So I have my GTI for about 8 months...It's been trouble free other than the fact that I have to add coolant to it every few weeks because nobody knows why it has such an appetite to lose the engine coolant. Other than that, I like the car, it's the right size for me, fun to drive, and I generally enjoy driving it.

My driver recently had his car totalled (a tree fell on his car in a wind storm) and was looking to lease the same car, a GTI. I suggested he take over the lease on my car, because I've always had my eyes on a WRX. He's into it and wants to take it over, but I told him I wanted to drive a WRX first before anything.

I Delivered an STi the other day and loved everything about it. Granted I know the WRX is nothing like the STi, but it still made the WRX itch even greater. And then I drove it (WRX). It's nothing like I expected it to be. I went from the S2000 to a GTI, and generally hated the clutch/shifter feel of the GTI after driving the S2k. It took me some time to get used to it, and now I don't have a problem with the drive of the GTI other than the eternity it takes for that 1-2 upshift. The throws on the WRX are MUCH shorter, and the shifter action feels a bit notchy and mechanical, you feel the linkages moving with the shift...I felt it more in the 1-2 and 2-3 upshift, and from there it was relatievly smooth, maybe it needs to get worn in a bit, as the car I drove had all of 7 miles on it. The clutch feels totally different, with very very little take up before you're engaging the gear. I almost stalled a few times because I wasn't used to it. I had to hold down the clutch a little longer and slower with every shift in order for it to not be a jerky shift. Slow down too much in 2nd gear, the car's an absolute dog. That was as much as I was able to get in the 5 minute drive I had in the car with the salesman sitting in the back seat watching what I was doing. It was reasonably "flingable", had an agile feel, and the power was great. I especially had fun watching the salespersons head going sharply left and right because he wasn't expecting me to flick the steering wheel left to right quickly to test it's motions...Overall, I feel like I expected more, but was slightly let down in this quick drive. Then again, I think I felt the same way when I got my GTI (I never got to drive the stick before getting it, only a DSG model).
So, my thoughts:

Exterior looks between both cars: I like the GTI's Look, and I like the WRX's look, even though most don't like it.
Interior Looks: The GTI definately has a nicer looking interior, the WRX is a lot more bland in comparison.

Power: The WRX gives you a little more of the "pushing you in your seat" feel.

Handling: The GTI before the spring/sway install absolutely sucked, but after the spring/sways, it handles well, but the WRX as is feels almost as agile as my GTI the way it is now, and I still plan on installing some sort of suspension upgrade to further enhance the WRX's handling if I got it.

Engine/Exhaust sound: I'm stock in the GTI, and the whistle of the turbo is intoxicating. It's even more noticable in the WRX, especially the sound of the boxer engine with the intake in the hood letting air in to the intercooler and giving you even more sound of the engine, I liked it a lot, and would be even better with a performance exhaust to bring out that genuine boxer sound.

Features: The GTI is definately better featured, but a lot of the stuff the GTI has I don't care if the WRX doesn't have (e.g. Xenon Lights, sunroof, leather), there are a few things that I would be missing, but I think I can deal with it (automatic door locks, etc..). I really wanted a 4 door when I got the GTI, settled with a 2 door, and the WRX would solve that problem, because it's REALLY annoying to have to move my seat everytime someone wants to get in back.

Now the juicy stuff...My dealer has the color I want, but I need to take it by the end of the month (lease program is changing for the worst, confirmed). I'm torn...Do I get a WRX, or do I keep my GTI? I need more driving time in a WRX to be totally convinced, but because I didn't get that, I can't decide...

My GTI:






The WRX in the color I would be getting it in:




(I am not getting nav in my car, but this was the only pic I can find)


Now, in terms of modifications, I would most likely do the suspension, put a performance exhaust on it, and either change the wheels, if not powdercoat the OEM wheels in Gold....

The last choice would be to get an R32, but I reaaaaaaally want a manual transmission, and as much as the DSG is a better transmission, Nothing beats a good ol' stick...

So what do I do?

 

First off, you already have the GTI. That's one reason right there to keep it instead of going out and getting another car. Secondly, IMHO, I think the GTI looks better. It's different too. I know I didn't say anything profound, but just my

 

I'd never be able to wake up, look out the window, and be proud to see the new WRX parked in my driveway.

 

i'd keep the gti. no need in worrying about additional car payments.

doesn't seem like there's anything wrong with your gti now. that, and it does looks a lot better than the new wrx.

 

MMM since its not the STi I'm going to vote no.

The R32 is a FUN car. I too was initially torn because of no stick, but I could have easily lived with the DSG. And I am one of the most vocal pro-stick people. The engine note was just intoxicating.

Reality. I would just keep the GTI.

 

Says the kid whos parents bought him a TL. If they had got you a WRX you would have been happy with..or maybe not, youre probably more like those super sweet sixteen bitches from MTV.

