# Comparison: Volkswagen GTI vs. Honda Civic Si **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Automotive\ **Created:** [June 11, 2007, 5:26pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/comparison-volkswagen-gti-vs-honda-civic-si/30711 "2007-06-11T17:26:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![RobtC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/51bf81/32.png) [@RobtC](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/RobtC)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2007, 5:26pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/comparison-volkswagen-gti-vs-honda-civic-si/30711/1 "2007-06-11T17:26:48Z")
Been mulling over these two vehicles for quite some time. Drove both, compared and priced out both, and was quite impressed with both. I’m having a hard time making a decision here, most of you know my lack of commitment with cars, and I’m going to buy one of these two brand new, in hopes of not selling it 44 days later. It’s time for a house to dominate my finances, not what car I drive. Onto my results from two test drives: GTI: The GTI is your typical pocket rocket from VW. It’s a huge step up from the MkIV GTI in every way; power, handling, and appearance. The initially clutch work takes a little work, there’s not much room to work with, making concentration a little more essential while driving. It has excellent power through all of the gears, so passing should be no problem in the higher gears. Also felt like there was quite a bit of unused powered bottled up there, and with the APR upgrade, it’s easily available. Shifting gears, it was a very close setup, but all were very easy to find, ie 6 to 4 without looking down was not a problem. As far as comfort, I felt a few blind spots. The seats were bolstered well, but it was a little difficult to find an initial comfort level in the seating, but there are so many adjustments that I’m sure I could find the sweet spot with a little work. There were also a lot of nice little features that the car had, standard xenon headlamps, driver info center, and a nice traction control/esp system, and what looked to be like more than enough room for passengers and my set of clubs. 2007 Volkswagen GTI 2DR HB, Tornado Red, Package #1, MSRP $24285/Sale $22348 Si: Immediately sitting down in the Si felt more comfortable than the GTI. It seemed as though there was much more around me to see, even little windows in front of the side mirrors. I felt like I didn’t need to make any adjustments at all, I was at a perfect height, the seats felt great and were upholstered with a very nice fabric, and I had great visibility. The drive had it’s ups and downs though. As far as a normal car, the car had decent power, albeit a little tougher to find down low, and for regular daily driving would probably suit just about anyone. But for a sport coupe type of car, it could use a little more. It was also one of the easiest cars to drive though, I stalled the GTI once, this I didn’t even come close to doing. This car in particular had navi, which I didn’t use at all, but seemed easy enough to if need be, which I doubt. Cool to have though, I suppose. Gauges were laid out well, everything was easy to read, and it was a cool combination of analog and digital. 2007 Honda Civic Si 2 door coupe, Ralleye Red, Navigation System, MSRP $23435 Conclusion: In terms of driving, I preferred the GTI. It felt like it wouldn’t get as boring as the Si. It was quick and responsive, and handled nicely. The Si, however, had more of a comfort as a daily driver. For the snowy days in Buffalo, it seemed as though the Si might be a wiser choice. Anyone own either of these cars? Have any input to add? It would be greatly appreciated and may aid in my decision. ---
**Author:** ![EvilJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a5b964/32.png) [@EvilJay](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/EvilJay)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2007, 5:34pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/comparison-volkswagen-gti-vs-honda-civic-si/30711/2 "2007-06-11T17:34:03Z")
Having also driven both cars…go honda or go home. Can’t beat honda maintenance…oil change every 78,000 miles! ---
**Author:** ![Vile](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vile/32/7595_2.png) [@Vile](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vile)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2007, 6:10pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/comparison-volkswagen-gti-vs-honda-civic-si/30711/3 "2007-06-11T18:10:02Z")
gti ---
**Author:** ![boardjnky4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/96bed5/32.png) [@boardjnky4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/boardjnky4)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2007, 6:19pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/comparison-volkswagen-gti-vs-honda-civic-si/30711/4 "2007-06-11T18:19:09Z")
honda for sure. gotta be comfortable man. and they are more reliable in general ---
**Author:** ![Locutus](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/locutus/32/7574_2.png) [@Locutus](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Locutus)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2007, 6:22pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/comparison-volkswagen-gti-vs-honda-civic-si/30711/5 "2007-06-11T18:22:01Z")
honda dozer has one and loves it ---
**Author:** ![rdandy5875](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/rdandy5875/32/7511_2.png) [@rdandy5875](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/rdandy5875)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2007, 6:22pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/comparison-volkswagen-gti-vs-honda-civic-si/30711/6 "2007-06-11T18:22:12Z")
I’d go with the honda too. Personally because I can’t stand hatch backs, but also for the refinement and ergos. ---
**Author:** ![snowracer101](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@snowracer101](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/snowracer101)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2007, 6:25pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/comparison-volkswagen-gti-vs-honda-civic-si/30711/7 "2007-06-11T18:25:40Z")
gti… had mine for 15K miles and loved it ---
**Author:** ![Anonymity](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/anonymity/32/7215_2.png) [@Anonymity](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Anonymity)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2007, 6:32pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/comparison-volkswagen-gti-vs-honda-civic-si/30711/8 "2007-06-11T18:32:10Z")
[quote=“sedlmeier101,post:7,topic:30711"”] gti… had mine for 15K miles and loved it [/quote] you had it for that many,… i think SI. form, fit, function. ---
