VW GTI vs. Subaru Impreza (vehicles, 2013, versus, AWD)

[odanny]

I'm deciding between these two cars at the moment, and wanted some input as to which is the better choice, and if there are similarly priced options out there on the market that compare favorably.

Imprezza 2.0 Limited:

$24,200.00

Automatic
Leather
Sunroof

Pro's

1) AWD
2) Mileage: (36 Hwy, 27 City)
3) Reliability (Seems to be well above average)
4) Price (Cheaper than similar GTI)

Con's

1) Appearance (not as attractive as the GTI)
2) No turbo
3) Not as fun to drive

VW GTI 2.0 L Turbo

$28,500.00 to $29,500.00

Leather
Automatic
Sunroof

Pro's

1) Appearance (Beautiful looking car)
2) Performance (more fun to drive)

Con's

1) Price (likely about 5K more than 2013 Imprezza)
2) Gas mileage (29 Hwy, 21 City)
3) 2WD
4) Reliability (I'd rate this less than an Imprezza if comparing the two)

I think the GTI is more desirable for my tastes, but the Imprezza is cheaper and more practical, with better mileage and AWD to boot. Is my list fairly accurate, and am I leaving anything out? Are there even better alternatives to both vehicles worth considering?

Also, I'm not considering the WRX based on its mileage and its price. Getting closer to 40mpg is important to me, and is why I'm leaning towards the Imprezza.

[iTsLiKeAnEgG]

The only way I'd order an Imprezza is in some form of turbo trim whether WRX or STi. I do mod/reflash my cars so my needs may not align with yours. Aside from reliability complaints, there isn’t much not to like about the GTI although if given a choice between the GTI or a WRX, I’d go with the WRX. If a turbo Subaru is absolutely off the table then GTI it is.

[sliverbox]

Go with the Subaru. Far more reliable.

[odanny]

Originally Posted by sliverbox

Go with the Subaru. Far more reliable.

My head tells me this, my heart says something else.

[Drover]

Throw the Ford Focus hatchback on your shopping list. The Focus ST in particular is a solid performance competitor to the GTI for a couple grand less, though a few reviewers have noted that the cost savings versus the GTI show up in slightly lower refinement in driving dynamics and interior quality. However the ST (and the WRX for that matter) is manual-only whereas the GTI is available with a conventional manual or a dual-clutch semi-auto.

The Focus ST is rated at 23/32 for a combined rating of 26mpg, versus the GTI's 24/33/27 so they're right with each other there. The more conventional Focus is rated as high as 27/38/31 depending on transmission choice.

Another possiibility is the Mini Cooper Clubman, basically a stretch version of the Cooper so you can fit people bigger than Vern Troyer and Willow in the back. Unfortunately the base engine is an absolute dog and you can price the turbocharged version into the 30s quite easily.

[dude_reino]

If you want a turbo GTI then I guarantee you won't be impressed with a base Impreza. MPG and AWD aren't the end-all in car purchasing. The few hundred bucks you save a year in gas will not make up for the fun factor you are losing out on. And AWD vs. FWD is a non-issue.

Like others, I'd suggest the WRX, but if it is off the table then get the GTI (coming from a former base Impreza owner).

[odanny]

Great and very helpful comments, thanks everyone for these.

[robrobrob]

Dodge Dart GT. Also, agree with the earlier poster about the Focus ST. MAZDASPEED3 is dated but still sporty. Not sure when the new model is going to launch. These are all sporty compacts. Gas mileage is ignored.

Civic Si is cheap and sporty but it only comes with a manual.

[28173]

Originally Posted by odanny

My head tells me this, my heart says something else.

A while back I got a Camry SE for gas consumption and reliability...my head told me so.
Couple of months later I ended up trading it for a BMW 328i which my heart wanted all along...

Go with your heart!

[sliverbox]

My head tells me this, my heart says something else.

My Mother in Law owns a VW. It has cost her a lot of money in repairs. Would your heart still be in it is that were the case?