they rarely ever give off that sporty driving feel to me (ITR excluded)

Not comparable cars. GTI is going to be nicer, and more practical. The coupe will be more pure a driving experience, and handle better.

A comparable car would be MINI Coupe S 2 seater or even the Cooper S. Don't let the 180hp and fwd fool you. At WOT it hits like 205 tq with overboost at 1600rpm holding off til like 4500rpm where HP takes over. The are fast cars that handle beautifully. *Note I'm biased having owned 2 MINIs and still currently own one..

I'd also like to mention that a perfect new compact car garage would be Lotus Elise, BRZ/FRS and MINI Coupe S.. all that is missing from this equation is a new awd, lightweight, turbo car.

Are they designed to do the same thing? No. Are people going to cross shop them? Yes.


A lot of people will be using their FR-Ss and BRZs as street cars. They're similarly sporting and similarly priced, offering similar options. They just balance priorities differently. The Toyobaru chooses sportiness at the expense of practicality, the GTI the inverse. Someone looking for a fun, engaging, daily driver really should consider both.


Ummmmm, WRX or STI? Evo?

The issue with the new turbo Cooper S is the same HPFP issue that BMW had with the 3.0 turbo motors. They malfunctioned at a staggering rate. BMW issued a recall. MINI did not. My friend had a turbo Cooper S when warranty expired. He dumped it 10 months later because of the HPFP issue.

Ass backwards on the side of the road? :bellyroll:

I really liked the new Mini Coupe until I saw the price. It's not awful, just a bit more than I expected. I think I'd rather have the 500 Abarth with the Esseesse package. Or if we're jumping up to the JCW, I'd rather have a Golf R.

I loved my MKV GTI. It was a nice sporty car with an amazing interior for the price. Not really a sports car, but enough pep to get out of its own way.

I think some people will cross shop against FWDs, but a Golf? Do you guys get the Renault Megane Trophee over there?

Yes, you wouldn't consider a Golf over a Mini, but you'd also not consider a Mini over the Megane.

That's not dissing the Mini as I've been involved in campaigning them, the Renault is just that good.

we dont get any renaults over here

Can't compare pigs to compacts.

About the MINIs
New Late 2010 and 2011+ N18 motors are better in terms of reliability and power. The old 07-10 N14 were somewhat grenades if not maintained properly.. basically beyond manufacturer's intervals

Also the HPFP is not a wide spread issue as much, BUT it's guaranteed and warrantied until 110k miles/unlimited years after all warranties are already exhausted, the part and labor is covered still. IF it dies at 109k, it's replaced and it has a 2 year warranty thereafter on part and labor. That's how MINIUSA rolls, and that's why I still own one.

I'd rather have a Scirocco R in the states over a Megane Trophy

[QUOTE=Scottyscooter;92426]As you have already mentioned, FWD vs RWD is the single largest identifiable difference between these two cars.
QUOTE]

Height is also very different between these two cars. Golf is high as hell.

no way gti :thumbdown: never in my life!!
every sucker in germany has a gti

i love the understanding of performance of the GT 86 not only the power but also lightweight an the most important, its a car not everyone knows what it can do in the corner;-)