My friends looking into buying one of the two, but has asked which one would you go with between a Si or a Gti.. any opinions?

SI.... VW seems to have some problems and reliabilty issues. I almost got a VW Rabbit my self but ended up getting a Civic EXL. My cousines GF has a VW and she hates it. But this is my .02 cents.....

I'd say GTI. It just seems to be a step up over the Civic Si. It has more advanced powertrain technologies, a much more refined exterior/interior, and looks better in my opinion.

The engine itself is more sophisticated...FSI direct injection and turbo (which can easily be unleashed via apr/giac), 1,800rpm delivers all of the torque, which is a vastly different experience than the Civic. It also comes available with the excellent dual-clutch DSG gearbox. That last feature is enough reason to choose it. The interior's classy and elegant looking, high quality, more features (standard xenon, led turn signals, etc.). Also, the Si is plauged with light, overboosted steering, not uncommon in most new Hondas, which is a bit of a let down.

Reliability? vw pays for everything for 3 years. I'd take the gti, more sophisticated, less peaky, and is stupid fun to drive. Plus it just feels like it's a more expensive car. Honestly though, I'd wait for the 2010 mk6 gti.

I think you're more biased to VW of course. lol

If you want longevity, then the Si would be the best. But if you aren't keeping it long, then the GTI would be more appealing.

I would get the VW because I don't like torqueless engines like the SI's and also because I'm lazy, so I prefer automatic transmissions, and the SI doesn't offer an automatic transmission. And even if Honda ever offers an automatic SI, VW's 6 speed DSG transmission is light years ahead of Honda's automatic transmissions.

MazdaSpeed 3. Will eat both cars alive all day long.

The GTI is a better car, but the SI will be more reliable. Just depends on what you want, but don't kid yourself, the GTI is a better car.

The GTI offers more cargo capacity with and without the seats folded as well as more legroom in the rear compartment. You also have access to a multitude of hi-lux features. Hatchbacks always give you packing options that a you can't find in a simple trunk. Both cars run on premium, but the GTI is expected to deliver better fuel economy. Both cars offer near 200bhp, but the GTI's overwhelming torque advantage (+69 lb ft) will offer you real world passing maneuvers that Civic Si owners dream about. Take it on home, Volkswagen.

Audi TT v. GTi v. 135i
So can it really be as exciting to drive? In a word, yes. The suspension is every bit as well set up as the Audi’s, delivering a near-perfect blend of ride comfort and handling ability. The steering wheel isn’t only great to hold, but provides more detailed feedback than the BMW’s. And although the front-drive layout means the Golf doesn’t put its power down as well as its rivals, it’s superbly balanced, responsive and entertaining."

GTI for the engine alone, its good enough to be in the Passat, Audi A3, A4 and TT. When I drove it the real power came on at 3500 rpm. Can you say that about the SI? Perhaps at 6k rpm you can feel the VTEC hit. But do you want to do that all the time, it sounds like way too much work to me.

GTI all the way, it just more refined

gti :thmsup:

si!

yes, GTI has more torque. and DSG, if you're into that sort of thing.

but nothing compares to the rush of a prominent VTEC crossover, spinning the engine to its 8000+ rpm rev limit and snicking through the slick 6 speed manual.

it all depends on what you're after. torque is definitely nice, but its not necessarily fun.

They are worlds apart in how their engines perform, and how they behave in straight lines, and corners.

I believe you should take a test drive, of both, andreach the necessary conclusion in the light of that.

Good luck, and let us know which cake you nibble out of! Japanese or German!

i'd have to say Si. mazdaspeed3 r slow there were a few at the local track running 14's

i'd have to say Si. mazdaspeed3 r slow there were a few at the local track running 14's

Are you kidding? Car and Driver tested these cars recently - Mazdaspeed3 ran a 14.0 and the Si was at 15.1 in the 1/4.

I almost pulled the trigger on a GTI, was months into the decision but in the end two factors came in to not do it.

1. Over 5 grand more to not buy my AV6's lease and purchase a new GTI
2. No 4 cylinder sounds as good to my ears as a V6 or inline 6.

i say Si, especially since i almost bought one. the new facelift Si looks even more incredible than ever.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3017/2976169675_505659f738_o.jpg

Keep in mind one can debate the merits of the torque v. no torque argument, but in terms of refinement, the Civic doesn't come close. The exterior is higher quality (tighter gaps, better paint, fully galvanized underbody), the doors shut with a more solid thud, and the interior could be sourced from a much more expensive Audi. No contest, and the GTI comes available with a lot of luxury features not available on the Civic (or any Honda for that matter).

Also, the DSG means you have launch mode. State of the art technology, in addition to the highly sophisticated direct injection 2.0T. Once again, the real innovations in this segment aren't from the Japanese or Honda, they're from the Germans. Say whatever you will about their reliability, but they are constantly pushing the boundaries. When Honda and Toyota start equipping Civics and Corollas with adaptive radar cruise, lane departure, self parking, LED lighting, direct injection, dual clutch transmissions, unparalleled luxury features - then maybe they'll have a chance at setting class standards. Until then, the Golf will be the benchmark for small cars, as it has been for the last decade.

again, its all what you're looking for in a car. GTI may be better refined and better put together, but that does not mean its the "better" car. many enthusiasts will appreciate and prefer the rawness that the Si, RSX-S, S2000, etc deliver vs the more no-compromise approach of the GTI.

for the price of a GTI though, i'd much rather get a mazdaspeed3. 260hp 280tq for $23k is by far the best bang for the buck in the sport compact segment.

$600

http://www.goapr.com/VW/products/images/dyno_mkvgti_20t_93_clean.jpg
:D

Drive them both and see which appeals more to you. Numbers don't always tell the whole story. Personally I prefer the Si. It may not be quicker with raw numbers but its a much more entertaining drive IMO. Admittedly I've only had limited seat time in a GTi but the Civic's dynamics appeal to me more. The engine howls, the exhaust pops in the upper rev range, and the shifting is quick and sharp.

And maybe most importantly, sometimes when the car isn't as fast or quite as grippy as you might like it to be - get this - driver skill comes to the forefront. Competence breeds boredom sometimes. If a car can accelerate in the blink of an eye and corner at 1G+, it makes everyday driving boring and innocuous. Gimme a Corvette ZR1 and what fun is it if an exit ramp at 75mph feels like you're sitting still? Partly the reason why my 08 Coupe has been boring me.

That's also why I enjoyed driving my 91 Civic Wagon as much as the Prelude. My moves had to be calculated, I had to be aware of the road and conditions around me. It's Honda's fault for putting the CRX Si's engine in it. :biggrin: The Wagon thought it was a rocket. A tall, slow, tippy at the limits rocket, but a rocket none the less and a total hoot to drive.