Golf Gti vs WRX

[Slunnie]

After a long long history with 6cyl Outbacks, the olds have decided to downsize one of them to something a bit smaller.

After being a Subaru Outback family for the last 3 or so vehicles the natural thought was the Impreza, but they want to look at the Golf also.

Well, after checking them out today and also thinking that the Impreza would be the way to go, I've come away a bit disappointed with the Impreza and absolutely impressed by the Golf Gti.

Are the VW Golfs good vehicles these days, inparticular the Gti and do these have a history of being good longer term vehicles. This one wont get turned over like the others. They are my folks also, and although they want a lot of performance, they are not into outright laps times etc etc, so are not really concerned about which is slightly quicker or slower to 100km/h or through the bends.

The vehicle in particular is the Golf Gti with the DSG gearbox.

tia

[rangieman]

Simple answer , there are more subaru dealers around than vw dealers :cool:

[PAT303]

And your point is,why do you have a defender,there's more Hyundai dealers.The golf wasn't awarded world car of the year for nothing. Pat

[isuzurover]

We owned an (older) Golf in Germany, and I have a lot of friends over there who own the newer models (mostly diesels). I was extremely impressed with them when I was over there. I don't personally know anyone who had a problem with one. If I ever bought a new car it would be top of my list.

[def90]

mate - i had a 2009 Impreza WRX and it had a great engine and look, but the interior and general finish is a let down. Go the golf....

[Sprint]

go the golf..... especially the diesels

[Rayngie]

I have an older Golf ( MK4? ) and it's great, exxy to maintain but I get the feeling it'll go forever..not sure if that info helps of course..

[Tusker]

G'day Slunnie

Can't comment on Subarus. But Carol has had the last couple of GTis & is looking at the new one also.

New one is the same floorpan & suspension as the outgoing, with a new body. Engine is new but roughly same spec I think. All DSGs now, manuals are special order only.

Outgoing model did have a reputation for a drop in reliability, across all models, owing to the complexity of manufacture. Not unreliable, just not perfect. We've never had anything major, just the odd sensor.

Parking is an issue with the front overhang & low clearance. You'll clobber the front spoiler unless careful.

Are they going anywhere near dirt roads? Those low profile tyre sidwalls could be an issue. Plus spacesaver issuers in the bush.

Outgoing model is a bit understeery. The FL2 is actually better balanced. New model has some some of e-diff to fix.

Packaging is the best. Plenty of room, big boot, easy to adjust the drivers seat for a comfortable driving position. There's more room behind the steering wheel than the FL2, or a Falcon for that matter.

And get ready for speeding tickets. Its deceptive on the highway.

You could do a lot worse than a GTi.

Regards
Max P

[big guy]

Slunnie
We currently have new Dolf tdi2.0 and had previous also.
Not much inthem except change in looks, radio and improved aircon. Not sure how.

We did have the GTI for a week and opted for the Diesel again.

When u fill up the huge 55L tank and read out says 950km's till empty, I am a happy man.
Its the wifes car but I am still happy they can make a car like that.
The GTI is quicker no doubt but not by a long shot, its also slightly twitchy because the turbo cuts in and the car launches itself.
Quality is faultless and now they all come from Germany should be even better.
Only problem was on last one the battery crapped itself and they wanted $500 for a new one because it comes with inbuilt computer.
They were dreaming if I am going to pay for a new battery after 6 months.
They put new one in on the spot and waved me on my way.
No need for any dealerships all over the country.
You simply do not need them.
Original spec tyres on diesel are noisy, we swapped them over to Michelin and its dead quiet.
The torque(340nm) is amazing and the DSG is wicked.
I suggest DSG and leather as the least of option boxes ticked.
Very easy to clean and the Gti seats are even better and the flat bottom wheel is something else.
If they are thinking get a car as a keeper, I would go diesel 2.0l.
Our old Subaru Outback we had the limited with the 3L flat six in white and great car.
Hated the noise it made on start up and the fuel it drank, averaged 14L/100.

Subaru is made in Japan and their quality is good, as good as Golf I am not sure.
Can I live with a Rex for long term I am not sure either.
Golf just won Car of the world and car of the year in OZ.
Must mean something.

My Vote is Golf and go for a drive in the Diesel, it will surprise you.

[harlie]

Hi


I bought a 2004 (first of the mk 5) Golf (in 2006) for the Mrs to run kids around – it’s been brilliant, other than the dealer dumping (what they told me) was the wrong software patch on to it and a leak in the windscreen washer we’ve not had any issues and 5yrs old it still has no rattles. The only down side (like land rovers) is the dealer network – I found a local independent guy that’s been great…


My wife wanted a GTI but as I’m a diesel nut and the car was intended to do a lot of work we looked for a 2.0TDi, I found a sportline with GTI suspension, wheels and body kit - perfect. It has a remap ECU and in comparing with a standard GTI at work there’s bugger all performance difference so it’s a pity the GT TDi hasn’t made it into the MK 6 line up.


