Had the GTI for a little while now...the good, the bad...

[NoRegrets78]

Hey guys, long time. I know I promised pics and what not but certain circumstances beyond my control prevented taking pics...

For the bad...week owning the car, flat tire drivers rear...doing 80 at the time, wound up shredding the tire. Changing to the spare the rim (optional 18's) fell on its face and got scratched and chipped. Take rim to get fixed order new tire. $300 bucks. Take newly fixed rim and tire to a shop recommended by a friend. He scratches the rim and refuses to admit it. Pissed but ok, pay and leave. Next day new tire is flat. Was next to a Mavis at the time so they check it out. All around the bead is leaking and the valvestem. Turns out when they took the tire off they discovered the installer tore the bead ruining the tire and cracked the valvestem. Another tire and valvestem 210 bucks. Call the guy and say listen, the tire was leaking I'm at mavis they said you tore the bead. Again, refuses to take responsibility. Going to DMV to report his sorry ass then taking him to small claims court. Been on a doughnut for 2 of the 3 weeks I had the car.

Cliffs: 2 tires, rim scratched twice, shop being sued.

Driving impressions:

If any of you are on the fence with the Si and GTI I HIGHLY recommend you drive the GTI. While the Si style and function are top notch...the pure race handling is better, and the fun factor in high RPMS is one of honda's best...for a daily driver I am finding a very hard time saying it is better than the GTI.

DSG is the sickest piece of technology I have ever driven. Absolutely love the way it functions, feels, drives. The car as a TON of standard features that I am still learning about, and the ability to have so much more for very little money. Handling on the optional 18's with summer tires is sick, the feel of the overall ride is one of fit and finish, class, and power. Low end grunt is something I was definately not used to having owned so many hondas but I have to say, around town, its so nice to be able to get up and go without screaming the engine for everyone to hear.

This is by no means an Si bash. The Si IMO is definately the more capable track and race car so if that's your goal, by all means I think you'll be more happy with the Si assuming you leave stock with stock.

Aftermarket:

As with my Type-S and Hondata, there are actually the big 3 ecu upgrades available at this time for the GTI. All provide around 250whp/300tq at the crank and ALL are extremely smooth in making power...think stock.

My goal is the APR Stage 1. For $750, you get a 91 or 93 octane tune, a security lock out code, and the stock tune. You can switch between the tune and stock using the cruise control stalk, and have it set to not be able to be switched without the lockout code. There are other options avail like kill mode and valet mode (detuned). Granted exhaust options are on the pricey side, intakes don't do much, but the flash is a very economical way to get your car into the low 14's high 13's, not to mention you have the option of going back to stock if you so choose for whatever reason.

The aftermarket is booming already for this vehicle...vag-com is one work of art...for 250 bucks you get the cable for diagnostics and ECU changes that can unlock a myriad of features only euro GTI's get, and make changes to suit your own driving style like how may blinks the quick blinker feature uses, and how much assistance the electric steering gives you.

Conclusion:

The two vehicles, both the Si and the GTI serve similar purposes but aim to please two different kinds of people. Racers will definately be happier with the SI IMO, those looking for more features with good low end daily driving power, might be better off looking at the GTI.

*Disclaimer* - the preceeding is the opinion of NoRegrets78 and should be taken as such...after all, opinions are like a-holes, everyone's got em and they all stink!

[leenangle]

I was thinking about this car, but it was damn pricey.

I think a chipped GTI would spank an SI with $750 worth of mods in a straight line.

As far as a road course goes, I think its still a drivers race.

congrats on the new car!

[GeezerSi]

Beyond all of the race jargon and price comparisons, we still have to look at these cars, and be seen in them. I personally like the looks of the Civic (way more) over the GTI.

I know others feel completely the opposite, but for me the appearance of the Civic helped me make my final decision.

[Izzy]

I like the way the new GTi looks. Saw one parked next to my car yesterday, leaving a grocery store. Too bad I didn't have my camera on me.

DSG + Programmable ECU tuning = teh win.

Glad you love your GTi, NoRegrets. You should let me drive it!

