Subaru BRZ or VW GTI?

[Colo Springs E]

My sis-in-law is considering a new car, and is thinking about both of these. I like them both, I'm sort of drawn to the Subaru due to rear wheel drive and (I think?) it sits a good bit lower/sportier feel.

She likes the looks of the GTI better (they have just release the 2015, and they now have 3-door hatchbacks again), but she's wondering about reliability.

Personally, I think Subaru probably has a better reputation for reliability.

Any thoughts? Have any of you driven/compared these two? The GTI is turbo, but the horses and 60 times are (I think?) pretty similar. EDIT: no, looks like I was wrong on that... GTI a good bit peppier.

Thanks in advance... -Eric

[Rudolph320i]

as much as i hate to admit it, the vw has more utility and backseats.

[Colo Springs E]

Good point about back seats... to be fair, she's single and it will mostly be a 'one-person' car. But it's a fair point. I like the leather/alcantara in the BRZ better than the plaid in the GTI. I was looking at the VW website, and they have European model 2015 GTIs shown, and they look MUCH better than the US counterpart. Weak!

[BimmerBreaker]

The GTi is a much better car and I expect it will hold it's value much better than the Subaru. The Subaru is fun to enthusiasts, the GTi is a fun car for everyone. I think she would be happier in the GTi. And despite being FWD they handle pretty well.

[dreambig]

Several of my mates have GTI's and based off being in them and occasionally driving them go for that car. Back seats are spacious and comfy (in 6ft 2 inches and very wife shoulders). I think it's a comfort car not a sport car - depends on what she is looking for. They said the maintenance isn't tok bad on them

[Colo Springs E]

This what sucks to me:

http://www.vw.com/content/dam/vwcom/modelImages/GTI/2014_gallery/_0003_4.jpg

I don't have a picture to share, but the US GTI is more rounded, less 'mean' looking than the Euro linked above. WTF??

(can't paste it in message for some reason)

[BimmerBreaker]

I cant find any pictures of a US specific version, I would assume they are all the same or at the most differ in bumper design slightly. But its in VW's interest to only produce one bumper for the car, and I think their worldwide strategy would support the notion that they would produce just one car with one look.

Do you have any pics of a "US" version?

[Colo Springs E]

My mistake! I was wrong... dealership texted my sis n law some pics of a pre-owned GTI (we thought it was new). Must've been a 2011/12 or something like that. I think the new one looks much sleeker/mean looking. I believe they will get to US dealerships in June.

[dreambig]

A mean looking car is always the best car

[Colo Springs E]

A mean looking car is always the best car

There is some truth there.

[BimmerBreaker]

My mistake! I was wrong... dealership texted my sis n law some pics of a pre-owned GTI (we thought it was new). Must've been a 2011/12 or something like that. I think the new one looks much sleeker/mean looking. I believe they will get to US dealerships in June.

Good deal - the new ones do look mean! My buddy used to work at VW and has a '13 or something and loves it. I drive it all the time and its really a hoot especially for a FWD car.

The Subaru/Toyo twins just have awkward proportions to me and seem underpowered. And the dynamics are kind of lacking to me, but I guess I was expecting it to handle like an E36 and its just not like that at all. I've never driven a car that could be so numb while still communicating so much road "noise"

I recommend driving both back to back then making a decision :)

[ChristopherG]

Test drive them both for sure. I would take the GTI over the BRZ The BRZ feels cheap inside, the clutch pedal has no feedback and it needs more power. At least that's what my impression was from the 10 mile test drive.

[Colo Springs E]

All good input guys--thanks much!

[ezbmr]

The BRZ looks like a kids car, but it has RWD and great balance. The Volkswagen has room, but FWD. E92 would be perfect. I do like the looks of the Jetta Wagen's but they are too pricy used and I would rather have a CLS 550 for a few grand more.

[Colo Springs E]

ha, now she has entered a turbo Beetle into the mix. I think I'm going to have to back out of this situation LOL.

- - - Updated - - -

What's next, a Mini??

[tiger5]

How about a BMW ASAP... waka waka haha

[bayerische]

GTI is probably the better option for her, although personally I'd go BRZed.

[bav 325i]

Why not toss a mini S in the mix. I'd take the gti over the subie, then again I really dislike Subarus.

[dcrothers]

Top Gear reviewed the 2015 VW Golf GTI and they loved it. Jerremy was drivin and lovin it. No torque steer.
I tried to find the vid to link, but no luck.

They are coming out with a Club Sport after the initial release in June that will have more power, handling and aero goodies. The new GTI also has Paddleshift optioned, if you like that sort of thing.

Personaly, bang for buck puts the 2015 VW GTI Clubsport very high on my list. I am very seriously considering selling my very well equipped 99 Z3M Coupe to get one!!!!!

