2014 Civic Si vs 2015 Golf GTI 5-Door

[three.eighteen.]

Well I haven't posted on here in years, but I find myself stuck between two options now that I've finally finished school and have a (hopefully) comfortable career ahead of me; so beyond.ca...help me!! After a fair bit of test driving, it's come down to the following list of pros and cons between the two finalists:

Civic Si Sedan
-Pros: cheaper, still relatively fun to drive, probably more reliable in the long run, probably lower cost of maintenance, the tech package is even with the VW

-Cons: I'm not sure how I feel about how it looks, it's understated/sporty for sure, but it looks like a fish. Also, I don't know how I feel about the 2-tier, digital speedo dash - if this car had analog tach/speedo side-by-side I would probably choose the Civic outright.


Golf GTI
-Pros: lots of power, torque comes in early, it's pretty, German fit and finish, and it has a nice traditional dash, tech package is basically the same

-Cons: higher payment, first year of production - I haven't followed automotive news/publications in a while so if anyone knows about the reliability of the MQB platform or the drive-train I'd love to hear about it

Thanks for any input you guys have!

[rage2]

I chose between these 2 several years ago and ended up choosing the GTI (MK5) over the Civic Si. The power and drivability of the GTI at our elevation was worlds apart. My GTI was very reliable, with the exception of DSG tranny which was recalled and replaced. Several beyonders that bought the GTI after me had the same problem, but once replaced it was perfect. All the newer cars post recalls had no issues. Kenny's GTI just cracked 100,000 kms and still runs awesome. I tracked my GTI quite a bit which really stressed the drivetrain and only had to replace the CVs once. Everything else just works.

If I had to make the choice again it would be for the GTI. In Calgary it's a no brainer, at sea level the choice might be tougher.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[Darkane]

Aren't we talking 5k or more for the GTI?

If that's not an issue id go GTI. Otherwise I'd get the civic and order hfp suspension for it from the states.

With the suspension in the civic it will out do (it should anyway) the GTI in corners etc.

Not sure if you're aware - but - I believe the GTI is now Mexican built where the civic is Canadian built.

[Aleks]

The new GTI from all reports is the best handling car you can now buy in this segment. I don't think the Si can compete on any level anymore. It is cheap however, best price in segement by far.

[rage2]

Originally posted by Darkane
With the suspension in the civic it will out do (it should anyway) the GTI in corners etc.
I was dead even in laptimes with a S2K in my MK5 at Race City. Ran over 20 laps against each other. We both had identical tires too. You'd be surprised at how fast that little GTI is around corners, and how much of a power advantage there is in Calgary.

[gpomp]

I drove the MK7 GTI and it is really, really good. I've never liked the MK5 or MK6 and I owned a Civic Si for 4 years. It's a no brainer if you're willing to pay a little more for the GTI.

[Mitsu3000gt]

If you can afford it, I would definitely go with the GTI. I thought the GTI was way more fun than the Si, it feels a lot quicker and has much better low end torque. Nothing wrong with the Si, it just feels like less car.

The GTI also gives you better fit & finish, better motor, actual tuneability, etc. Add DSG to the equation and it's a no-brainer at that point (IMO). Worth the extra money for sure.

[E46..sTyLez]

I don't have much to add as far as technical advantages, but purely on preference, my vote goes GTI. I do love Honda, but I like German cars better.

[Redlined_8000]

2015 Golf GTI 5 door I priced it out at 38.5k out the door for the 6 speed.

2014 Civic Si sedan is about 31k out the door.


If you can afford the GTI sure go for it. But civic is much cheaper and will be a cheaper car to own in the long run.

And while you are in the realm of the GTI money I would check out the Focus ST.

[Kg810]

Mk7 GTI gets my vote.

[nickyh]

GTI, but I am biased towards them and Honda lost my business years ago.

[4doorj]

I'm jealous of the new 2014 honda civic SI. Now comes with push button start and way better nav screen.

I own a 2013 civic SI. Love it! Fun to drive, basically only oil changes for maintenance. 2.4 motor gives it that needed tq, but obviously won't be like the turbo motors in it's competitions. Reliability and cheap to maintain are the main reasons I went with it. I love the 2-tier dash. Voice recognition blows haha
Handling is awesome.

Dont know what VW's are like to own now, but back then I heard horror stories about them. So that always pushed me away from them. GTI looks amazing inside and out, awesome motor. I'm just afraid to own one

[three.eighteen.]

