RicerGook

im in the point of getting rid of my 92 hatch and buying a new car... i just want some unbiased opinions between an SI and an 05 gti 1.8t....i know with out a doubt the SI is more reliable. which car is easier to mod and gain hp?? which one has more potential??

spoonlongblock

WELL OF COURSE THE GTI IS EASIER TO GAIN POWER BUT FOR RELIABLITY YOU SHOULD GET HONDA

Ding

How can we not be biased? This is HONDA-tech not VDUB-tech. Haha. Anyway, I was in the same boat as you, and I chose to stick with Honda due to how reliable they are. I have also read many reviews putting these two up against each other, such as the one in Motor Trend and overall, the Si is a way better car than the Gti. The Gti is already turboed, but the Si is making pretty much 200 hp NA. I think the decision is obvious. I saw a Gti yesterday in person, a white one by the way, and I think they look like a little suv, but bigger than a normal coupe or sedan. It was weird looking, but that's just my $.02. Go with the Honda. You will be very happy.

BRT Jim

I was in the same situation, too.

I chose the Si because of the stock LSD, which the GTI is lacking. I also liked the look of the Si over the GTI, but the GTI has a pretty sweet shifter feel.

skyoon

the GTI is also a bit more expensive, if that means anything (I think the base price is about 21K, as compared to honda's 19K). Markup on the Si will kill you though, so I guess that flushes that point down the toilet

MONTELIOUS

MK4 GTI has been out for almost 6 years so there is alot R&D for a 1.8T. you will have to spend alot of money to make high HP numbers.

but it is easy to make with mostly bolt-ons and an ecu upgrade. this would be the car that has the most potential right now.

06 SI is a great car from the factory and with time and R&D the car can be even better. there are only few parts for an SI out right now but i can only imagine whats in development.

spargo

I compared to an MKV actually and still liked the si better, the real question comes down to feel, the si is more of a revvy racecar feeling, while the gti is more of a euro sophisticant. I personaly would rather feel more like a little boy than a grown up, but you should drive both and then decide. Specs are nice but hte feel is WAY more importaint.

buuut Civic SI FTW

-Spargo

K20Z3Si

Stick to the honda badge, You wont be disappointed with the Si.

k1ngscorpio

On Car and Drive side by side comparison the Si sneaked by, but it really comes down to what u want, i have been comparing the two for a while myself and have yet to decide. But hey we all know u cant go wrong with a honda, maintance wise

Sugar Shane

Yeah, this is not the place for an unbiased opinion...That said, I do recall the Car and Driver comparison saying the Si handled better and was more responsive; in other words, a better car that needs a little more HP/torque. It's also less expensive, and as everyone already says, probabyl much more reliable and less expensive to maintain in the long run.

On the other hand, the GTi commercials are waaaaaay better! "Vee-Dub, holding it down on the engineering tip, jah!" :D

Trey

I had a GTi for one year and it had more problems then every other car I've ever owned combined. Others in my vdub circle also had major issues, one even had the R32 engine replaced. VW are a POS....always has been that way.


Stay with the japanese reliability and modability, you won't be dissapointed.

Click "my garage" below for references.