[Colo Springs E]

Surprised there's not more love for the BRZ, especially being rear wheel drive. But yes, hearing good things about the new GTI.

[SpeedsterBek]

the upcoming mk7 golf gti is miles ahead of brz/frs twins for everyday driving.

[Colo Springs E]

the upcoming mk7 golf gti is miles ahead of brz/frs twins for everyday driving.

How do you know that if it hasn't even been released yet?

[SpeedsterBek]

How do you know that if it hasn't even been released yet?

Mk7 golf has been out for some time in Europe and all the journalists seem to like it. Chris Harris did a review on DRIVE (youtube channel), if you want to check it out.

[Colo Springs E]

Mk7 golf has been out for some time in Europe and all the journalists seem to like it. Chris Harris did a review on DRIVE (youtube channel), if you want to check it out.

Cool thanks

[bayerische]

then again I really dislike Subarus.
Why?

[bav 325i]

Why?
Mostly the people who drive Subarus, bad haircut, huge sunglasses, monster stickers everywhere, ken block sweatshirts, those people.

[BimmerBreaker]

Mostly the people who drive Subarus, bad haircut, huge sunglasses, monster stickers everywhere, ken block sweatshirts, those people.
So you dont like something based off of your stereotypical perception of what owners of that particular thing are like? Not even about the car itself, but just because you stereotype all their drivers together and dont like them?

Guess its a good thing you didnt talk to a non-German car owner about what BMWs or Mini Cooper owners are like before you bought one :rolleyes

Such stupid.

[Aguerra]

Have her test drive both cars. They are drastically different it's odd to see them being compared.

[dreambig]

So you dont like something based off of your stereotypical perception of what owners of that particular thing are like? Not even about the car itself, but just because you stereotype all their drivers together and dont like them? Guess its a good thing you didnt talk to a non-German car owner about what BMWs or Mini Cooper owners are like before you bought one :rolleyes Such stupid.

This is a good post. I can not talk to someone about my bimmer even though I think it's a great car as my mates all have the "stereotypical Subaru", yet only one of them have stickers. Nicest blokes you'll ever meet - just because of their car choice you can't judge them

[Colo Springs E]

Have her test drive both cars. They are drastically different it's odd to see them being compared.

I see your point, but not that odd if she's attracted to both of them based on their looks (which she is), and possibly likes each of them for different reasons. Honestly, if I was in the market for a new, fun to drive car for less than $30k... I might consider both of these cars as well.

[Lowcountry M3]

GTI, and make sure she drives it like she stole it everyday

[Colo Springs E]

If I'm not mistaken, up until this new model, the GTI was always made in Germany, correct? I'm sure that will be an endless topic of discussion among VW enthusiasts.

[RENNSP0RT]

I know that many MKIV GTIs were made in Brazil.

[BimmerBreaker]

I know that many MKIV GTIs were made in Brazil.
Pretty sure MK IV Jettas and Golfs were made in Brazil, but the GTi's were still made in Germany.

[dcrothers]

The new GTI will be made in Mexico. I just saw that on a review. They said if it where made in Germany it would cost U.S. buyers over 40k.

[RENNSP0RT]

Pretty sure MK IV Jettas and Golfs were made in Brazil, but the GTi's were still made in Germany.

Some MKIVs were still made in Germany but many were made in Brazil. My 2001 GTI was made in Brazil.

[Colo Springs E]

The new GTI will be made in Mexico. I just saw that on a review. They said if it where made in Germany it would cost U.S. buyers over 40k.

Wasn't last year's model made in Germany?

[RENNSP0RT]

The MKV and MKVI GTI were made in Germany.

[Colo Springs E]

The MKV and MKVI GTI were made in Germany.

Then I find it hard to believe that the next year's model (2015) would go up by $10-15k if made in the same country as the 2014 model.

[SpeedsterBek]

I call that nonsense since MKVI golf was made in Germany for US market and it didn't cost 40k.

The prices will see a slight increase for 2015+ golf.
Also, since they'll be assembling golf for NA market in Mexico, they probably save on costs too.

[RENNSP0RT]

thank you....

now i know not to subscribe to any posts....

Exactly

[PaulE36]

Go with the FRS if your not a fan of the Subaru badge, I've owned two ae86s (rwd corollas) which is the car they took inspiration from, low power, good torque, LSD, manual transmission and rwd... How can you not like that? Test driven a FRS and I'd take an 86 any day as you can't get over the raw feeling of them. They are fun cars to drive as well if you ever end up drivin it around. They do fair in the winter as well, if you get snow where you are that is. They are pretty reliable too, it's a brand new car so it better be haha. Anyways, if she's looking for something fun to drive go with the FRS/BRZ

[BimmerBreaker]

^^^ Obviously not biased :shifty

[PaulE36]

Haha I've driven mk6 golfs that have 350+ hp, girlfriend drives a 2013 jetta that's fully loaded and it still doesn't compare to the FRS because of how well balanced of a car they are so sure I'm a little biased but I know both vehicles decently well.

