86 versus VW Golf GTI

[Darkrune]

Originally Posted by mfbmike

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.

For a second there I thought you were talking about the BRZ limited, which is a sub 30k car. hm

[CyberFormula]

Had the GTI for 7 years, 73000 miles now.


Very good, but may consider buying the new STI....


Still waiting for the supra concept.




I don't mind keeping GTI for up to 12 years.

[Suberman]

Interestingly the latest article in Evo describing a track session at Angelsey (UK) states the TRD package tires are 225/40x18 which is more likely as this would be the correct size. 225/45x18 are too tall.

[86 South Africa]

Anyone know how a stock Gti would come out against an e85 BRZ/86?

Reason I ask is because the 86 is slower as stock, but I'm comparing straight up acceleration for $$$ which means I would have the choice of the Gti or an 86 with headers, FF/e85 tune and obviously e85 for the same money (actually for slightly less).

Other aspects (and the reason I bought my 86) = great looks, different (at the time), ability to mod with relative ease, and RWD!!!

[Who8myrice]

Originally Posted by 86 South Africa

Anyone know how a stock Gti would come out against an e85 BRZ/86?

Reason I ask is because the 86 is slower as stock, but I'm comparing straight up acceleration for $$$ which means I would have the choice of the Gti or an 86 with headers, FF/e85 tune and obviously e85 for the same money (actually for slightly less).

Other aspects (and the reason I bought my 86) = great looks, different (at the time), ability to mod with relative ease, and RWD!!!

If focus St and gti has about same straight power, then no.
My co worker has stock St and I have header+e85.
From dig, lol St pulls all the way to 3rd. But if I go first in 3rd he won't catch me till we are way past legal speed.
(We never race in public, and never break speed limit)

[GTHachiRoku]

A stage 2 APR GTI will humiliate a lot of powerful cars out there in a straight line.
It's biggest sacrifices are lack of driver feeling and the ability to actually put down that power.

[chaoskaze]

well I can care less about GTI, but scirocco????


FUK YES

[MidwestFRS]

I will just leave this here... The GTI is my buddy's, but I do get to borrow it for a few months. It is nice but I like my FRS haha

[stevo585]

When I drove a friends 2013 GTI I was like wow its quiet...I can't hear the engine? Nice torque...steering is terrible....brakes are pretty good...the shifter is vague and soft. Lots of meh and awkward. It wasnt too far from my camry just smaller and manual. My ESC has fixed the torque issues...now runs a 13.8 quarter mile.

When my buddy got out of my car he is wow the clutch and shifter and steering are so nice. How can I make my car feel like that? lol.

[Veloist]

I drove a 2016 MK7 GTI 2-door with the 2.0L 210 HP 258 lb-ft torque engine.

I fell in love right away...the clutch was easy to use and had a great travel length, and the shifter had great feel--it was smooth yet precise.

Power delivery was great after 2500 RPM.

It handled well--it stayed flat throughout turns and the ride was stiff and sporty but not uncomfortable.

The seats were greatly bolstered and felt comfortable and the ergonomics of the car fit me like a glove, in a different way compared to the 86/BRZ.

Overall I loved the drive and the seating position of the MK7 GTI. It would be nice to have one as a DD and have the BRZ as a second car when I miss the lightweight RWD feeling.

[86 South Africa]

Originally Posted by GTHachiRoku

A stage 2 APR GTI will humiliate a lot of powerful cars out there in a straight line.
It's biggest sacrifices are lack of driver feeling and the ability to actually put down that power.

Don't forget Rear Wheel Drive!

[86 South Africa]

Originally Posted by chaoskaze

well I can care less about GTI, but scirocco????


FUK YES

My buying decision (in 2013 when I bought my 86) was between the 86 and the Scirocco - ultimately the RWD and the better price won. A mate of mine has the 2.0L Scirocco and it's a really nice car, but he's had numerous issues with his (not sure if it's common or just his car).

I have not had 1 issue with mine. Not even a minor one.

I also love the feeeeeeeel of the 86 over the GTi or Scirocco + services etc are cheaper (well, here anyway).

[DarkSunrise]

I think you appreciate the GTI more when you don't try to compare it against a lightweight RWD sports car. Think of it more as a jack-of-all-trades, well-rounded hot hatch. My wife drives one and loves it for everyday driving. It ticks a lot of boxes for her (nice interior, comfortable, good torque, nimble handling, tidy dimensions, lots of passenger and cargo room).

I've even tracked it and brakes aside, it's surprisingly good for what it is. You'll never be wowed by the driving experience compared with say a FR-S or Miata, but it's not really meant for that comparison.

[ort895]

My buddy just got a 2015 gti and the thing already accelerates like a bat out of hell. He has an APR stage 2 tune coming and once he gets that he'll put almost everything (decently modified) to shame. Still would rather have my brz though.