2009 GTI vs. WRX vs. Mazdaspeed3

[genjy]

My brother-in-law (23) was considering a new turbo compact car.

He can't drive manual (yet), so he took me to test drive the cars for him.

We... or I... test drove:

2009 VW GTI (~200HP)
2009 Mazdaspeed3 (~265HP)
2009 Subaru WRX (~265HP)


I have actually driven the GTI and the Speed3 a long while back, and I've driven my cousin's SAABaru Aero many times... so nothing was super-new to me. This short review is based my back-to-back-to-back test drive experience (with a bit of Volvo C30 thrown in)

The GTI feels a lot like my Volvo C30 in terms of... everything. But its interior doesn't feel as quite well-built, and the engine feels less powerful. The 2.0T feels more refined and less raw than the Volvo T5, and it feels much much less sporty than the Speed3's and WRX's. The handling feels very nimble, but the handling alone doesn't quite compensate for the relatively lack-luster acceleration. It seems to be the most civilized car of the three.

The Speed3's interior is comparable to my Mazda5's: hard, cheap, with passable fit and finish. The Speed3's acceleration feels very sporty and well-tuned... linear, predictable, and well-behaved, unlike the WRX's acceleration. The engine and exhaust sound awesome with a sporty resonance that's not too tiring.

I actually like the WRX the best. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gear acceleration is beastly. Step on the gas and it's warp speed. Even though the Speed3 and WRX have similar power ratings, the WRX feels significantly faster. Its acceleration is very raw and very addictive. The interior isn't half-bad at all, despite its quirky design. I think it feels more durable than both the GTI's and Speed3's interiors.

Exterior design wise, I think they are all handsome for their class... with the GTI being more a bit more sedated and sophisticated looking.

Of course, me being the one not actually buying the car, I didn't focus at all on the price. That was my brother-in-law's job.

My brother-in-law has decided to get a VW GTI based on ride-comfort and interior quality. I think he likes the GTI's overall value, as well.

We are going to pick it up this weekend, I think.

[MCGARRETT]

What no Cobalt SS?

[big swede]

Originally Posted by MCGARRETT

What no Cobalt SS?

I would presume he wanted a hatch. I would have thought the VW had the best interior but the performance of the other two would be tough to pass up. The upcoming GTI-R would have taken care of the performance. The upcoming Focus st should be interesting also.

[genjy]

He was aware of the Mini Cooper S and Cobalt SS... but he didn't mention he wanted to see them.

I would have loved a turbo Cobalt test drive, but I think it would have been sort of pointless for him since he did eventually picked the GTI for its non-sporty qualities.

[MrCritical]

Tell bro in law to have plenty of $$$ for insurance and a good lawyer.

He'll need both.

[F14CRAZY]

Originally Posted by big swede

I would presume he wanted a hatch. I would have thought the VW had the best interior but the performance of the other two would be tough to pass up. The upcoming GTr would have taken care of the performance. The upcoming Focus st should be interesting also.

HHR SS?

eh I'd take the WRX myself

[JBsZ06]

Tell your brother in law the new VW GTI is about to be released just so he knows up front.

I would have picked the GTI for its world class DSG tranny. (even if its not as fast as the others discussed) I do like the new cobalt SS too...so it would have been a toss up between those two...

Is he getting the DSG Tranny or did he go with a full manual?

[genjy]

The MKVI GTI won't be out in the U.S. for a while... for at least a year or two.

He was originally interested in the DSG, but he is going to get a manual because it's cheaper. I think he wants to learn manual, too.

[genjy]

He bought the car last night. Got a really good deal on it.

2009 VW GTI 6spd manual in United Grey

Base model + iPod adapter



The car is pretty fun to drive. I like the subtle stiffness of the ride. It's perfect--not too harsh and not too soft. I think VW did an awesome job with the GTI's suspension.


We were at the dealership for like 4 hours, and only like 3 other people walked in to look at cars during that time. Pretty sad considering the dealership is in the middle of Downtown LA and it was a Friday night.

[big swede]

Originally Posted by genjy

He bought the car last night. Got a really good deal on it.

2009 VW GTI 6spd manual in United Grey

Base model + iPod adapter

The car is pretty fun to drive. I like the subtle stiffness of the ride. It's perfect--not too harsh and not too soft. I think VW did an awesome job with the GTI's suspension.


We were at the dealership for like 4 hours, and only like 3 other people walked in to look at cars during that time. Pretty sad considering the dealership is in the middle of Downtown LA and it was a Friday night.

If you ever get a chance to drive it can you give us your impressions compared to your C30.

[genjy]

Originally Posted by big swede

If you ever get a chance to drive it can you give us your impressions compared to your C30.

I drove it hard a few times last night (to break in the engine and to double-check everything). I clocked about 15 miles.

The 2.0T is very eager. The power is all there from 1300rpm all the way to at least 5500rpm... 2nd-5th all pretty much feel the same.

The C30's power is pretty much bounded within the 3rd and 4th gears, around 25-50mph. The C30 has a lot more passing power and passing acceleration, and the GTI behaves more linearly throughout.

According to published numbers, both cars are basically just as fast. However, I think the 2.0T feels livelier and the T5 feels more serene. They feel very different despite the similar acceleration numbers.

The VW's suspension is sportier and stiffer, but noticeably less comfortable than my C30's setup (the C30's softness is actually a bit too soft). Steering wheel feedback is about the same. The C30 understeers a bit more through turns and corners. And, I can guarantee the Contis on the GTI are sportier tires than the Michelins on the C30.

Interior-wise, the C30 uses better materials throughout the whole cabin. Everything from the clothes, the soft plastic, the hard plastic, and the switch gears feel higher-quality and more durable. But I think the GTI has slightly better fit and finish... the parts look more precisely made and fitted.

The C30 is much quieter inside. Volvo purposely made the C30 quiet, and VW purposely made the GTI loud. Whatever floats your boat, basically.

[big swede]

Very interesting comparison, thanks for your insight.

[member12]

Cool that he got a GTI.

I love those cars, but I'd have a difficult time choosing between a Subaru WRX and a 5 door GTI if they were similar in price.

I think he's going to enjoy that Vdub.

[genjy]

Originally Posted by member12

Cool that he got a GTI.

I love those cars, but I'd have a difficult time choosing between a Subaru WRX and a 5 door GTI if they were similar in price.

I think he's going to enjoy that Vdub.

It was a very good choice.

I think he is going to enjoy the GTI, too. It feels and looks much less boyracer than the WRX and the Speed3.

The GTI seems like an excellent daily driver with just the right amount of sportiness. He doesn't live on the track... so the WRX or the Speed3 would have been a sort of an overkill.

[Htay7500]

The older GTIs make great track cars. Nice choice. I agree that the gti is a bit more subtle and if he wanted over-the-top performance, WRX or MPS3 it is.