Speed3, GTI or WRX?

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Speed 3, GTI or WRX

  • Speed3

  • GTI

  • WRX

Results are only viewable after voting.
DaTT

DaTT

Garage Moderator
Moderator
Feb 13, 2003
13,295
121
106
Is the STi an option? I have driven on and they are lots of fun. My cousin has one too, but strangely enough, he has never driven one. :)
 
vi edit

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
62,484
8,345
126
Tough call. Really depended on my day to day use and how much long distance traveling I had to do. I think the WRX is the best combo of performance, function, and reliability. The AWD is nice if you live in a place that has rough winters.

The GTI is the most comfortable and economic commuter and long distance trooper. It's just a very comfortable car.

The Speed3 is just about everything the GTI isn't. Faster. Rice'ier looking. More raw in performance.

For me it'd be a tough toss up between the WRX and GTI. WRX would get a nod because of AWD in winters here. But like Jules said...the new Focus hatch would also be in the running because 40MPG sure is nice with $4.00+ a gallon gas.
 
SamurAchzar

SamurAchzar

Platinum Member
Feb 15, 2006
2,422
3
76
Very different cars.

The VW (which I own) is the most frugal, has the best interior, DSG is a gem (it complements the car very well, don't rule it out before you test drive!), and it feels special and fun even at moderate speeds. However it's not an all out attack weapon (neither are the others, unlike an STI for example).

The Speed3 would be faster, less refined, more plasticky. I'd rule out the WRX, the new generation comes across as too soft, too crappy of an interior, it's a pig too (heavy and thirsty).

The thing with the GTI is that it will grow deeper and deeper as you live with it. You just can't appreciate how practical, fun and liveable this car is on a brief test drive. It lacks the all out power of the Speed3 (although a DSG GTI will be faster than a WRX) but it's so much more complete.
 
z1ggy

z1ggy

Lifer
May 17, 2008
10,010
66
91
FYI

I live in south east CT, so it does snow..this past year it was the worst winter in 40+ years. My AWD came in handy for sure. I'm sure FWD can cut it, but it's nice having the AWD. Also, I was thinking about the 2012 Focus ST because it compares with the subjects. the Golf R is a very tempting choice, but for $33k its over priced. Thoughts on the ST??
 
z1ggy

z1ggy

Lifer
May 17, 2008
10,010
66
91
SamurAchzar said:
Very different cars.

The VW (which I own) is the most frugal, has the best interior, DSG is a gem (it complements the car very well, don't rule it out before you test drive!), and it feels special and fun even at moderate speeds. However it's not an all out attack weapon (neither are the others, unlike an STI for example).

The Speed3 would be faster, less refined, more plasticky. I'd rule out the WRX, the new generation comes across as too soft, too crappy of an interior, it's a pig too (heavy and thirsty).

The thing with the GTI is that it will grow deeper and deeper as you live with it. You just can't appreciate how practical, fun and liveable this car is on a brief test drive. It lacks the all out power of the Speed3 (although a DSG GTI will be faster than a WRX) but it's so much more complete.
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I really only want an M/T. Didn't try the DSG, heard good things, but I need that clutch!! Driving just isn't the same with out one for me.

Also, I don't care that much about pure speed. I drove the GTI on the highway and took it from 60-80 in what felt like a heartbeat. It was good enough for me. Also drove the speed3 and it was just insane, felt like I was stuck to the seat when I floored it.
 
C

cheezmunky

Senior member
Sep 30, 2002
298
0
0
I went with the 5-door wrx. Comfortable, practical, and you can take it out in any weather. I also prefer a manual; auto/dsg is just boring to drive
 
A

A5

Diamond Member
Jun 9, 2000
4,902
5
81
I'd take the GTI because I prefer a blend of (somewhat) luxury and raw performance.
 
Arkaign

Arkaign

Lifer
Oct 27, 2006
20,736
1,379
126
SamurAchzar said:
Very different cars.

The VW (which I own) is the most frugal, has the best interior, DSG is a gem (it complements the car very well, don't rule it out before you test drive!), and it feels special and fun even at moderate speeds. However it's not an all out attack weapon (neither are the others, unlike an STI for example).

The Speed3 would be faster, less refined, more plasticky. I'd rule out the WRX, the new generation comes across as too soft, too crappy of an interior, it's a pig too (heavy and thirsty).

The thing with the GTI is that it will grow deeper and deeper as you live with it. You just can't appreciate how practical, fun and liveable this car is on a brief test drive. It lacks the all out power of the Speed3 (although a DSG GTI will be faster than a WRX) but it's so much more complete.
Click to expand...


What year are you getting your WRX info from? The current 2011 WRX blows the shit out of the MS3 and GTI in performance.

This gen has been upgraded in several ways along the way, and 2011 adds stock wheel widening and notable track widening, and people regularly pull (including initial review testing) 0-60 runs of mid 4s to 5 flat on the way to 13s in the 1/4. Stock. Add power and it just gets better and better.

The GTI is balls slow in comparison : http://www.insideline.com/volkswagen/gti/2010/2010-volkswagen-gti-full-test-and-video.html

high 14s in the 1/4, high 6s for 0-60? That's a world of difference.

Speed3 is much better, putting in low 6s and a mid-14s ..

http://www.insideline.com/mazda/maz...speed-3-vs-2010-hyundai-genesis-coupe-38.html

WRX blows the shit out of them though, and the gap just widens when all are modded because FWD sucks balls when trying to harness 300+whp.
 
