Toyobaru Vs. Volkswagen GTi?

[mikochu]

I've got a 2010 GTI right now. I'll be test-driving the FR-S when my local dealer gets one in for me to check out. I hope I hate it.

[shadoquad]

I love both cars, tbh. The GTI has fit and finish, engine and tranny are smooth as silk, handles well for FWD... Nice, nice, nice. I've heard Vdubs get electronic gremlins later in life, though.

The FRS/BRZ is, well, everyone here knows the virtues of that ride. Better handler, RWD awesomeness, gorgeous design, Toyota/Subaru reliability.

Can't go wrong with either, in my estimation. It's more about what your goals are for the vehicle and which one suits you best.

But has anyone test driven the AWD Golf R? I have. It left me in tears leaving the showroom that such a magnificent hatch could cost 10,000 dollars too much. If the base GTI was as quick as the Golf R for the cost of the GTI, I'd say the VW every day and all day.

[Dan86]

My best friend has a GTI and I have an FR-S. His can drive circles around me, in terms of speed, because of the turbo. But the FR-S is so much more fun to drive. It handles so much better. It has RWD. That fact in itself makes them incomparable. I'd choose FR-S over GTI any day.

[BlaineWasHere]

I see you live in Morgan Hill, I live in San Jose!

I just sold my MKV GTI to get a FR-S. The GTI is no joke, I am missing my 280WTQ!!!!

But the GTI is FWD and 400lbs heavier than the FRS, 'nuff said.


Picture of said GTI:

[mikochu]

Originally Posted by shadoquad

But has anyone test driven the AWD Golf R? I have. It left me in tears leaving the showroom that such a magnificent hatch could cost 10,000 dollars too much. If the base GTI was as quick as the Golf R for the cost of the GTI, I'd say the VW every day and all day.

Just add a $600 tune to the GTI and you're there.

[shadoquad]

Originally Posted by mikochu

Just add a $600 tune to the GTI and you're there.

And AWD?

But yeah, I've heard VW's respond nicely to tunes.

[BlaineWasHere]

Originally Posted by shadoquad

And AWD?

But yeah, I've heard VW's respond nicely to tunes.

The platform is faster as FWD, that's how the chassis was really designed to be. The chassis can't overcome the weight of the AWD and it's a stupid Haldex based system anyway.

And the new TSI GTIs you can add a K04 turbo for about $2.5K and have 315WHP and be a roll racing monster... LOL.

[e30kawi]

Haven't been in a brz or frs yet, but the price of both kept me from buying one and put me into the loving arms of the gti. Loving mine so far. I am very impressed with the fit and finish of the interior, most of all the seats and the dash layout. Power is everywhere, I haven't got to drive it in the rain much, I live in texas we just don't get a lot. I don't track/race so minor differences in handling between it and the frs/brz means nothing to me, its a great car and significantly cheaper. I don't regret it at all...aside from being front wheel drive. Pic of said car

[fffrs]

I traded my Stage I tuned '09 GTI for an FR-S. Yes the FR-S is fun to drive (when you're in a turn) but the pull of the turbo at any gear is also quite fun. I'm looking forward to seeing what the aftermarket world has to offer the FR-S/BRZ, because this thing is begging for more power.

[Henwee]

Hey fffrs.
Can you give some more opinion from your experience??!?
I'm on the fence now and just concerned if I can live with the frs interior/ non climate control and torque ....

[DSOmegaX]

I'm coming from a mk6 GTI with k04 turbo. Yes, I miss the power, but I never regret the decision.

[Fazzster]

I will be trading my VW CC soon and I must say I am torn between the GTI, BRZ and FIAT 500 Abarth and possibly the 500T (Abarth lite). My VW has been brilliant and trouble free. I am in love with the 2.0T FSI motor and the solid feel of a VW made in Germany so the GTI is calling me. However, I have not driven any of these cars yet. I have had 2 WRX's and an S2000 in the past. Japanese cars are great but I am afraid I may miss a German made/engineered car no matter how well the BRZ drives. Not to mention I won't be paying MSRP for the GTI, 0% financing and inventory to choose from.

[vtmike]

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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[whateatsrabbits]

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