2019 Jetta GLI vs 2019 Civic Si

MaxPower

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You said it. I looked at Truecar for a GLI Autobahn manual. MSRP is $30000. Market average is right at $27.5... so it sounds like there's quite a bit of room to work. For just the GLI S it's market average is $24.5, about what the Sis MSRP is... admittedly more than most of our OTD prices are, but still with that strong 2.0 that I bet APR does or will offer a reflash to match CTR power levels for peanuts.

It kind of no surprise honestly... the Civics a great car but has been out a few years and the other makers are putting out some solid competition. Honda would be a hard sell for me at this point. I would probably be working hard on a deal on that Autobahn. I put a lot into a good seat and if it feels great and has memory presents and heating plus vent... that alone would be worth some extra coin to me.

A lot of us wanted a K20C1 or C4... something in a Si... or wanted an R lite. I think VW has a pretty enticing daily that can get you that power with a reflash alone for slightly more than Si money... or something damn well equipped for 1/2 way in-between Si and CTR money. There's been some noise about Veloseters Ns settling between the Si and CTRs price point... but this looks like a *lot* more car for the money. I've never gotten the love those gave gotten.

I don't get down when there's good competition and wonder what if I'd waited a year or two to get that instead of what I have. It means things on the car landscape are just moving along as they should. I do know, though... if Honda sits around and repackages our same powertrain in the gen 11 Si... they're probably going to get a repeat of gen 9. We're making the most if it... and it is very efficient... but it doesn't wow me in it's stock form at all.

I also haven't owned a VW yet and feel like my car-enthusiast experience is incomplete without having done so... even if it ultimately isn't that great and my first is my last.
I know this is a relatively old post, but I'm currently cross-shopping the Si vs the GLI/GTI, and thus far, these comments sum up exactly how I feel. Even the last one: every time I consider buying a car, I look carefully at VWs...but I've never owned one, and I feel like I should. I'm well aware of the potential reliability issues (especially as compared to Honda), but the MK7 VWs seem to be somewhat better than other models. I've always wanted a GTI, but a sedan seems to fit my needs a little better.

I've owned my current car (Saabaru Aero) for a very long time (bought it new back in 2005), because it's done everything I need it to do, without fail. It's truly been a terrific car. But after 14 years I think I'm about ready to move on. I've looked carefully at the Si over the past couple years, and the 2020 is the most appealing package to me thus far. I like the additions of LEDs & Sensing. But last time I seriously looked at it, the GLI (in its current GTI-esque form) didn't exist. And man, it's a really appealing package at the price point.

I'm leaning more toward GTI than GLI now, having read about all the little cost cutting things they did to the GLI (removed rear vents, extending center armrest, glove compartment light, secret compartment under the seat etc etc). When the GTI is going for $5k off it's only $3k more than the GLI - but now GLI Autobahns are going for $26k. Damn that's tempting. 2020 GLI Autobahn gets DCC and wireless charging but loses the 6 year warranty.

I will definitely test drive an Si though, just wish it was a hatchback.
I've been trying to figure out exactly where the GLI and GTI differ (aside from the obvious, like body panels). They have the same powertrain/go-fast bits (engine, transmission, diff, brakes), drive/perform similarly, and have many of the same options. Apparently the suspensions are different (or at least tuned differently), and I'm aware of a few of the cost-cutting measures (some hard plastics, and as you mentioned: rear vents, armrest, glove box light). What else? Anything of note? I figure there must be something else, considering the significant price difference. I'd be looking at the Autobahn, which seems like a pretty loaded package. Just wondering what I'd be missing out on versus a GTI.
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I know this is a relatively old post, but I'm currently cross-shopping the Si vs the GLI/GTI, and thus far, these comments sum up exactly how I feel. Even the last one: every time I consider buying a car, I look carefully at VWs...but I've never owned one, and I feel like I should. I'm well aware of the potential reliability issues (especially as compared to Honda), but the MK7 VWs seem to be somewhat better than other models. I've always wanted a GTI, but a sedan seems to fit my needs a little better.

I've owned my current car (Saabaru Aero) for a very long time (bought it new back in 2005), because it's done everything I need it to do, without fail. It's truly been a terrific car. But after 14 years I think I'm about ready to move on. I've looked carefully at the Si over the past couple years, and the 2020 is the most appealing package to me thus far. I like the additions of LEDs & Sensing. But last time I seriously looked at it, the GLI (in its current GTI-esque form) didn't exist. And man, it's a really appealing package at the price point.