Originally posted by Redlined_8000


And while you are in the realm of the GTI money I would check out the Focus ST.

Test drove one...big grins on acceleration, but the ergonomics weren't for me - seats are too bolstered/too much of a race position, shifter was a little far right for my taste. 19 year old me would have a serious boner for that car, but 29 year old me had trouble getting in and out :rofl:

[slinkie]

Even without the price difference I'd still take the civic, i know on paper the GTi is a better car though

I just really like the dash and exterior

[Swank]

Once I got used to the 2-tiered dash I loved it. Now when I drive someone else's car I feel like I have to look down so far to check the speed, and I can't even tell if I'm doing 61 or 62 km/h, haha!

I have about 85k on my '07 and have had numerous problems that I wasn't expecting to see until at least over 100k; the notorious 3rd gear problem, O2 sensor failed, valve cover leak, oil pressure sensor (I think) - compared to my previous cars I now question the long term reliability of the Civic. Hopefully the 9th gens are better, you might have better luck. Still a very fun car :thumbsup:

[clem24]

If you want GTI-like levels of handling and low end torque of a turbo at Si prices, have you thought about the Fiesta ST? It's nice and compact and can be had for about $30k even OTD. That'd easily be my car of choice over the Civic and GTI. I actually love the smaller size.

[Aleks]

Originally posted by clem24
If you want GTI-like levels of handling and low end torque of a turbo at Si prices, have you thought about the Fiesta ST? It's nice and compact and can be had for about $30k even OTD. That'd easily be my car of choice over the Civic and GTI. I actually love the smaller size.

I'd go this way too actually. If you're patient Ford does have $3250 incentive on the Fiesta ST a few times per year.

[CanmoreOrLess]

With the Ford, does the CostCo membership shave off another $1,000? I like all three cars here, but I'd go for the ST.

[max_boost]

GTI for sure. If price really matters, get a Civic.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[Cos]

.

[bleu]

The new GTi is awesome! So easy to drive, quick, responsive and I was loving the interior. :)

[Darkane]

OP since you seem open to a few cars, did you think about the 2015 wrx?

That would be your best bang for the buck.

[rage2]

Originally posted by Darkane
OP since you seem open to a few cars, did you think about the 2015 wrx?

That would be your best bang for the buck.
But it would make him a douche. :)

[relyt92]

As someone who just got their first turbo car, get the GTI, or something with a turbo. Peak torque at 1500 rpm, you barely have to rev it to get 258 ft/lb with the GTI. I will say the digital dash in the civic is great though, I had one before(non SI) and wasn't too sure going into it but really did like that part of the car.

[Darkane]

Originally posted by rage2

But it would make him a douche. :)

Obviously. I included added vinegary douchey-ness in the bang for the buck.

[FullFledgedYYC]

This comparison is so far off I am not even sure how a debate even started on this.

If you want to compare the GTI to something compare it to a Focus ST.... the SI doesn't even come close to either of those cars.

If you are interested in a GTI let me know, I have the new MK7 and I absolutely love it.

[three.eighteen.]

Signed the lease for the GTI today.

[lilmira]

Nice :thumbsup:

[klumsy_tumbler]

Good choice :)

[Redlyne_mr2]

GTI is a wicked choice, on the less expensive end of the spectrum how does the new mazda 3 gt fair?

[max_boost]

Smart move. Congrats and enjoy the new car!

[clem24]

Originally posted by Redlyne_mr2
GTI is a wicked choice, on the less expensive end of the spectrum how does the new mazda 3 gt fair?

You know a fully loaded Mazda3 hatch goes for $35k... :eek:

[Mitsu3000gt]

Originally posted by clem24


You know a fully loaded Mazda3 hatch goes for $35k... :eek:

Actually if you check every box on the GT hatch, they are $44,991.09 after tax, freight & PDE according to the website. Nooooooo thank you. I was looking at these earlier and they are WAY too much money for what you get, IMO. Granted some of those options you don't really need, but even mid-high $30's for one of those things is completely absurd with what else you can get for $35-40K. Taking off the options most people wouldn't bother with, it still comes in at $38,000 all in.

[asp integra]

GTI hands down, there is no comparison

[flipstah]

Nice choice on the MK7. I know several who test drove them and liked its handling.

