[sleddog]

I know, I know.. the second most stale topic next to “1.8t vs. VR6”. But, I don’t know that it’s been raised since the 24V motor has gotten here (well, in a month or 2 or whatever..). It seems like the DE GTI might be a lost cause, seeing as how all of the dealers I’ve talked to either know nothing about it, or have them all “pre-sold”.
The WRX vs. GTI comparo is more of an even contest in my mind now, with 200hp in the GTI.
It is still sort of an apples to oranges comparison, but I thought I’d see what you all think.
I can get a pretty reasonable deal on the Subaru (so I’ve been promised by the dealer that owes me a favor). I think I’m about over the “luxurious interior” part of VW ownership too. I think a set of heated Monaco’s would be as much luxury as I need. Plus, the last few GTI’s that I’ve seen here on the lot have had no Climatronic, no wood and 4-spoke steering wheels.
So let’s hear it: what would you do if you were me (besides run up my credit cards, empty my fridge, run off with my wife and neglect to feed my pets)?

 

[benares]

Re: Ok, my turn: WRX, or 24V GTI? (sleddog)

Jesus dude. There are alot of unemployed people out there. Think it would be smarter to hold onto your cash until the economy gets better?

 

[Bjaardker]

Re: Ok, my turn: WRX, or 24V GTI? (benares)

quote:[HR][/HR]Jesus dude. There are alot of unemployed people out there. Think it would be smarter to hold onto your cash until the economy gets better?[HR][/HR]​

If he's comfortable with his job security I dont see why spendig the money wouldn't be a good thing.
As far as the car comparo goes, that's a tough one. Personally I REALLY like the roominess of the GTI & how functional the backseat is for people & cargo. I like to be the guy who drives everyone so back seat space is very important to me.
I see the WRX as a very Boy-racerish type of body style. I was plesantly suprised with the number of positive comments from both young and older people when I got my new Mk4. I just couldn't see myself in a WRX.
With all of the mountains around you in Salt lake, if you do any winter driving the AWD should be a SERIOUS consideration & might tip the scales in the WRX's favor depending on how much you brave the snow. I know that every day it snows here in WI I curse VW for not offering the GTI with 4motion. If I had to do it all over again I would be considering a used Audi with Quattro. Don't get me wrong, the snow handling of the GTI is VERY acceptable, even with the 17" wheels. I'm a skiier though & the easier I can get to the hills through the snow, the better.
So i guess it really comes down to what you're looking for. If the GTI is at all cheaper than the WRX consider saving that money & putting it into suspension work. After all is said and done, the cars will both handle well, both have gobs of Torque & HP, and both be fun to drive. It's just 1 will be AWD & 1 FWD, but slightly more refined & less "aggressive" looking.
Hope this gives you some fat to chew on.
Justin

 

[Dobolina]

Re: Ok, my turn: WRX, or 24V GTI? (Bjaardker)

quote:[HR][/HR]I see the WRX as a very Boy-racerish type of body style.[HR][/HR]​

This depends where you live. Most of the people around here with WRX's are middle-class 40 and 50 year-old boomers. In fact, I haven't seen one WRX driven by anyone under 30 yet.

 

[Bjaardker]

Re: Ok, my turn: WRX, or 24V GTI? (AshlandSi)

quote:[HR][/HR]I see the WRX as a very Boy-racerish type of body style.
This depends where you live. Most of the people around here with WRX's are middle-class 40 and 50 year-old boomers. In fact, I haven't seen one WRX driven by anyone under 30 yet.[HR][/HR]​

LOTS of the Impreza 2.5's and WRX's are driven by younger folks up here in Milwaukee.
I guess I was just trying to show what the "average american's" stereotype would be just by looking at the WRX body style. If someone isn't a car enthusiast there's a good chance they wont have a clue what the WRX really is & it will get lumped into the "modded japanese car" category. It's pretty hard to do that with a stock looking GTI, I'll more often get "Ohh what a neat station wagon" , than "OOh where's your lighted windshield washer nozzles"

[Modified by Bjaardker, 9:39 PM 2-11-2002]

 

[7.62]

Re: Ok, my turn: WRX, or 24V GTI? (sleddog)

WRX and preferably in the wagon form. Better handling, more power and AWD.

 

[HENRYH]

Re: Ok, my turn: WRX, or 24V GTI? (Bjaardker)

The only WRX owner I know is in his 50's.
The closest look I got of any other WRX driver was a young guy, definitely in the 18-21 yr range, who may not have likely been able to afford this car. (Around here it goes for about $40G out the door.)
Having said that, as usual, it depends on what you want to get out of it. The GTI would be a quick, practical everyday car.
I find the WRX to be a bit more specialized. Do you need 4-wheel drive? Then the WRX would seem the better choice. It also appears to be a blast to drive. In the end, your money, your choice.

