I wouldn't necessarily say one car is better than the other. They're designed completely different for different purposes. It's just up to you as a driver to decide what you're looking for. Having owned a mk6 GTi, I got rid of it in a heartbeat for the BRZ because I found the car way more fun to drive. Is the GTI faster? of course, but how a car makes you feel is the most important, and it sounds like for you it was the opposite. Either way, you can't go wrong with either car. I love the GTI and its still one of the best all around vehicles you can buy for the money. I'll end this by saying I'm about to go pick up a Golf R today to go along with my BRZ so we can be buddies :)

It depends how you use your car. For long roadtrips, I prefer my GTI (mk6) because it's quieter, rides softer, and has a better interior. For track use or back roads, I take my FR-S because it handles better and is just more fun.

Honestly it's hard to say one is better than the other. They are just very good at different things. It comes down to how you use your car, but congrats and glad you like your new GTI.

Bingo well said.

So before I rag on the GTI, when they advertise their HP is it to the wheels or is it crank HP?

Any car is usually advertised with power to the crank. It's a bigger number and looks more appealing. Unless the car already has badass numbers then it doesn't matter haha.

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I was wondering because for a turbo charged engine the numbers are pretty low 200-210HP while Civic Si and 86s make that same power NA. Yeah I know the GTI has more TQ and so does the Si but the numbers just look disappointing to me for a turbo engine to only have that kind of power.

Ehh, its probably a cost thing. The same block puts out 300hp in golf r for $10k more. Also tq is super important 260 tq is miles apart from 150.

FRS/BRZ vs 2015 Golf GTI
 

Actually it's been shown that the reported hp is at the wheel. Dyno numbers seem to range from 210 to 230. Crank hp numbers have been seen to be in the 260s on some cars.

That's pretty interesting. It's advertised as bhp. Seems they are pretty modest. Really modest actually. Unlike our advertised numbers... And that torque dip..

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It is common for German companies to underrate their numbers. A stage 1 flash gives the car the pep that should have come from the factory. I'm on stage 2 and that's my cut off point.

Well that makes a lot more sense now I was really starting to doubt the GTIs lol how do you have a turbo and that much torque and still only output 200hp. I don't get why they would advertise the numbers like that though.

It helps VW with marketing. GTI owners tend to not be overly concerned with hp ratings anyway, plus a bigger advertised gap in output between the GTI and Golf R helps market the R as the clear performance-oriented option. Marketing the GTI with claimed hp between 240-250 doesn't seem like it's too far down on power from the R.

completely different cars, if you don't mind the fact almost all the VW/Audi cars have the engine sitting completely in front of the front axle and can live with the torque steering for more practicality and power then GTI is the answer.. BRZ/FRS will always bring more driver enjoyment because of the things mentioned above..
They're both a bit overpriced IMO though

GTI cabin is a nice place to hang out... Nice when waiting for tow truck

Had VWs from 1985-2013 and finally had enough of the bullsit issues. My 2009 GTI. was the first to give me clutch and drive train issues my 2000 Passat threw cels and leaked water but I never had mechanical issues. My 1985 Golf ate CV boots and leaked and threw cels. But I got 250,000 miles out of it.

But I am older and don't tolerate the crap anymore. Loved the GTI but the BRZ is more fun. And Japanese engineering and manufacturing is heads above US and Europe