Quote:
Originally Posted by Sliver
Yeah, I am expecting that. It's not unreasonable at all. Look at the MazdaSpeed 3, a 135i, STI, a base model V6 Mustang ffs. The list goes on. Yes they handle well, but they're underpowered. Why wouldn't you want more power? They can handle it for sure (see Pylon's car).
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You can't compare the GTI to the STI and 135i, they are in totally different categories price wise (one being a good 8-9k more, and the other almost 15k!). The models you want to be comparing it to are the WRX (which is still 3-4k more and 270hp), and the 128i (again, 7k more so it doesnt really belong either, but still gets "only" 230hp). The Mazdaspeed is a good comparison, but that doesnt get close to 300 either....and the torque steer is out of control on that car (never mind the pokemon styling).
I agree the GTI could use more power, but I think for 29-30k you'd be hard-pressed to buy something with 300hp that isn't a muscle car (the Mustang is after all probably the best value out there), but that also has the handling and interior quality refinement of a GTI. At the end of the day, the Mustang and Subaru interiors are pretty mediocre, and the Mazda feels nowhere close to the almost Audi-spec refinement of the VW. Clearly, they spent some of the drivetrain development money on other elements...which is good or bad, depending on your viewpoint.
I like power, but I don't think it's the be all and end all of driver enjoyment. A car also has to look good, feel good, and handle well...and be within your price range. When I was in the market a few months back I actually test drove all the cars we mentioned above, and the GTI felt like the best overall value to me. I didn't end up with it (or any of these), but it wasn't for lack of hp.