 

[profbooty]

Re: Ok, my turn: WRX, or 24V GTI? (HENRYH)

Only WRX owners I know of is 21, son of an audi, porsche rover dealer(and former pro racer) and a former racer himself as well. he has done some crazy stuff with that car (not mods but his driving). I guess a year of doing that pro would make you exceptionally good.
The other is 24 and used to own an outback(he sold it to his dad and got an WRX instead).

Remember the US WRX has been detuned(I'm unsure if they stuck a smaller turbo on it or just lowered boost) by around 40+hp from the japanese version. I believer that power will be available in the forthcoming WRX STI.
What do you want this car for? A daily driver? auto crossing, track days? If so, get the WRX as you can turn up the boost and get more power out of it.
Alternatively you could wait a year for the Lancer Evolution. 0-60 in 4.3 seconds, keeps up with Porsche GT3(only .1 seconds slower 0-60) and will be 20-24k . It will probably be deturned again for the US market to around 230 hp from close to 300 (claimed 276 due to "gentlemans" agreeement in japan). Its out next model year.
http://www.motortrend.com/nov01/evo/evo_f.html
For a daily driver the GTI is good, but from a performance perspective (at least with japanese spec/if you up the boost) not in the same class. Fit and finish wise, the GTI is better(probably why its ~2920 lbs) although there isn't much of a backseat. At least with the others you have the option to get more doors.

[Modified by profbooty, 6:15 AM 2-12-2002]

 

[TimS]

Re: Ok, my turn: WRX, or 24V GTI? (profbooty)

I'm 24, drive a WRX, and am not a boy racer by any means, though I do race and I am on the young side... anyway...
The WRX is not "detuned" from the Japanese version. The US WRX gets more horsepower than any of the WRX's in any other country in the world, 227 vs around 220 for most places. However, we don't get the STi, which is around 280. However, that has variable valve timing, a larger intercooler, and a host of other goodies to provide the power. Yes, you can get an MBC and crank the boost up on a WRX if you want to, but it's not like the 1.8t in the GTI that's basically the same engine as that found in the TT.
And if/when the Evo comes here, it will be around $30k, if not more. Yes, more power and performance, but that'll come with a higher price-tag. Also, it'll come with questionable reliability!
As to which car to buy, 20 more hp doesn't change the equation at all. If you want a performance car, buy the WRX. If you want a sporty touring car, buy the GTi. Simple as that.

 

[swaggon]

Re: Ok, my turn: WRX, or 24V GTI? (TimS)

the gti looks real sharp, and the subaru is kind of ugly, in sedan form, but less ugly in wagon form. the vr6 is a good motor, and no matter what is said about it, I will always be weary of a turbocharged car, that aside, awd is very appealing, vw has 12 year corrosion protection, vw has a tremendous aftermarket, while subaru's american aftermarket is up and coming. the intro of the sti in a year or so would probably make me want to hold out. is there any possibility of vw introducing a 4motion in the gti? any car can be rice if someone tries hard enough, and any car can be cool if someone tries hard enough. If I was in your position I think id flip a coin.

 

[N.E.R.D.]

Re: Ok, my turn: WRX, or 24V GTI? (busted-ass-jetta)

I say wait and see if VW decides to send over any 24V 4MOTION Jetta's or Golf's and then make the comparison. As soon as I get word that they are sending them over here my deposit goes in for one.

Turbo 24V VR6 4MOTION, mmmmmmm.

 

[profbooty]

Re: Ok, my turn: WRX, or 24V GTI? (TimS)

quote:[HR][/HR]
And if/when the Evo comes here, it will be around $30k, if not more. Yes, more power and performance, but that'll come with a higher price-tag. Also, it'll come with questionable reliability![HR][/HR]​

The motortrend article says 20-24k, that would bring it in line with the WRX with which it competes. what you said about the STI is true, but im sure that mitsubishi will detune the EVO for us release to deal with reliability.

 

[BananaCo]

Re: Ok, my turn: WRX, or 24V GTI? (profbooty)

i vote for the wrx.

 

[Code-7]

Re: Ok, my turn: WRX, or 24V GTI? (BananaCo)

I agree with TimS. The US spec 'current' WRX has more hp than the rest of the world. Up from 218hp. It's not much, but it certainly isn't detuned from the japanese or euro versions.
However, the STI is the one to wait for. Bigger brakes, inverted strut suspension, intercooler and all kinds of extra toys to play with.
By the way, there's no way a EVO7 will be $23-24k. The power output is supposed to be UNCHANGED from the japanese spec and will be upwards of $30k. Not bad for car that can easily smoke an S4, and take on an M3. As soon as Subaru *confirms* the STI I'll be going the 'rally' route myself.