**Author:** ![dozr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/41988e/32.png) [@dozr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/dozr)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2007, 6:45pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/comparison-volkswagen-gti-vs-honda-civic-si/30711/9 "2007-06-11T18:45:54Z")
The SI does NOT get boring, it is a blast to drive, I look forward to the drive to work and the drive home everyday. You can probably also get the price down a bit from there. Mark Maloney at Ray Laks is a great salesman, no hassle, he will take care of you. ---
**Author:** ![cky89](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/cky89/32/4945_2.png) [@cky89](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/cky89)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2007, 6:47pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/comparison-volkswagen-gti-vs-honda-civic-si/30711/10 "2007-06-11T18:47:33Z")
HONDA. ---
**Author:** ![burnt\_toast](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/burnt_toast/32/7518_2.png) [@burnt\_toast](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/burnt_toast)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2007, 6:48pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/comparison-volkswagen-gti-vs-honda-civic-si/30711/11 "2007-06-11T18:48:22Z")
From your write up it seems like you’ve already chosen the SI. The only thing noted that you didn’t like better than the gti was low end power. Personally, I would go for a few more test drives in both. Maybe even go drive a few cars you aren’t really interested in to find out more reasons why you like either the SI or the GTI. Maybe a wrx or a cobalt ss. Maybe even drop down a power class and try out a spec-v or ralliart. For every one thing you find in any of those cars you don’t like, it should help immensely in your final decision. just my .02 good luck! ---
**Author:** ![Joe](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/joe/32/7219_2.png) [@Joe](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Joe)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2007, 6:53pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/comparison-volkswagen-gti-vs-honda-civic-si/30711/12 "2007-06-11T18:53:53Z")
GTI + chip = a lot more fun than SI ---
**Author:** ![Minglor](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/minglor/32/7373_2.png) [@Minglor](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Minglor)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2007, 7:09pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/comparison-volkswagen-gti-vs-honda-civic-si/30711/13 "2007-06-11T19:09:50Z")
[quote=“Joe,post:12,topic:30711"”] GTI + chip = a lot more fun than SI [/quote] Except when your check engine light going off makes you worry. I say honda. I love VW and all but the si is really fun to drive. but when it boils down to it. FWD = not fun. ---
**Author:** ![RobtC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/51bf81/32.png) [@RobtC](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/RobtC)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2007, 7:47pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/comparison-volkswagen-gti-vs-honda-civic-si/30711/14 "2007-06-11T19:47:38Z")
yea i was at ray laks, they said they price on the si coupe doesn’t budge. they have sedans with a rebate, but i don’t know about a four door yet. i’ve driven plenty of vehicles though, i’ve boiled it down to these two. ---
**Author:** ![91MR2](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/91mr2/32/7217_2.png) [@91MR2](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/91MR2)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2007, 9:22pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/comparison-volkswagen-gti-vs-honda-civic-si/30711/15 "2007-06-11T21:22:58Z")
Honda for life. ---
**Author:** ![BOBBYGRV](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed8c4c/32.png) [@BOBBYGRV](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/BOBBYGRV)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2007, 9:53pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/comparison-volkswagen-gti-vs-honda-civic-si/30711/16 "2007-06-11T21:53:59Z")
im all for the si, and when u buy it, we gotta get a photoshoot in of the 91 si and the newer si. something iv been waiting for, now i just have to get my parts on and send it for paint. ---
**Author:** ![JDMSIR](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jdmsir/32/7376_2.png) [@JDMSIR](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JDMSIR)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2007, 11:00pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/comparison-volkswagen-gti-vs-honda-civic-si/30711/17 "2007-06-11T23:00:29Z")
HONDA ---
**Author:** ![dmoffitt](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/dmoffitt/32/7455_2.png) [@dmoffitt](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/dmoffitt)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2007, 11:29pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/comparison-volkswagen-gti-vs-honda-civic-si/30711/18 "2007-06-11T23:29:15Z")
[quote=“EvilJay,post:2,topic:30711"”] Having also driven both cars…go honda or go home. Can’t beat honda maintenance…oil change every 78,000 miles! [/quote] +1, and I’m a euro guy by heart… go figure. ---
**Author:** ![93dx\_hatch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/9/90ced4/32.png) [@93dx\_hatch](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/93dx_hatch)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2007, 5:49am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/comparison-volkswagen-gti-vs-honda-civic-si/30711/19 "2007-06-12T05:49:55Z")
I am partial to both honda’s and vw’s but I do think the honda will have a better resale, which might be important to you since you like to change cars often ---
**Author:** ![newman](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/newman/32/7569_2.png) [@newman](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/newman)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2007, 6:02am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/comparison-volkswagen-gti-vs-honda-civic-si/30711/20 "2007-06-12T06:02:16Z")
i’m a honda humper, and for reliability and whatnot, that’s what i choose. but i’m not going to lie. the new GTIs look fucking awesome. [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/comparison-volkswagen-gti-vs-honda-civic-si/30711.md?page=2)