Comments about nose clearance for the GTI above are right and is the understeer comment. The Mk 5 front spoiler does have a sacrificial strip along the bottom that is easy to replace. Spares are very expensive, basic things like wiper blades are ridiculous. However I’ve already been told the only way I’m getting the Mrs out of her golf is with a new one, they leave the Jap competition looking cheap.


We will definitely go VW again.

[Grockle]

had GTI's from Mk 2 through Mk 5 good build quality got heavier and slower Had STI's from 04 through 08 models rapid cars 165 mph no bother with the Pro Drive pack fitted latest models are so ugly

[Piddler]

go the golf very nice car

[Boxhead63]

Slunnie, 2nd best fun i've ever had driving, was a GTI for a month around France and Germany 2 years ago....having never driven the Jap car i'd still take the Euro.

Cheers
Rob

[willvine]

G,day slunnie,

If it was me buying i would go the Subi. but my old man has a golf diesel and loves it for its fuel economy and smooth power through all gears. and they have suprisingly great inside space for a small car too.

Cheers Will.

Oh and yes the old girl did have a lay down on the weekend too, but that is another post.

cheers
Will.

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Go the Golf any day. They drive well and are beautifully engineered. As an alternative, consider a Skoda. They offer basically the same car, for less money (Skoda is owned by VW and the Skodas are all built on VW platforms and use VW everything). They are made in Czech Republic.. but then the golfs that you buy here are mostly made in South Africa.

As to Subaru, they are nice cars, but despite their best marketing efforts I remain unconvinced by their safety credentials. I mean... the new impreza has the child restraints on the back lip of the boot. What were they thinking? Cheap and no body would notice I suspect. What other corners have they cut? What if your crash doesn't match the limited consumer crash testing?

[Vern]

Never driven the golf, but if it goes anything like my VW T5 128kw/400nm diesel van then i'd be getting that over the suby. Its like driving around in a hotted up box van, the power is perfect, actually to good (got 15k out of a set of tyres from new:eek:)
Have owned a GT Forrester, great car but didn't feel as tight or drove as good as what a new VW does imo.:)
If we were to get a family car then i'd be definately looking VW i'm that impressed (people mover)

[big guy]

had GTI's from Mk 2 through Mk 5 good build quality got heavier and slower Had STI's from 04 through 08 models rapid cars 165 mph no bother with the Pro Drive pack fitted latest models are so ugly

Gti's got heavier YES. Slower NO.
MK2 GTI good for its era sure but its a tin box with no safety shell and road noise and more under steer turning to excessive oversteer on exit that would make your eyse water.Please do not compare.
Know facts and than post.
Subaru is a rocket no doubt nut build and finish not even close.

Insurance, service and tyres are way more so is fuel. Repairs are on par.

Car of the year and europe's car of the world.
Pretty clear cut really- for going to the local shops as quick as possible go the Subi, for long term driving and enjoyment go the Golf.:):):)

[rovercare]

Never driven the golf, but if it goes anything like my VW T5 128kw/400nm diesel van then i'd be getting that over the suby. Its like driving around in a hotted up box van, the power is perfect, actually to good (got 15k out of a set of tyres from new:eek:)
Have owned a GT Forrester, great car but didn't feel as tight or drove as good as what a new VW does imo.:)
If we were to get a family car then i'd be definately looking VW i'm that impressed (people mover)

Hoon:p

My old girl has a Golf, turbo diesel jobbie, goes like stink, uses no fuel, no problems yet, seem a great car:)

[Vern]

goes like stink:)hoon:p

[rovercare]

hoon:p

Yup, fixed the Jag the other day.....had to put new tyres on not long after:angel:

[Vern]

hopeless!:(
(speaking of hopeless, keep an eye out on any good ride on mower deals, i stuck my foot and fist through mine today:mad:)

[rovercare]

hopeless!:(
(speaking of hopeless, keep an eye out on any good ride on mower deals, i stuck my foot and fist through mine today:mad:)

Can use mine if you want, I put new tubes and battery in it a while back, old man had it over the pit dicking around with it, so I got another belt engagement belt for it to;) I dare say I won;t be useing it for sometime:(

Sorry Slunnie:p

[Vern]

Might swing by and borrow it until a newy pops up!:)

Sorry again slunnie:D

[lardy]

Mate,
the missus owns a golf it is about 8-9 years old now has the same go as it did from new,if land rovers were engineered this well it would leave the jap crap back in the car yard.
Amazingy little car with lots of poke ordinaringly i would not touch a petrol but hers is good, the only fault is the fact that its petrol. and that is the only let down.
they run on and on (normal servicing applies) amazing value, but then there is the skoda- VW parts rebadged must be worth a thought for the huge saving.