[NoRegrets78]

Geezer: I do like the coupe styling of the Civic better, but in the end, the interior is what I have to look at daily and the GTI has a very nicely done interior.

Izzy: You local to me?

[Izzy]

No. Hahahaha. I'm in Cali.

[skittleslegend]

Originally Posted by leenangle

I was thinking about this car, but it was damn pricey.

I think a chipped GTI would spank an SI with $750 worth of mods in a straight line.

As far as a road course goes, I think its still a drivers race.

congrats on the new car!

First, no shit a chipped GTI would "spank" an Si with $750 mods in a straight. That ain't hardly comparing apples to apples...

Second, stock to stock GTI loses around the track. They're extremely close down the straights so performance testing is kinda null. What it really comes down to is personal preference and buying what you want/need vs. what the magazines are telling you to buy. I've driven the GTI and while an ok car, the suspension was too soft for me. And trust me when I say, Vermont has some great roads for test driving.

I agree with the OP that they're very different vehicles aimed at very different people. I myself prefer the thrill of the drive. Not knocking the GTI, because I loved the 6 spd but the DSG is overrated, possibly because I hate automatic transmissions (contrary to what you think the DSG is still not an MT and therefore falls into my description of being an automatic).

Had the GTI's predicted reliability been better, I might have swayed, but I'm not a huge fan of it's styling (the Rabbit looks better), and for the price there are better cars for my purposes, so the Si was my choice. I can do without anemities. I have a G2 Legend for that.

Nice review btw.

[Fixer]

^ Some very good points Skittles. I concur from what I know of the GTI. Was one of my choices as well. CANNOT get used to the grill treatment on the newer Audis and VWs however. I've owned several Audis while living in Germany and think they are superbly engineered cars but that grill sucks. The VW commercials were pretty cool though. "Umpimp your ride" LOL

[GeezerSi]

Originally Posted by NoRegrets78

Geezer: I do like the coupe styling of the Civic better, but in the end, the interior is what I have to look at daily and the GTI has a very nicely done interior.

Izzy: You local to me?

You're point about the interior was actually a major comparative in a mag review I saw recently. The Si's interior was panned when compared to the GTi's. Again, it just becomes a personal preference.

[skittleslegend]

Originally Posted by Fixer

^ Some very good points Skittles. I concur from what I know of the GTI. Was one of my choices as well. CANNOT get used to the grill treatment on the newer Audis and VWs however. I've owned several Audis while living in Germany and think they are superbly engineered cars but that grill sucks. The VW commercials were pretty cool though. "Umpimp your ride" LOL

Ironically, after those commercials were out, VW built four R32's with Lamborghini doors, a ridiculous-looking spoiler and some funky graphics for "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift". Talk about hypocrisy.



I don't care what anybody says though. The front of this car is sexy as hell. They can keep the rest of it though.

[Special Ringpop]

I don't really like hatchback cars and the GTI was slightly out of my price range, but I'm happy you like it!

EDIT: But yeah, the front end of that car is gorgeous.

[supersly_jones]

Originally Posted by NoRegrets78

Geezer: I do like the coupe styling of the Civic better, but in the end, the interior is what I have to look at daily and the GTI has a very nicely done interior.

Izzy: You local to me?

is yours leather or plaid?

[FujiBlueSi]

Originally Posted by NoRegrets78

Izzy: You local to me?

He's not but I am, hint, hint. LOL
Where in LI are you? I would love to take a few pics. My Si and your GTI. What do you think?

[supersly_jones]

Originally Posted by FujiBlueSi

He's not but I am, hint, hint. LOL
Where in LI are you? I would love to take a few pics. My Si and your GTI. What do you think?

i wanna see...

[NoRegrets78]

Plaid. Leather option was 3k dollars!!! Soon as the weather breaks I have to have her washed again but I'm always down for a photoshoot!!! Blue and White baby. I'm in Deer Park area.

Skittles...thanks boss! Thank God I got the DSG, blew my left knee out AGAIN right after I got the car. Talk about fate...

