Hey,

I am new to the forum and I do not own a Subaru, but I might be the owner of one in the very near future. I am trying to decide between the new 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX and the 2003 VW Jetta GLI. I like the Jetta GLI because the six-speed manual transmission is really hot (I test-drove one); shifts are quick and precise and the clutch is short. Although the Jetta is not as quick as the Impreza WRX overall, the bigger VR6 engine will have more torque at the lower rpm's and does not feel "sluggish" below 3k rpm's as I have heard with the WRX. The Jetta GLI also has leather seats (I like leather the best), a better stock stereo, and seems to have more features/luxury. The advantages of the Impreza WRX is firstly, the AWD; it enhances handling and is good for bad weather (it snows a fair amount in NJ). The Impreza WRX gets better fuel economy. Also, the WRX is a much higher performance vehicle all-around and is more reliable. As you can see, both vehicles have their pros and cons and I am very very confused. I know you guys will be biased, being a Subaru forum, but please tell me what you think, I respect your opinions! Thanks! :-)

 

All the way! THe only VW's I like are the old Beetles modified to a Stage Two!

 

Thanks for the responses. I feel like the Jetta is a nicer car with the leather seats and better sound system, etc. But at the same time AWD and 0-60 in 5.7 seconds is priceless. Of course, let me not leave out the superb breakes and suspension setup. =D

 

You need to find a good dealer that is able to do your car like you want it. Of course the WRX doesn't have a leather option but places like Irvine Subaru in Cali will take the REX you want and have it reopholstered in leather if you like. For a small fee of course. You should also find a dealer that has a good selection of aftermarket parts and supports the aftermarket performance customer. Really what I'm saying is that there are dealers out there that will do anything to your REX to make you buy it. You just need to shop around.

 

The Jetta is a great car if you want more comfort/luxery, and the V6 puts up a great argument for it. However when I am comparing cars like this I look for some obvious things to help me decide. The Jetta's torsion-beam rear axle suspension causes it to loose a lot of points with me. When you step up to that price range, a fully independent rear suspension isn't much to ask. I don't believe it is going to handle anywhere near the WRX. My mom has a 2001 VR6, and it is a very nice ride, but it doesn't handle great and FWD doesn't help add to the driving experience. Add to that VW's reputation for unrelability and I just couldn't choose it over the WRX.

I had to make a similar choise, and I never gave the Jetta a second look once I knew I could have a WRX. If you have to ask, maybe the WRX isn't for you.

 

Good points, Rev. You are completely correct on VW suspension. I drove the Jetta GLI (which features the sport suspension) and it has a pretty good ride, but the handling is flabby for a sport model. I also agree with you that FWD is not so great for the driving experience. But the thing is, the VR6 pulls so ridiculously hard, you do not mind that it is a FWD car. But I think I am going to go with the Subaru Impreza WRX. I found a dealership about two or three hours away from me that will do custom two-tone leather interior to the WRX for $1,200 and he has pretty good prices. All my friends are telling me to go for the Jetta, but I think I am going to go with the WRX because of the superior performance, superior reliability, and AWD. But I have to say, I have driven a lot of manual transmission cars before, and nothing was quite like this Jetta GLI's six-speed manual. Even BMW 3-series manual tranmission does not compare to this. Shifts are short and precise and it was just sooo much fun shifting ! See, now I am torn between the two cars again. :-(

 

Yeah, VW's are problem cars. When I got my '03 Jetta, during the first few weeks of ownership, my sunroof motor broke. Also, my overhead light console is a little messed up, but I will have them fix that when I take it in for its next service. On VWVortex forums, ridiculous people have problems with their window controls and the gas meters...blah, it's not worth it. I think I will go with a reliable Subi for once. :-)

 

Good idea. I test-drove the WRX once when it first came out...it was amazing, but it was sa brand-new WRX and the salesman kept telling me to upshift at like 3,500 rpm's. This time, I am gonna call ahead and make sure I will be test-driving one with at least 1K miles on it and hopefully the short shift kit.

 

Ride5000, read the posts man. I drove one once, but I did not get to whip it too hard. I remember that the ride was incredibly smooth with the 16" all-seasons on the highway and I took a 25mph highway exit ramp at 55mph and the tires only complained a bit. But I really wanted to see what the WRX could do as far as acceleration. That is why I am going to test-drive a WRX this Saturday. Also, that is a good point regarding the '03 WRX. Personally, I like the "bug-eye" headlights better than the new WRX headlights as well (it is more true to its rally car roots), but I do not want to drive an old-body WRX if it is a brand-new car. And I want a moonroof. ;-)