[amtravic1]

Another vote for the Golf. We had a Liberty and just got a Passat. We are more than impressed with it. Beautifully finished, far better than the Subaru's and has surprising performance for a 125 kw diesel. Also has a cruising range of up to 1400 kms from a 70 litre tank in the country.
We looked at Golfs but they were a little small for our needs with teenage kids to cart around in the back seat plus carry a boot full of gear.

[Vern]

Mate, if land rovers were engineered this well it would leave the jap crap back in the car yard.
If landrovers were this well engineered, we wouldn't have this site:(:p

[Slunnie]

Thanks for all of the feedback with this. There has been a lot of really interesting comment and comparison. Interestingly the overwhelming responce has been in favour of the Golf, something that I really wasn't expecting. After checking the Golf and Imprezza out, I was admittedly swayed by the Golf.

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Thanks for all of the feedback with this. There has been a lot of really interesting comment and comparison. Interestingly the overwhelming responce has been in favour of the Golf, something that I really wasn't expecting. After checking the Golf and Imprezza out, I was admittedly swayed by the Golf.

What's more... I think once you've owned one for a while you'd never go jap again.

[PAT303]

Yeh, thats what happened to me.Had jap cars but then went euro and have never looked back.I drive tojo's and nissans everyday but would never buy one,same with thier cars,they do nothing for me.I would look very closely at the Skoda too if anyone wants a mid size car,they are fantastic value and have rated above almost everything else in the reliability stakes.I'm still wishing VW bought LR and fitted VW engines,that 5 cylinder 130Kw jobby would be spot on in a deefer. Pat

[Slunnie]

Well after all of this we finally got out for a fang in a VW Golf GTi.

Nice vehicle and the performance was fine but something was missing... not sure what, but just the spark.

Went across to Subaru again and had a sit in the new 3.6 Outback. Didn't even test drive it - Looks like it will be the 4th H6 in a row for Mum now and the cost was very similar for much much more vehicle.

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Well after all of this we finally got out for a fang in a VW Golf GTi.

Nice vehicle and the performance was fine but something was missing... not sure what, but just the spark.

Went across to Subaru again and had a sit in the new 3.6 Outback. Didn't even test drive it - Looks like it will be the 4th H6 in a row for Mum now and the cost was very similar for much much more vehicle.

Great.. Hope they're happy with it. You know a GTI isn't really a competitor for an outback? For 50+k there are lots of other options. You could save 5k and get a diesel Passat or a very nice tiguan for much less.

Just be warned that the liberty and the outback are gaining a reputation for some evil handling traits a the moment. Wheels summarised them as "The looks might scare small children, very rolly when pressed, no more dual range box". They said the liberty had "lift -off oversteer and late reacting ESP". Sounds like they need to bring the europeans in to help them with their handling...Someone like Lotus or pro-drive... whoops they cut off ties with them.

In my experience brand loyalty is a funny thing... People afflicted by it often say they have checked everything out... but are really just out to justify their bias and get the same vehicle again. But, hey - whatever makes them happy.

[big guy]

The H^ outback and the GTI is not really a direct comparison.
the subaru is soon coming out in diesel flat 4's.
thought you might have waited for that.

Any how, the H6 is same size as holden six and only just smaller than Holden wagon. they make great cars and as said before, they are Jap made and are solid and well made.
Ours was very reliable and good to drive, boring but would eat up the miles on long trips and had plenty of room for everything we would possibly want it to do.

Good choice and hope it serves her well.

[Slunnie]

Thanks fellas.

You're right, they are not competitors in many senses, but in this case they were the 2 on the short list. The things that seperate them for most people in this case was not relevant. She wanted comfort, power, leather, sunroof, Climate and gizmos. Both end up at about the same price as the H6 despite being more expensive comes with everything standard and when the GTI is all optioned up it comes up at about the same price, but without AWD and the size of the H6. What lost it for the GTI, is sitting in the car it wasn't exciting or innovative, the psychology of having to pay through the nose for every option took the shine off it, the seats were not as easy to get into or out of nor were nearly as comfortable and then for the same price the H6 was bigger. Although thats not everybodys criteria, this was it on the day and to be honest I had to agree with her. Actually the GTI also had a 6 month wait.

I think that she'll be happy with it.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

had GTI's from Mk 2 through Mk 5 good build quality got heavier and slower Had STI's from 04 through 08 models rapid cars 165 mph no bother with the Pro Drive pack fitted latest models are so ugly


Gti's got heavier YES. Slower NO.
MK2 GTI good for its era sure but its a tin box with no safety shell and road noise and more under steer turning to excessive oversteer on exit that would make your eyse water.Please do not compare.
Know facts and than post.
Subaru is a rocket no doubt nut build and finish not even close.

Insurance, service and tyres are way more so is fuel. Repairs are on par.

Car of the year and europe's car of the world.
Pretty clear cut really- for going to the local shops as quick as possible go the Subi, for long term driving and enjoyment go the Golf.:):):)


Funnily enough I know what Grockle does for a living,,
so there's at least one Professional in the arguement,,,

its all irrelevant now anyway,,

sorry slunnie,,,