86 versus VW Golf GTI
 

Went to VW dealer last weekend just for a browse and tried golf (gti and other higher tier model), also scirocco, and beetle. I love the cleanliness and simple look of VW interior. I honestly feel jealous that 86 doesn't have that tidy look. It just feels so comfy sitting inside, all buttons, layouts, storage are so clean looking and organised. Sitting inside it made me feel happy and pampered.
I think if 86 never existed I'd buy a golf gti.

I kept telling myself i made a right choice, vw won't be as reliable in 5-7 years time and not as fun lol

Have to agree, but somehow the GTI has gotten to the point in it's segment that it has become too "clinical", or IMO somewhat boring.

I traded in an '11 GTI for my BRZ. The interior was definitely a nice place to be, but it does feel a bit minivan-ish once you've been in an 86 (so much lower and sporty cockpit).

Yea... Every time I drive my '13 Passat TDI, I feel like I'm driving a bus. Hell, I drove a new Mustang GT a week or two ago and that think was HUGE. Everything feels absurdly large after driving the BRZ.

My thoughts on the GTI after having had one as a DD for three years:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36716

had an 07 gti, my mother still has an 08, gf has an 11 tdi golf.

all were/are great all around cars.

really is a jack of all trades

I drive a 2011 A3 as my DD. It's based on the same platform as the mk6 GTI, but I think it sits a bit lower. My housemate also has a 2010 GTI so I've done some side-by-side comparisons between those, my friend's BRZ, and my S2000. Interior and comfort wise the GTI/A3 are honestly much nicer cars and aren't really comparable to the 86. But after a while of owning my A3 I actually got tired of how tame and quiet it was and got the S2000 as a 2nd vehicle. The BRZ feels very similar to the S2000 in terms of overall driving dynamics and driver inputs (steering, pedals, shifter, seating) when you're not at the limit.

My wife drives our 2010 Golf TDI (fully loaded). And yes, it is far more luxurious inside. The seats are fucking amazing and everything is soft touch materials and real metal. However, the driving mechanics are mushy as fuck compared to this car. The FR-S is tight, precise, and not nearly as appealing to everyone, the Golfs are balanced, have amazing build quality but more engine problems than anyone should have to put up with. Hard to compare the 2 really, their nothing alike other than they both have 4 wheels, appeal to car enthusiasts, and have fake noise makers in the engine lol.

I had a MKV GTI... I miss my 280 WTQ... lol.

No regrets on the FR-S.

Previously drove a 2008 VW R32.

Plush as shit in comparison. Auto everything - wipers lights, heated seats, lumbar support, etc etc. Just more refined in general. You typically expect and get that in a German car.

If you're expecting that in a sub 30,000$ japanese sports car, you're going to be disappointed.

With that being said, I found the interior of the FR-S very simplistic and to my liking. I will admit I miss the RCD-510 headunit I had upgraded to in my R32. That was the best radio ever. Aside from that, not feeling like I downgraded much.

I also agree that VW has fallen victim to being very boring now in their attempts to be the world's biggest automaker.

Mkv>vi

On the basis of the dash tray alone

As a long time VW person...the 2015 Mk7 GTI will replace my wife's '10 CC when we finally get the Mk7 here in the U.S. In comparing my son's tuned '09 Mk5 GTI to my BRZ...hands down, the GTI puts down more effortless power to the front wheels but, the look, the feel and balance of the 86 platform still wins me over as a fun "driver's car" that makes me want to drive it. As with most car comparisons, I think it boils down to what best meets your needs regarding practicality, budget and what you really want. Watching this video gets me pretty excited about the Mk7 GTI:

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGihDlIE4Mc"]2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mark VII 0-60 Quick Take 0-60 MPH Review - YouTube[/ame]

The good thing about the BRZ/FR-S is that there are ways to make the interior a nicer place and ways to add turbo power. There really aren't (practical) ways to make the GTI have a low sporty seating position or make it RWD.

I test drove a GTI last year after reading the rags about how Great they are and how every enthusiast should own one at some time..
I did like the interior.. But it felt like a big car.. Wasn't nimble at all.. And the power delivery is boring.. Not crisp or light feeling in any respect.
It's a more practical car for sure.. But did nothing to satisfy the enthusiast in me..