Topic: The Definitive WRX vs GTI poll

[Zorro]

I have on order a WRX (which should be here in the next few days) but I'm always wondering if I'm picking the right car. The other consideration being the GTI.

I specifically ordered the Sport-Tech (6M) version meaning (leather, nav, LED headlights etc..) so if I was to get the GTI, it would be with the same specs, therefore the Autobahn version (6M).

I'm pretty sure that I will keep my original choice (always wanted to have AWD) but I'm curious as to what the majority of people would pick. These cars 2 cars are always compared but I haven't seen a poll yet.

Thanks

[DriverJeff]

I'd go WRX as well.  The AWD and more power clinch it for me.  The GTI is a fantastic car, but it's got less personality and less fun now. 

"My" WRX would be a base model though.  The 'leather' and nav on the sport tech are not good enough to warrant the extra cash.

[tortoise]

GTI for me.

The hatch, fuel economy and overall refinement seal the deal.  The power and handling are more than enough for me.

Though I admit that when the first snowstorm arrived I'd be reconsidering my decision.

[DriverJeff]

Yeah, the hatch practicality could be a deal breaker on the WRX for a lot of people.  I've not had a hatchback since my '85 Corolla, so I won't miss it. 

[Weels]

Both of these cars are high on my list too.  Today i'd pick the WRX for same reasons as Jeff.
99% sure my next car will be manual... of these two cars I prefer the manual in the WRX, but if for some reason I go auto, i'd pick the GTI & DSG.

[Weels]

Yeah, the hatch practicality could be a deal breaker on the WRX for a lot of people.  I've not had a hatchback since my '85 Corolla, so I won't miss it. 

Hmm, I recall a certain ladder test where the WRX trumped the GTI... 

[DriverJeff]

Yeah, the hatch practicality could be a deal breaker on the WRX for a lot of people.  I've not had a hatchback since my '85 Corolla, so I won't miss it. 

Hmm, I recall a certain ladder test where the WRX trumped the GTI... 

That's right!  Hatchback is good for bulky items, but not necessarily longer ones.

[HeliDriver]

I voted GTI, mostly because hatchback.

The new WRX sounds like a great car, but I think I'd rather stretch the budget and go for the STI, mostly because hydraulic steering.

[toolatecrew]

GTi would be my pick. Its a better "all around " car. I look at how the car is used the majority of the time and which is superior in those circumstances. If I was using my car to autocross,track blast back roads or do snow donuts in parking lots  50% of the time maybe the WRX wins out. But I don't 80% of the time its driving around town, maybe kids in the car or highway trips. 20% of the time is "fun time". The GTI is miles better at what I do 80% of the time. Its maybe 60-70% as good as the WRX for fun time. That is a trade off I'm willing to make.

[Great_Big_Abyss]

WRX.  AWD ftw!

[Snowman]

I would be a easy decision if the WRX was available with a hatch. But I still will go for the WRX.

[Zorro]

thanks for all the replies...as suspected the poll is very close

[HeliDriver]

I have on order a WRX (which should be here in the next few days) but I'm always wondering if I'm picking the right car. The other consideration being the GTI.

Did you get a chance to test drive them both, or was availability such an issue that you had to choose blind?

[Fobroader]

AWD, aftermarket support and Subaru reliability for this guy. Not even an contest in my mind.

[evil_twin]

Even sans hatch, I'd pick WRX.

GTi would be my pick. Its a better "all around " car. I look at how the car is used the majority of the time and which is superior in those circumstances. If I was using my car to autocross,track blast back roads or do snow donuts in parking lots  50% of the time maybe the WRX wins out. But I don't 80% of the time its driving around town, maybe kids in the car or highway trips. 20% of the time is "fun time". The GTI is miles better at what I do 80% of the time. Its maybe 60-70% as good as the WRX for fun time. That is a trade off I'm willing to make.

I do mostly agree with these sentiments however.   I really like the GTI.  If, for example, my family lived in downtown Toronto and we were buying one "do everything" car (errands, road trips, etc), I might prefer the GTI.   But as "dad's car" that I basically only use myself....WRX or bust.

[Julie]

Tough choice. I don't think you can go wrong tho'

I picked GTI because of the refinement factor and I luv that hatch. But then I'd be wondering about the WRX!

You spec'd your WRX exactly like you wanted - you're following your gut, so it's the right decision. 

[SaskSpecV]

I went GTI - love the interior, and of course, it's a hatchback!

But I'd have gone WRX hatch, if that was an option.  Subaru reliability + AWD would trump a more refined interior.  But for me, that's not enough to trump the versatility of the hatchback.

[Northernridge]

GTI because of personal preference (refinement)...or the WRX for the AWD and mod potential...but I picked the GTI.

[Zorro]

Did you get a chance to test drive them both, or was availability such an issue that you had to choose blind?

I drove the WRX but not the GTI...I discounted the GTI early on cause I was dead set on AWD but every now and then I get mix feelings.

[dr_spock]

I picked GTI.  I like the refinement and practical hatch.  AWD is not that important to me.  FWD is fine when I lived in snowy Montreal.  Besides troubleshooting FGC problems is a lot of fun.