[Colo Springs E]

OK now she's actually considering one of those ridiculous new Fiats. I'm done trying to help her lol.

[BimmerBreaker]

OK now she's actually considering one of those ridiculous new Fiats. I'm done trying to help her lol.

I ran into this same issue trying to help a girl friend of mine recently. Once they see one of those stupid little things, its game over. Either those or Mini Coopers (at least those are decent).

Fiats are so terrible. They are going to depreciate like a rock.

[PaulE36]

Hahaha girlfriend said the same thing the other night, wanting one of those 500's. Don't know what it is with em

[ericgeorge]

I think Volkswagen is better! It's engine, horse power and speed is great! Consider it, you won't regret :)

[tehwhiteegg]

I'd say a GTI for sure. I loved mine and miss it dearly. Just put a deposit down on an n55 135i:))

[Colo Springs E]

Update: My sister-in-law still hasn't bought anything... still mulling things over, and some new cars have entered the mix. But in the course of things, I got really interested in the Subaru BRZ.

So I bought one.

Couldn't be happier. RWD, 200 horses, decent (enough for me) 60 time, low comfy leather/alcantara seats, ltd slip diff, nice exhaust note for well under 30k? I went all in and am loving it.

I drove the 4-door GTI and thought it was nice. Handled well but didn't sit all that low--I prefer the BRZ seating position. The front-wheel drive bugs me, dunno why, it just does. Why doesn't VW make any RWD vehicles?? Was also a few grand more than the Subie, and I like the styling of the BRZ better-- of course that's just personal preference. I think the GTI will look cool in 2-door but I'm sold on the BRZ, and anticipate much better reliability (I've owned Subies and V-dubs in the past... no contest there).

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y242/emhancock/BRZ.jpg

[KevRC4130]

Update: My sister-in-law still hasn't bought anything... still mulling things over, and some new cars have entered the mix. But in the course of things, I got really interested in the Subaru BRZ.

So I bought one.

Couldn't be happier. RWD, 200 horses, decent (enough for me) 60 time, low comfy leather/alcantara seats, ltd slip diff, nice exhaust note for well under 30k? I went all in and am loving it.

I drove the 4-door GTI and thought it was nice. Handled well but didn't sit all that low--I prefer the BRZ seating position. The front-wheel drive bugs me, dunno why, it just does. Why doesn't VW make any RWD vehicles?? Was also a few grand more than the Subie, and I like the styling of the BRZ better-- of course that's just personal preference. I think the GTI will look cool in 2-door but I'm sold on the BRZ, and anticipate much better reliability (I've owned Subies and V-dubs in the past... no contest there).

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y242/emhancock/BRZ.jpg

Nice, congrats! You sound really stoked on the BRZ, which is great. I personally probably would have gone the GTI route, but you're so right about the seating position. The BRZ is definitely the more genuine sports car of the pair. :)

[Colo Springs E]

Nice, congrats! You sound really stoked on the BRZ, which is great. I personally probably would have gone the GTI route, but you're so right about the seating position. The BRZ is definitely the more genuine sports car of the pair. :)

Thanks... the GTI is definitely cool, and honestly, more practical. But we already have a practical car, and to your point, I wanted something that was a sportier ride.

[maxell0405]

German car > Japanese car.

I recently replaced my Mini with a Golf TDI and it is better in every way, except styling.

[BimmerBreaker]

I quite like the BRZ and may pick one up in a few years when they are a bit cheaper. There are some cool mods for that car, from swapping over the Toyota 86 parts to the Japanese-spec interior bits... they can be made pretty nice. Definitely a good DD.

And VW does make RWD cars :dunno ;)

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02580/Porsche-911-50-1_j_2580646b.jpg

[che13]

Personally I would go with the GTI - my other car is a jetta sportwagen (really a golf wagon ) and I really like it.

[Colo Springs E]

I quite like the BRZ and may pick one up in a few years when they are a bit cheaper. There are some cool mods for that car, from swapping over the Toyota 86 parts to the Japanese-spec interior bits... they can be made pretty nice. Definitely a good DD.

And VW does make RWD cars :dunno ;)

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02580/Porsche-911-50-1_j_2580646b.jpg

Ha, touche!

[rob22sf]

if your gonna lease, go with the GTI....if your gonna buy.... BRZ.... newer VWs have horrible maintenance creed.... ask me how i know....

[Das Omen]

I'll take most cars over a vw. Unless its a vw produced in europe, i know those aren't terrible.

[youngbimmer]

GTi > BRZ. BRZ is unreliable, weak, and cramped. You might as well take the car that would be just as unreliable, but with more power, comfort, and utility.