I've been trying to figure out exactly where the GLI and GTI differ (aside from the obvious, like body panels). They have the same powertrain/go-fast bits (engine, transmission, diff, brakes), drive/perform similarly, and have many of the same options. Apparently the suspensions are different (or at least tuned differently), and I'm aware of a few of the cost-cutting measures (some hard plastics, and as you mentioned: rear vents, armrest, glove box light). What else? Anything of note? I figure there must be something else, considering the significant price difference. I'd be looking at the Autobahn, which seems like a pretty loaded package. Just wondering what I'd be missing out on versus a GTI.
I considered the SAAB aero back in the day, i remember the critics said that it was an improved WRX. Excellent choice.
For your next car, im surprise You don’t want to continue with AWD car?
 

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The appeal for the GLI to me was in (from what I saw) there looked to be significantly more rear passenger room. If this isn't needed... and I'm assuming the GTI may have a shorter wheelbase, it might be a bit more fun and darty to drive.

Them dropping their 6 year 72k warranty for just 4 year 50k was a good hit to my confidence in their product. I still, inevitably would get a VW someday... but it'll likely be a well-used one and the car will be gone over by a fine-toothed comb to see if it's got issues to the best of my ability. Since I do all my own maintenance and the closest VW dealer is a good 45 min away... them providing 2 years free maintenance as a consolation prize is worthless to me.

I looked for one of those SAABs 10+ years ago and couldn't ever find one in WA or NY... where I was living around then. They seemed cool but were a unicorn so far as I could tell.
 
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MaxPower

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I considered the SAAB aero back in the day, i remember the critics said that it was an improved WRX. Excellent choice.
For your next car, im surprise You don’t want to continue with AWD car?
Correct. The 9-2x is mechanically identical to a WRX, with a few differences: STI steering rack, better soundproofing, and some options that Subaru didn't offer at the time (notably two-tone leather & HIDs). Sheet metal differs too...I think the Saab looks better, but ymmv on that. Unsurprisingly, performance is exactly like a WRX, as is reliability. I've never modded my car nor beaten the hell out of it, and it's been rock-solid for me. Just minor issues here and there, and zero engine problems. My least favorite thing about it is the fuel economy. I get around 21mpg.

Yeah...all things being equal, I'd prefer AWD, but it isn't critical depending on the rest of the package. Our other car (2017 CRV) is AWD anyway. I'm trying to stay around $25k - $30k and there just aren't a lot of sporty 6MT AWD alternatives in that price range. Don't really want to go with a WRX (in part because that's basically what I have now), and that leaves...I don't even know. Given the lack of options, I'm fine with FWD.

The appeal for the GLI to me was in (from what I saw) there looked to be significantly more rear passenger room. If this isn't needed... and I'm assuming the GTI may have a shorter wheelbase, it might be a bit more fun and darty to drive.

Them dropping their 6 year 72k warranty for just 4 year 50k was a good hit to my confidence in their product. I still, inevitably would get a VW someday... but it'll likely be a well-used one and the car will be gone over by a fine-toothed comb to see if it's got issues to the best of my ability. Since I do all my own maintenance and the closest VW dealer is a good 45 min away... them providing 2 years free maintenance as a consolation prize is worthless to me.

I looked for one of those SAABs 10+ years ago and couldn't ever find one in WA or NY... where I was living around then. They seemed cool but were a unicorn so far as I could tell.
The warranty change sucks, I agree. In theory, I could still find a 2019 and get the 6/72, but I'd probably have to move on that quickly and I'm not sure I'm quite ready to pull the trigger. And yes, unicorn is an apt description of the 9-2x. I haven't seen another one on the road in months. Saab didn't make very many, and only two model years (05 & 06). Plus they had a hell of a time selling them. Saab aficionados knew it wasn't a "real" Saab and thus had little interest...meanwhile, sticker was a solid $10k higher than a comparable WRX, so Subaru fans were uninterested. I got mine just after Saab announced some huge discounts. I think it was a $7k dealer incentive? All told I got mine for less than a loaded WRX. I want to say it was around $21k. And at this point, I can safely say I've gotten my money's worth.
 

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I've been trying to figure out exactly where the GLI and GTI differ (aside from the obvious, like body panels). They have the same powertrain/go-fast bits (engine, transmission, diff, brakes), drive/perform similarly, and have many of the same options. Apparently the suspensions are different (or at least tuned differently), and I'm aware of a few of the cost-cutting measures (some hard plastics, and as you mentioned: rear vents, armrest, glove box light). What else? Anything of note? I figure there must be something else, considering the significant price difference. I'd be looking at the Autobahn, which seems like a pretty loaded package. Just wondering what I'd be missing out on versus a GTI.
The GTI has sport seats, the GLI has the leather seats from the Jetta SEL. The GTI's leather is softer, probably a little higher quality.
The GTI has a few extra technology features like Park Assist, Light Assist, rear cross traffic etc.
The GLI has digital cockpit and you can select the interior lighting color, which is kind of cool, my kids would like that. GTI is only red.
GLI is Beats Audio, GTI is Fender. It's probably the same hardware just tuned differently.
 