 

[profbooty]

Re: Ok, my turn: WRX, or 24V GTI? (Code-7)

quote:[HR][/HR]
By the way, there's no way a EVO7 will be $23-24k. The power output is supposed to be UNCHANGED from the japanese spec and will be upwards of $30k. Not bad for car that can easily smoke an S4, and take on an M3. As soon as Subaru *confirms* the STI I'll be going the 'rally' route myself.

[HR][/HR]​

Well here is what motortrend says (NOVEMBER ONLINE ISSUE):
2002 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION VII
Specifications
Price $20,630-24,560
Vehicle layout Front engine, awd, 4 dr, 5 pass
Engine Turbo 2.0-liter I-4, 276-hp, DOHC, 4 valves/cyl
On-Sale in U.S. 4th quarter, 2002 (est)
0-60 mph, sec 5.0 (est) http://www.motortrend.com/nov01/evo/evo_f.html
'The only thing more extraordinary than the sedan's performance is its price. In Japan, these extreme cars start near $23,000. Mitsubishi has a couple details to address before import into the United States is ensured, namely intercooler/bumper packaging and California emissions. We're told that the target price would be well under $30,000. The intention is to bring the car over as is, with changes limited to government requirements. " http://www.motortrend.com/future/2003_2.html
with yen trading around 120-130 to the dollar im fairly certain it would come in at a WRX price. the lancer is no luxury car. The interior is fairly spartan. I doubt the costs of complainace with US crash/saftey standards would drive it up to high. Granted the british price is somewhere around 30,000 pounds but thats probably due in part to VAT.
If the car is 30k+ that doesn't exactly put it in the WRX price range.
Anyways i believe a GSR evo costs 2.800.000 Yen. thats low 20's in dollars, however cars in japan are VASTLY cheaper than in the us. (21,106.36 )
[Modified by profbooty, 12:24 PM 2-12-2002]
whoops went to mitsubishi japan homepage its 3,300,00o yen base with automatic tranmission (24,871.07 bucks)


[Modified by profbooty, 12:29 PM 2-12-2002]

 

[euro sport]

Re: Ok, my turn: WRX, or 24V GTI? (sleddog)

Why don't you people stop asking what others think of your stupid comparisons?!?!?!?!?!?!

Do what any normal human being would do and go for a freakin' test drive. That way, you can deside for yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! http://****************.com/smile/emthdown.gif


[Modified by chuck_simpson, 4:45 PM 2-12-2002]

 

[-GTR-]

Re: Ok, my turn: WRX, or 24V GTI? (chuck_simpson)

...chuck seems to be the only one in here with a brain. shut your damn face, and go for a friggin test drive you idiot. quit sitting on the computer playing with yourself and go drive the wrx at least. or do you want the whole vw vortex community to hold your hand through that process too? dumbass.

 

[garbage]

Re: Ok, my turn: WRX, or 24V GTI? (-GTR-)

Get the WRX. It's probably going to end up costing you less. Gas mileage is going to be similar on either car, but the WRX is going to be a hell of a lot faster. Sure the Golf may be pretty inside

but if you want a car that handles better on the road, and exponentially better in rain, snow, dirt etc. get the Subaru. And, in all likelyhood, you won't have to visit the dealer nearly as often to fix windows that don't work, annoying rattles and the like. If I had enough money to throw at a car, I'd get the WRX without a doubt. I definitely wouldn't bother with a golf. And if the interior is really that much of an issue, splurge an extra couple grand and buy yourself some Recaros. http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

 

[Reflex5.5]

Re: Ok, my turn: WRX, or 24V GTI? (-GTR-)

quote:[HR][/HR]...chuck seems to be the only one in here with a brain. shut your damn face, and go for a friggin test drive you idiot. quit sitting on the computer playing with yourself and go drive the wrx at least. or do you want the whole vw vortex community to hold your hand through that process too? dumbass.[HR][/HR]​

OMFG, what the FU_CK is wrong with you people ????? The guy only asked for your opinion about a decision he wants to make. What is wrong with that ? Does that mean he won't test drive the cars ????? Plus, you seem to be the one enjoying sitting on the computer playing with yourself, if you get joy from insulting people on the internet

 

[Sunil]

Re: Ok, my turn: WRX, or 24V GTI? (sleddog)

Given that choice right at this moment? I'd have to say the WRX - in wagon garb. I love my GTI, but I think the Subaru would last longer, give me fewer maintenence problems, and for roughly the same cost be more practical. And it would hold more cargo.
I'd upgrade the WRX's interior to leather immediately, though.