[skittleslegend]

Originally Posted by NoRegrets78

Plaid. Leather option was 3k dollars!!! Soon as the weather breaks I have to have her washed again but I'm always down for a photoshoot!!! Blue and White baby. I'm in Deer Park area.

Skittles...thanks boss! Thank God I got the DSG, blew my left knee out AGAIN right after I got the car. Talk about fate...

Damn dude, sorry to hear that. I blew mine playing ball in highschool (not for the school, but a rec league). What are the odds? I bought my Legend (auto) because I blew my knee out too lol

[NoRegrets78]

Originally Posted by skittleslegend

Damn dude, sorry to hear that. I blew mine playing ball in highschool (not for the school, but a rec league). What are the odds? I bought my Legend (auto) because I blew my knee out too lol

I hear ya...blew mine out at softball...WTF?

I have a history of 1 hyperextention, 1 hit basketball pole that chipped the bone so I had to have surgery, and now this. Between the last surgery and this new problem, I had my type-s. Clutch was nice and light so it would only bother me on long trips in traffic, but I figured this time, better safe than sorry. Turns out I was right.

Just got back from getting the new tire mounted and balanced. THANK GOD I GOT MY BABY BACK!!! Now I just need this heat to die down to take advantage of the turbo!

[leenangle]

Originally Posted by skittleslegend

Second, stock to stock GTI loses around the track.

GTI is heavier and according to you suspension seems a little too plush, but I would still be interested in seeing some actual lap times by the same driver

For the amatuers sake and skill set, I think you'd be hard pressed to find a consistent difference in lap times. You're right though, feeling does play a huge factor in turning good laptimes and overall enjoyability, so there certainly lies the deciding factor as to which car is better for the buyer.

I own a Honda, but I still love that the VW's get audi motors....not too sure about the 2.0 but I know the 1.8T was held in very high regard for some time.

[skittleslegend]

Originally Posted by leenangle

GTI is heavier and according to you suspension seems a little too plush, but I would still be interested in seeing some actual lap times by the same driver

For the amatuers sake and skill set, I think you'd be hard pressed to find a consistent difference in lap times. You're right though, feeling does play a huge factor in turning good laptimes and overall enjoyability, so there certainly lies the deciding factor as to which car is better for the buyer.

I own a Honda, but I still love that the VW's get audi motors....not too sure about the 2.0 but I know the 1.8T was held in very high regard for some time.

I can't quite remember what mag did the test, but I believe it may've been SCC or someone. They had 6 drivers, 2 each with the same skill set. 2 pros, 2 amateurs and 2 hobbyists I believe and the variances between the Si's time vs. the GTI's time was something like 1-3 seconds depending on which drivers were in the cars.

The GTI's suspension is no big deal and being that I autoX and like to take it on our backroads here, is totally fixable. But I think moreso than the suspension, the heavy-weight really set me off. Again, not that it's a big deal because it has the power to move it around, but I suppose I'm just biased to my 97 HX. That car was pretty light and tossable and fun to drive. The GTI is fun to drive too, though, I just found it not as tossable I suppose. Or maybe the power came on two easy? I'm so used to high revving Hondas, it's a little unorthodox for me getting into another vehicle. I remember driving my uncles 300Z. 600hp twin turbo. Crazy. It was fun, but again, very unsual for me.

I think I need to test drive the GTI again and try to seperate it from my torque-less bias. hehe.....

[NoRegrets78]

Originally Posted by leenangle

GTI is heavier and according to you suspension seems a little too plush, but I would still be interested in seeing some actual lap times by the same driver

For the amatuers sake and skill set, I think you'd be hard pressed to find a consistent difference in lap times. You're right though, feeling does play a huge factor in turning good laptimes and overall enjoyability, so there certainly lies the deciding factor as to which car is better for the buyer.

I own a Honda, but I still love that the VW's get audi motors....not too sure about the 2.0 but I know the 1.8T was held in very high regard for some time.

The only track test I saw was motor trend I think...and they compared the two when the GTI had all seasons and the Si had summer tires. Again correct me if I'm wrong.

The weight is definately noticeable...the Si is a little more fun throwing into a corner.

The 2.0T in the GTI is the same motor that is in the Audi A4.