A

ayabe

Diamond Member
Aug 10, 2005
7,449
0
0
SamurAchzar said:
The thing with the GTI is that it will grow deeper and deeper as you live with it. You just can't appreciate how practical, fun and liveable this car is on a brief test drive. It lacks the all out power of the Speed3 (although a DSG GTI will be faster than a WRX) but it's so much more complete.
Click to expand...

Not to pile on, but that has NEVER been true since the WRX was introduced in the US, never. In fact, a tuned GTI still would not hang with a stock 2009+ except at 100mph+, even then it would be a maybe.
 
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punjabiplaya

punjabiplaya

Diamond Member
Nov 12, 2006
3,495
1
71
z1ggy said:
I really only want an M/T. Didn't try the DSG, heard good things, but I need that clutch!! Driving just isn't the same with out one for me.

Also, I don't care that much about pure speed. I drove the GTI on the highway and took it from 60-80 in what felt like a heartbeat. It was good enough for me. Also drove the speed3 and it was just insane, felt like I was stuck to the seat when I floored it.
Click to expand...

yeah, that's why I suggested the GTI. How long is your commute? if it's pretty far, I'd really go with the gti. A tune and a few mods and it can get pretty quick and it'll still be the most comfortable.
 
D

Dman8777

Senior member
Mar 28, 2011
426
8
81
The problem with the GTI is that by current standards, it's not a fast car. Every soccer mom with a v6 whatever can hang with a GTI. With mods, putting the power down becomes a problem. If you're looking for something fun and fast (which is why I presume you have the MS3 and WRX on your list) don't forget the second part, fast :).
 
z1ggy

z1ggy

Lifer
May 17, 2008
10,010
66
91
punjabiplaya said:
yeah, that's why I suggested the GTI. How long is your commute? if it's pretty far, I'd really go with the gti. A tune and a few mods and it can get pretty quick and it'll still be the most comfortable.
Click to expand...

Commute is about 20 min to work in the morning and 20 min back.

I have to agree about the WRX pounding the speed3 and the GTI, but I don't take my car to the track, nor do I plan. How often does one go over 100mph on the highway if you do happen to maybe race a person for a bit? With an ECU tweek the GTI can push 265hp, but as many have pointed out, it is kind of bitter sweet as it it put to the front wheels. That is why I am seeing if others think the AWD ( which I would clearly prefer ) is worth giving up ( and the speed ) for something more "refined" like a GTI for 4-5k less.
 
Zap

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
22,377
7
81
thescreensavers said:
Drive them first
Click to expand...

This.

z1ggy said:
GTI for 4-5k less.
Click to expand...

How much is the base GTI? Base WRX is around $25k or so, I think.

I've never driven a GTI, but have driven a MS3 (and own a MS6) and my wife owns a 2011 WRX.

I personally would take the WRX over the MS3 because it can put the power down better, plus I'm not a fan of the big smile. Also, Wisconsin = snow. However, that's for my situation and yours may be different.
 
J

JCH13

Diamond Member
Sep 14, 2010
4,981
66
91
This is almost the same question I asked myself when I was buying. I didn't find the Subaru very comfortable, the traction was a lot of fun, but I had to wind up the motor a bit to get power out of it, and it felt a little rough. Probably the best performer of the three (in a straight line at least) but I didn't like the ride too much and I didn't like the interior too much.

The GTI was very cushy, seats were pretty good, interior was great, and the ride was nice too. Power was fun, and there wasn't much torque steer, but it didn't have much guts. It could go quick, but nothing to write home about. Best interior of the three, most comfortable of the three, worst performer of the three.

I settled on the Speed3 eventually. The car responds very well to steering input, it feels really fun and feels lighter than it is. Power and torque are there from about 2.5krpm, but tapers off a bit after 5k-5.5krpm, very fun for daily driving, not the best ever for straight-line speed (but it'll still kick a little butt). It is FWD, and does understeer a *little* bit, but 99% of the time you won't notice it. Also, I've never had an issue with my Speed3 in the snow, just get decent snow tires and you'll be fine (if it's an issue). Also, I can get 30-33mpg on the highway.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iTxa6F0AXo

Buy the WRX if you want to win light-to-light or absolutely require AWD (unlikely).

Buy the GTI if you want the smoothest, nicest ride and interior.

Buy the speed if you like a fun engine and great handling.
 
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M

MotF Bane

No Lifer
Dec 22, 2006
60,801
10
0
JCH, you cite great handling for the MS3, not the WRX. Do you classify the MS3 as being the better handler of the two vehicles?
 
J

JCH13

Diamond Member
Sep 14, 2010
4,981
66
91
MotF Bane said:
JCH, you cite great handling for the MS3, not the WRX. Do you classify the MS3 as being the better handler of the two vehicles?
Click to expand...

I do. As noted earlier the MS3 can hold significantly more speed through a slalom course, 72.4mph vs 68.8mph. It can pull more Gs on a skid pad (last time I checked). Most importantly I felt what many reviewers have observed: great steering feel and chassis response/poise. It feels very communicative and the chassis responds very neatly to steering input. That sort of response and communication with the driver is something that Mazda has been doing very well for decades I think, and is what makes them so much fun to drive.

Edit: I think a lot of people get hung up on how fast their car accelerates from a stop. Admittedly that is pretty awesome. However, no one who has driven my car has been able to wipe the shit-eating grin off of their face because it's so much fun.
 
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