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Not sure if this has been mentioned yet or not, but there are a lot reports of GTIs stalling on their own at low and high speed. VW is buying the affected cars back, as it's a major safety issue and they've not yet been able to find the cause. Last I checked anyway. I don't know if the same is happening with the GLI, but it's definitely something worth looking into.

Prior to the 2019 MY, the mk7 platform was incredibly reliable. I owned a 2015 GTI for 2 years, including some track usage, and never had a single issue with it. I also never noticed any major issues being reported on the boards, again until 2019. That said though, the GTI was boring to drive, I imagine the GLI would be even more so.
 
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VarmintCong

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Not sure if this has been mentioned yet or not, but there are a lot reports of GTIs stalling on their own at low and high speed. VW is buying the affected cars back, as it's a major safety issue and they've not yet been able to find the cause. Last I checked anyway. I don't know if the same is happening with the GLI, but it's definitely something worth looking into.

Prior to the 2019 MY, the mk7 platform was incredibly reliable. I owned a 2015 GTI for 2 years, including some track usage, and never had a single issue with it. I also never noticed any major issues being reported on the boards, again until 2019. That said though, the GTI was boring to drive, I imagine the GLI would be even more so.
GTI is sort of the opposite of the Fiesta ST, which I drove and was raw and felt like 90s cars (in a good way, before all feel was refined out of cars). GTI buyers wouldn't like the Fiesta ST I think and ditto the reverse. I would totally have bought a Fiesta ST back when I was young and single. Now I'm old and with kids and the GTI/GLI suits me.
 

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VWs are notorious for Valve coaking. Guarantee the Civic won’t develop that problem.
 

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Not sure if this has been mentioned yet or not, but there are a lot reports of GTIs stalling on their own at low and high speed. VW is buying the affected cars back, as it's a major safety issue and they've not yet been able to find the cause. Last I checked anyway. I don't know if the same is happening with the GLI, but it's definitely something worth looking into.

Prior to the 2019 MY, the mk7 platform was incredibly reliable. I owned a 2015 GTI for 2 years, including some track usage, and never had a single issue with it. I also never noticed any major issues being reported on the boards, again until 2019. That said though, the GTI was boring to drive, I imagine the GLI would be even more so.
I was just about to post about the stalling issue too. It appears from vwvortex posts that there are some people having the stalling problem with the GLI as well. It appears to only be affecting 2019 models (for both GTI and GLI), mainly manual transmission models, and as far as I can tell, VW has come up with neither an explanation nor a solution. Between that problem and cutting the 2020 warranty down to 50K miles, it's hard to have faith in VW. Even though, I must add, my 2016 1.8 has been rock solid to date.
 
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Last test in that channel... Civic Touring x Jetta GLI x Fusion Titanium AWD (4:53 min)



0-100km/h (0-62mph) and 0-400m
 


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I think the biggest difference between the GLI and the Si sedan is that the GLI has many more options and additional trim levels while the Si has virtually 0. While the complete name of my car is Honda-Civic-Si, the GLI requires a fourth label to know precisely what car it is; VW-Jetta-GLI-S/35th Edition/Autobahn. Undeniably, the interiors of the upper-trim GLIs are much more luxurious than the Si, but at that point you are nearing $30k and are they really comparable at that point? Correct me if I'm wrong, but pitting the Si against the base GLI S, the Si seems to have more standard features and still costs less than the cheapest GLI.
 

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I'd imagine the NVH is much better on the GLI vs the Si. My e46 cabrio with the top up has less interior noise than my Si at highway speeds.
 

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I'd imagine the NVH is much better on the GLI vs the Si. My e46 cabrio with the top up has less interior noise than my Si at highway speeds.
Test drove a GLI, finally. Some things surprised me - lot of wind noise on the highway. Maybe some plastic wrap or something so can't be sure of that. The seat from Jetta SEL isn't that comfortable, not like a GTI seat. I actually prefer my Sport's seat. The car feels big and a bit tall, and when you get on the gas in a slow corner, you feel kind of a weird scrabbling which I'd guess is the LSD. I've driven a FWD car with LSD before (2000 Type R, MazdaSpeed) and don't remember feeling that. It's not quite as bad as feeling torque steer or wheelspin, but felt kind of odd.

I didn't like the digital cockpit that much, not enough that it's a plus. Gauges are a big small and angled sort of downward. Some interior pieces seem real cheap, like you open the arm rest and it looks like the inside of an IKEA dresser. Power is great, engine sounds good, handles well, but it just feels a bit big and disconnected. It does NOT feel like the last BMW I owned (2004 330i). Overall I didn't love it, and I'd have to love it to risk VW reliability - like my BMWs - i LOVED those cars, so didn't mind the maintenance.

So Si or even a 2020 Sport is back ahead of VW in the running for me.
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