Honda FIT Sport AT vs VW GTI w/DSG seems like a odd comparison but I could get a Fit and drop a bevy of after market parts and most likely kill my warranty which I like to keep as long as possible.

Now the VW GTI on the other hand seems to have almost everything I want excluding the fact in needs premium gas and its fuel economy isn't as great as the Fit but looking around the Fit seems to have a problem living up to Honda's spewing of fuel efficiency.

Things the fit sport should have had on the base models like 4-disc and seat height adjustment and a more powerful engine even in the slightest bit. Armrest & Dead pedal seems to be missing, Im a A-hole when it comes to these things.

Other cars I've looked into:
Honda Civic EX Coupe
Mazda 3 Sport GT
Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (Sedan & Wagon)
Nissan Versa SL
VW Jetta & Rabbit (along w/VW TDIs)
Acura CSX & RSX
Subaru Impreza (Sedan & Wagon)
Mini Cooper S
and a bunch of others

Price range is around $34,000CAN w/$7000 down and finance for 60months don't really want to pay more then $500ish a month.

Any help will be appreciated unfortunately I can only drive *cough* AT, manual is to involved for me especially during the daily commute to and from work in stop and go traffic.

I currently am driving a 02 Saturn SL2 AT :o got it for free at least had is since it was new put a good 85000km on it been giving me good fuel economy on the hwy anyway. The main reason I want a new car is my brother get zee handmedown saturn and I get a new car only catch is I have to pay for it and the insurance my self.

 

A better comparison would be Honda CIVIC 2 door Si vs VW GTI

2006 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Base price: $21,990 plus destination
Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter in-line four, 200 hp/207 lb-ft
Transmission: Six-speed manual or optional six-speed DSG sequential automated gearbox, front-wheel drive
Length x width x height: 165.8 x 69.3 x 58.4 in
Wheelbase: 101.5 in
Weight: 3308 lb (manual); 3352 lb (DSG)
Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): 23/32 mpg (manual); 25/31 mpg (DSG)
Safety equipment: Front, side, and side-curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control


Major standard equipment: Sports suspension; 17-inch alloy wheels; sports seats and steering wheel; six-CD stereo; climate control
Warranty: Four years/50,000 miles

VS
2007 Honda Fit
Price: est. $13,500 base, $15,500 as tested
Engine: 1.5-liter in-line four, 109 hp/105 lb-ft
Drivetrain: Five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive
Length x width x height: 157.4 x 66.2 x 60.0 in
Wheelbase: 96.5 in
Curb weight: 2432
Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): 33/38 mpg
Safety equipment: Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution; dual front airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags, side-curtain airbags
Major standard equipment: Air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, tilt steering, rear wiper/washer/defrost, tinted glass, four-speaker AM/FM/CD sound with speed-sensitive volume control
Warranty: Three years/36,000 miles

The FIT Sport is not a 200 HP Turbocharged $22000 USD sportscar.

You might want to check how much a GTI is to insure and realize it has VW reliability NOT Honda reliability.

The thing I like about the FIT is it's versatility for hauling stuff or people.
As a two door the GTI is closer to a MINI or Civic Si or similar coupe.
The FIT is more of a sleeper, it's half as powered and 920 pounds! lighter so it's agile and fun enough to drive but also good on gas that isn't premium.

My co-worker and I were talking today and his Infinity SUV takes $60 in premium gas to fill each week for a simple 10 minute drive to and from work each day. YIKES! :eek: No thanks. Don't buy that kind of car if you are worried about the gas bill folks.

For some fun try looking in the used car ads for a 2004 MINI cooper S automatic transmission about 30,000 miles. Should be about $22,000 USD.

 

The GTI is pretty amazing and in a different class than the FIT. The DSG transmission is the most amazing automatic I've ever driven and I'm pretty critical of automatics--the Audi S4 included.

The transmission alone would decide it for me (if I bought automatics).

Buying the GTI is a no-brainer if the numbers work for you. The FIT was/is the right tool for the job 60% of the time and the GTI is the right tool the other 40%. Does the FIT win? It's up to you. Will it cost less to drive--yes. If someone threw a GTI and a FIT key on the table, which one would you pick up?