 

I would MUCH rather have a GTI over the new WRX. That said, I would rather have an Si over both.

 

I love the Si sedan and coupe. a lot.

but the GTI just has a more solid feel overall.

 

Since when is the R32 an upgrade over the GTI? If you need the AWD I suppose, but the numbers don't lie.

 

keep the GTI, the new WRX is ugly

 

Assuming you keep it stock its quicker. V6. intoxicating exhaust note. Standard interior upgrades such as dual climate (not available in the GTI.) And with the dual climate you can access the hidden menus and get all sorts of info goodies from the car.

I drove them both back to back. The R32 definitely stands out between the two, but I liked both a lot.

 

I drove them both back to back as well, however, I don't think getting R32 over GTI isn't worth the extra money. To me, R32 seems a little overpriced.

I say keep the GTI.

 

Maybe you just need a little more positive reinforcement regarding the GTI. It's freaking hot and much much better looking than the WRX! I especially like the white and the interior looks beautiful. Maybe you should just do a mod to the GTI to avert your need for something new. Maybe a nice blow off valve or exhaust?

Or, there is a completely different path you could take, a low mileage used R32. Or is it that you only lease cars making a used one out of question?

 

Holy shit paragraphs!

Keep the GTI it looks way better, the new WRX looks terrible. Even seeing the new STi on the street I felt really unimpressed by that lame ass styling.

I like Subies too but it looks like Subaru got too excited by the movie "Cars" and decided to design the front of the car in that fashion. And though the hood scoop no longer looks like a doorless microwave bulging out from the engine bay, its still friggin ginourmous

If anything get a MS3... it pulls off the sportback look much better.

 

i actually like the look of the new WRX/STi's I see them from time to time out here and they've kinda started to grow on me, to the point I really wouldn't mind one in my driveway when i get back to the states

 

Keep the GTI

 

If the R32 is a player, go..... I think the WRX would grow on you, but only the STI model. THe interior, IMO, is cheap looking. Order of merit:

R32
GTI
WRX

 

Get a short shifter?

 

I have the auto/dual climate control (If I remember they called it Climatronic)....it was part of package 2 in 2007, which I have, and became available only on the R32 in 2008...and I do have access to all the hidden menus as well...Package 2 became the Autobahn Package for '08.

Looks like we have a lot of people that are pro GTI here..not like I expected otherwise, but I still have to think about it and come up with a decision over the weekend...

 

R32

 

A short throw shifter shortens the throws by physically shortening the shifter. It would have to be REALLY short for it to be to my liking, and I like the height of the shifter the way it is now, I just don't like how wide the spacing is. I did look into it, but didn't think it was worth the money they were asking for the one I looked at (and a lot of other VW people suggested, like $5xx something).

 

It is really NOT an attractive looking car.

 

I share the same opinion with most in this thread. Your GTI is a better looking car.

 

Either my salesman was stupid, which is possible, but I do remembering him saying they stopped putting the dual in any model but the R32, cept maybe the navi? not sure.

Anywho, I still say keep your GTI then.

 

you should know my answer

 

Keep the GTI or get an R32. They look much better than the WRX and I'm sure the quality is much better...

I'm basing this on having been in my friends new Jetta and knowing how the old WRX was.

 

They make short shifters that stay at stock height. Had one in my A4 it was from Stratmosphere.com but dunno if they have one for the GTI

 

Chip it with APR and be faster

 

eh i'd just keep the GTI.

the R32 isn't worth it, imo.

and i'm just not a fan of the WRX, and it doesn't sound like you're going to be completely happy with it if you do go that route.

 

Better?

 

He's right....for 2008. My car is an '07. See:

 

i drove test drove both and both gearboxes feel like crap. wrx's gearbox is a little better but still feels like crap. i'd keep the gti. have you driven a 6mt tsx?

 

No I saw in the other pic, I meant to put 2008.

 

Keep the GTI, better looking and saves you $$$.

 

GTI...keep it

 

The quality of the old WRX is supurb. Cheap interior, bad paint, and thin sheet metal, but keep it stock and they basically never break. VW's...not so much. The new WRX is made in Indiana now, so, who knows on quality. The Legacy is pretty good quality wise.

That being said, I'd keep the GTI. Not enough difference to justify the jump.

 

I want a hatch, not a sedan...otherwise I would have a ton of other choices...I wouldn't mind an MS3, but I only plan to lease, and the MS3 is not a good lease choice..

 

DONT GET AN R32!!!! Just chip your gti, get some bolt ons and you can woop on the R32s. Theres a video on youtube of this. Oh and id be torn too if i were in you shoes, i really like the new WRX/STi...

 

Even if you modded, provided you knew what you were doing, that were solid. When I autocrossed my club was all wrx's. The majority modded to the gills, no one ever had any problems, they were solid and fun. But they are unrefined.

 

I'd keep the GTI.