[LUCKYSTRIKE]

Originally posted by three.eighteen.
Signed the lease for the GTI today.

what you too good for my gsr now? I see how it is...

[Aleks]

Originally posted by Mitsu3000gt


Actually if you check every box on the GT hatch, they are $44,991.09 after tax, freight & PDE according to the website. Nooooooo thank you. I was looking at these earlier and they are WAY too much money for what you get, IMO. Granted some of those options you don't really need, but even mid-high $30's for one of those things is completely absurd with what else you can get for $35-40K. Taking off the options most people wouldn't bother with, it still comes in at $38,000 all in.


When I build one It comes to $34,625 for GT with tech and luxury packs. That's the top of the line one. After that you can add 8 grand in body kits, remote engine starts, cargo trays, touch up pens etc, which you could do to any car.

[three.eighteen.]

Took delivery today...good lord is it wonderful to drive, so many features, dash is beautiful at night lol

[bigbadboss101]

Originally posted by three.eighteen.
Took delivery today...good lord is it wonderful to drive, so many features, dash is beautiful at night lol

Do you still have your GSR? Been thinking of getting an Integra lately.

[Shlade]

Should of checked out the focus ST.

I'm not just saying it because I'm partial to it but I test drove the GTI and focus ST and i felt it was much better and felt like it had more power.

Also to answer its $500 costco incentive on the focus.

Another thing... You pay more for GTI or Mazda speed 3 or other cars like Sti.. Manufacturers offer nothing for the owners. With the purchase of a focus st or fiesta st you go to Millersport motor park in Salt Lake City Utah for driver experience training...

That's included in your purchase price of your car. Only thing you pay for is your flight out there or you drive out there whatever.

Just a heads up for anybody thinking about one.. It has it's perks and it's a stupid fun car to drive
http://www.stoctaneacademy.com

[Aleks]

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/1406_2015_volkswagen_golf_gti_first_test/

Some very high praise in this article. Traps 100 mph pretty much stock it seems.

[three.eighteen.]

I did drive an ST, didn't like the ergonomics: seat too bolstered, shifter too far away, shit eating acceleration though. Also don't want to drive such a loud looking car.

[Darkane]

Originally posted by Aleks
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/1406_2015_volkswagen_golf_gti_first_test/

Some very high praise in this article. Traps 100 mph pretty much stock it seems.

Wow. The manual seems like one hell of a car!

Wonder why the dsg is so much slower.

[heavyD]

Originally posted by Darkane


Wow. The manual seems like one hell of a car!

Wonder why the dsg is so much slower.

I imagine the 121 lb weight penalty plays a role. Surprised that never dawned on the Motortrend guys that an extra 100+ lbs would affect acceleration somewhat.

[Darkane]

Originally posted by heavyD


I imagine the 121 lb weight penalty plays a role. Surprised that never dawned on the Motortrend guys that an extra 100+ lbs would affect acceleration somewhat.

I saw that. In the end the dsg should overcome the difference. Shifts are way quicker.

Super surprising because nowadays all autos are quicker. See corvettes, Porsche, bmw etc.

[Mibz]

Yeah, I'm with Darkane here. I could accept similar times, but they seem way off.

And 0.04g less? 4% weight increase should not remove 4% of lateral grip, should it?

[Darkane]

On a side note: Can anyone tell me why all the extra Fees when you build a GTi at vw.ca?

A 5 door comes out to 39K.

Fees/Taxes are 4900 AND Freight is 1400.

:dunno:

[Aleks]

Originally posted by Darkane
On a side note: Can anyone tell me why all the extra Fees when you build a GTi at vw.ca?

A 5 door comes out to 39K.

Fees/Taxes are 4900 AND Freight is 1400.

:dunno:

Change province to Alberta under payment estimator tab.

[Darkane]

Originally posted by Aleks


Change province to Alberta under payment estimator tab.

I've been thwarted again.

Thanks dude lol :banghead:

[Mitsu3000gt]

Originally posted by Aleks



When I build one It comes to $34,625 for GT with tech and luxury packs. That's the top of the line one. After that you can add 8 grand in body kits, remote engine starts, cargo trays, touch up pens etc, which you could do to any car.

Yup, that's pretty much what I said :dunno:.

At $38K OTD that is a giant rip off IMO, unless I had the wrong province selected like everyone else :rofl:

[Mibz]

Originally posted by Aleks
Change province to Alberta under payment estimator tab. You should probably just make that your sig.