GTI advantages--power/torque and a biggies for me--limited slip differential and better brakes. For you, the DSG transmission is a revelation--the damned thing blips the throttle on downshifts!

I have a deposit down on a FIT but I'm leaning towards a manual GTI for its fun to drive quotient. I will drive the FIT before I decide, however.

Cheers,

--Kevin
Sonoma County, CA

 

This is a pretty bizarre comparison.

Why not compare the Fit against the CBR600RR next?

 

Do consider the cost of insurance, gas, repairs, etc.. those adds up quite a bit!
But since you have to get "a tranny that automatically shifts for you"... nothing else beats DSG. Notice I didn't say Automatic.. as I don't think that DSG is considered an Automatic.. I think of it as a Manual Transmission with TWWWOOOOO automatic clutches!

PS. GTI dosent' have an LSD :P

 

FYI--I double-checked and the GTI does have a limited slip differential . . .

From Edmunds:

The GTI comes standard with a flurry of electronic controls which, presumably, drive up its price. Antilock brakes, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Anti-Slip Regulation, Electronic Differential Lock and Electronic Stabilization Program.

The electronic differential lock is limited slip--as Audis use the same system.

I agree that the GTI clearly costs more initially and will cost more in the long run as well. I wouldn't want to replace a DSG, that's for sure.

--Kevin

 

yeah i'd take the VW

 

Wide range of comparisons aimed at different market segments......why not add MazdaSpeed 3 into the mix?

 

A-u-t-o-m-a-t-i-c

Well thanks but no thanks to save some cash I've decided on the medium and going with a 06 or 07 Civic EX coupe. But slight chance I may get a FIT if there is one is available in Sport AT Gray.

 

odd comparison, but if I had the choice, VW GTI w/ DSG (since you only drive A/T :p). The paddle shifters are lightning fast, just as quick, if not faster than a manual tranny. Price difference is like $10,000 though haha..

 

fit > VW GTI

 

I totally missed this thread, but anyways, the "electronic differential lock" is not a real LSD. Its just ASR (anti-slip regulation / acceleration slip regulation) and it cuts power / apply brakes to the front wheels that are slipping. The new civic SI on the other hand, has a real LSD.

But of course.. correct me if im wrong.

 

Both good cars, the gti is amazing, but it's got volkswagens famous (lack of) reliablity. I'd go with the fit out of these 2.

I drive a scion xb myself, an 04, 85k miles on it, ZERO problems so far except for the windshield being a bug slaugterer :D

I'd also do what the other guy said, look into a used mini s, i'd consider one of those too, small...quick, go-cart handling and mucho de fun-o! :cool:

 

You are correct sir...


Yeah, um...if you have more hp/tq, you're going to need better brakes. That comment doesn't make any sense. The Fit's brakes are adequate for the type of car it is. You can't compare the $24,000 USD GTI's braking system to a $14,000 Fit's in the first place....

And DSG is *thumbs down*.....maybe I'm just biased towards manuals, but the DSG GTI I drove extensively did nothing for me. I tried to like it like everyone keeps raving, but in all honesty, I found the damn thing quite boring...which is why I bought the Civic Si.

 

DAMM if you have to ask, you're in trouble:mad: :D

 

Hi, guys. I'm new on the boards, and thinking of getting rid of my GTI for a Fit. :)

How do they compare ? I don't think they do, they're obviously playing in a different league. I've got an '06 GTI with DSG transmission, 25k miles on it, so I've clocked enough miles to know the car well. The strongest point is the engine, very smooth and willing with plenty of torque. DSG ? Ho hum. Also very smooth, but like the previous poster, I find it very uninvolving. All my previous cars have been manual and I miss it.

The chassis is capable, but it's more latent capability (see this month's Sport Compact Car for what the car can do when properly tuned) than good right out of the box. The car feels nimble enough up to about 7/10, but when you really start to push, the stock suspension set-up is too soft, with a lot of nosedive under hard braking.

Quality ? A lot are dissing VW on this account, but I've had no problems with it. The car has a solid, well-built feel to it.

To sum up, a refined sport compact but just a bit lacking in visceral driving excitement. Plenty of tuning potential, but then you're talking about another $4-5k to really bring out the beast in it.

