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/...ry/_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?