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VW Jetta GLI vs Honda Civic Si

70 messages,  Last post on Aug 11, 2009 at 8:17 AM

You are in the Volkswagen Jetta Forum.

What is this discussion about? Volkswagen Jetta, Honda Civic

Messages Page 7 of 8

#54 of 70 Re: New 2007 VW Jetta GLI Concerns [thegraduate] by amazer

Oct 13, 2008 (11:59 am)

Replying to: thegraduate (May 20, 2007 1:56 pm)
This post is in response to an earlier one that suggested the Accord as an alternative to the GLI.
 
I had a top of the line 2003 Accord coupe (first model year of the previous generation) with the V6 (and auto tranny unfortunately) just prior to my 2006 GLI with Pkg 2 and DSG, so I'm in a good position to compare the cars.
 
Their missions and strengths are very different, but I found both to be excellent vehicles. The engines in both are quite peppy-- though the Accord's engine was rated at 240hp vs 200 for the GLI, they both felt comparable in terms of accelleration. Certainly, though, the 6-speed DSG tranny in the GLI is superior to the conventional 5-speed auto in the Honda.
 
The Accord was much more of a highway cruiser, quieter and more composed on interstates. The stereo in the Accord was also better, in my opinion.
 
The VW handles many levels better than the Accord on windy backroads and state highways. You do feel the bumps more, since the suspension is firmer, but that doesn't bother me. I also prefer the way you sit a bit higher off the ground in the VW-- in the Accord coupe, you sit lower... at least it seems so.
 
The VW also seems a lot more solidly built than the Accord. The sheet metal on the Honda seems lightweight in comparison to the BMW-like solidity of the VW. You'll easily notice this when you close a door or the trunk.
 
It was nice that the Honda ran on regular gas, while the GLI requires premium or at least mid-grade,
 
All in all, I have a much more emotional attachment and fondness for the VW. The Accord is very reliable and a good value, well-built vehicle with-- yes, more space and more power than the GLI. But the VW has a most excellent engine, solider construction and is a helluva lot more fun to drive. The Honda's tires would start squealing on highway ramps if I drove at more than a moderate speed-- the GLI feels like it's on rails!
 
Also, people frequently look at and compliment the GLI, whereas I very seldom got any comments or notice with the Accord, even though the coupe did look kind of stylish.
 
I bought my car certified from a dealer about 4 months ago-- it has only 27K on the odometer, but it's been totally reliable and still looks brand new. I think VW hit a home run with this car!

#55 of 70 Re: New 2007 VW Jetta GLI Concerns [amazer] by thegraduate

Oct 14, 2008 (1:47 pm)

Replying to: amazer (Oct 13, 2008 11:59 am)
You'll note I was talking about the 6-speed Accord - a manual transmission will create a more visceral driving experience. Plus, it offered bigger, grippier tires and faster acceleration.
 
They are very different animals for sure, but the price of the VW is just too high, to me, relative to the Civic Si. Great car, I'm sure though!

#56 of 70 Re: Report on my 06 GLI [chris_tx] by ibflossing

Nov 09, 2008 (9:18 am)

Replying to: chris_tx (Jun 03, 2007 8:18 am)
Hello,
 
u>How is your 06 GLI doing so far? ANY major problems with your GLI since you purchased it. Currently, I drive a honda civic 2004 , so far no major problems and very reliable. I'm thinking about getting an 09 GLI but don't want to be stranded on the highway.

#57 of 70 Re: Report on my 06 GLI [erok22] by ibflossing

Nov 09, 2008 (9:22 am)

Replying to: erok22 (Jun 06, 2007 7:01 pm)
hi,
 
 so far ,any issue with your 06 GLI ?

#58 of 70 Re: Report on my 06 GLI [ibflossing] by erok22

Nov 09, 2008 (2:16 pm)

Replying to: ibflossing (Nov 09, 2008 9:18 am)
Well, mine is an 07 but I have had it for a year and a half and it has been trouble free so far! I got 20k on the od and other than my scheduled maintanance I have not had to get anything repaired or fixed. I also got the car "chipped". For anyone who doesn't know what that is, it is a program that recalibrates settings on you CPU in your car to give more horsepower and torque. There are many different companies that sell it but I went with APR Tuning. The program cost $500 and it is well worth it. The gains you get are better than any other aftermarket part. You can expect 30 extra horses and about 40lb of torque. Feel free to ask anymore questions guys/gals.

#59 of 70 Re: Report on my 06 GLI [erok22] by ibflossing

Nov 09, 2008 (7:08 pm)

Replying to: erok22 (Nov 09, 2008 2:16 pm)
thanks for your response

#60 of 70 Re: Report on my 06 GLI [erok22] by ibflossing

Nov 09, 2008 (7:19 pm)

Replying to: erok22 (Nov 09, 2008 2:16 pm)
at "25000 miles I needed a new transmission/cutch" and I quote. A guy who own a GLI 06 has to get a new tranny and clutch at 25000 miles. These are some of the things I'm afraid of , I didn't ask that guy how he was driving his car but he must be abusing it on a regular basis. hope that doesn't happen to yours.

#61 of 70 Re: Report on my 06 GLI [ibflossing] by chris_tx

Nov 11, 2008 (7:04 am)

Replying to: ibflossing (Nov 09, 2008 9:18 am)
"Stranded on the highway" is a bit of an extreme statement, LOL.
 
My 06 GLI is about to hit 29k miles, and I haven't had any problems with it. I take it to the dealer for its regular service, and am just about to replace the original 18" Potenza tires. I wish that the service wasn't so expensive (relative to my old cars, the Accord and TL), but it's not as bad as our Volvo XC70, LOL.
 
I was tempted to trade the GLI in last month for an 08 TL (amazing bargains to be had), but realized I love the German engineering. Other than a couple of rattles that show up in cold weather, it has worn very well. The paint is as good as day one (it is detailed 2x year), the leather has worn very nicely, and the switches are still solid.
 
I don't like how they decontented the 07/08/09 models, but that's how it goes.

#62 of 70 Re: Report on my 06 GLI [chris_tx] by ibflossing

Nov 11, 2008 (4:31 pm)

Replying to: chris_tx (Nov 11, 2008 7:04 am)
Hi,
 
I'm thinking about getting an 09 GLI and I have some questions.
 
1. When you said "I wish that the service wasn't so expensive (relative to my old cars, the Accord and TL)" , how much does it co$t ??
 
2. "decontented" in what way ?
 
3. MPG (regular driving without abusing it) ?
 
Thank you

#63 of 70 Re: Report on my 06 GLI [ibflossing] by whobodym

Nov 23, 2008 (9:08 am)

Replying to: ibflossing (Nov 11, 2008 4:31 pm)
2. the "decontenting" I know about is, no more Climatronic available.

Messages Page 7 of 8

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