 

You know that VW is one of poorest rated cars, in terms of reliabilty.
So yeah it looks good with all the gizmos, but after they start breaking, lets hear the VWtalk

 

I didn't post to this thread to brag about VW, I did it to offer my experience with it.

If I based all my decisions in life based on surveys and ratings, what a timid existance that would be. I'm a firm believer in the power of collective wisdom, but when it comes to reliability ratings of today's cars it's a matter of small degree. Nobody is building crapwagons like the Yugo or Chevy Vega these days. As I said, 25k miles on the GTI, no problems. How long can the car keep it up ? Who knows, but it's obviously no lemon.

As I said, I'm probably going to get a Fit. The GTI gets decent mileage, has decent performance, but it's a compromise for me. I commute 700 miles a week: I need a car with good mileage and which runs on regular fuel, but still gives driving pleasure.

 

Insurance is another matter. Many sporty small cars have higher rates. The FIT is pretty good.

VW reliability is reflected in the Consumer reports ratings and is based on owner's reporting of problems. I have found them to be fairly accurate but your individual results may vary. Honda is not perfect across the boards either. My Odyssey van has electronic and transmission trouble over and over. All covered under warranty but it's a hassle. So far my new CIVIC and FIT have done well.

Since you are commuting big time consider those cars that give super gas mileage. Reason is if gas prices soar you will be a big winner. If you pick something that doesn't give you that good mpg then your mileage will be a big source of increasing your travel budget.

Hybrids are worth a look- a tax break helps but varies with the model you choose. Prius doesn't have as good rebates and the Civic Hybrid. Non hybrid high mpg cars are worth a look as well. The FIT isn't that good more like 32 to 35 mpg in the real world.

VW TDI worth a look. Hopefully diesel prices are stable enough. Do you drive manual transmission?

Top 10 for mpg
1 Honda Insight MT 60-66, CVT 57/56 73 HP/ 79 Torque
2 Honda Civic hybrid CVT 49/51 110 HP/ 123 Torque
3 Toyota Prius 60/51 110 HP/82 Torque
4 VW Golf GLS TDI 37/44 100 HP/ 177 Torque
5 VW New Beetle TDI 37/44 100 HP/ 177 Torque
6 Toyota Corolla 32/41 126 HP/122 Torque
7 VW Jetta TDI 36/41 100 HP/ 177 Torque
8 Honda Civic Coupe/Sedan Auto 30/40 140 HP/128 Torque
9 Toyota Yaris 34/40 106 HP/ 103 Torque
10 Honda Civic Coupe/Sedan Manual 30/38 140 HP/128 Torque

By Comparison
Honda FIT Base Manual 33/38
Honda FIT Base Auto 31/38
Honda FIT Sport Manual 33/38
Honda FIT Sport Auto 31/37
109 HP/ 105 Torque

For fun to drive the VW TDIs are probably good. More torque helps.
Many of these Higher mpg cars like punch. They are more for hwy cruising.
If the FIT comes as a hybrid later that would be great but it might lack power which is already pretty marginal.

If I had to pick a car for higher mpg-
Toyota Yaris over Corolla- newer design/styling. Corolla more conservative and luxury but still solid.
Honda Civic coupe- Nice styling, not enough space in the rear for people- consider the sedan if needed, good power/ good in either the auto or manual transmission.

The FIT is superior for hauling, is fun to drive, gives good mpg but not great, looks modern and handles very well. Bad part for you is in California it's no secret and in short supply. Shop carefully to get a decent price.

 

Thanks for the thoughtful and useful response, MINI-Fit. Yeah, manual is my preference but I don't think TDI can be sold in California. Good high mileage list, though there's little or nothing on it which excites my driving fancy. I guess I have to be honest and admit, if it's a dull driver I'm not that interested.

I went down to the Honda dealer today and took a look at the Fit. I was very impressed by what you get for the money (ignoring the dealer's goofy $3k markup, which I would never pay.) Problem is, I'm nearly 6'3" with a long inseam. When I push the seat back far enough to gain sufficient legroom, the wheel is too far away. Without a telescoping wheel, the Fit's driving position is a deal breaker for me. Oh, well.