WRX or GLI
Yup, jolly poopbuggy
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 15,600
Likes: 0
From: Hampton, VA
Re: WRX or GLI
I'd say the GLI is a easier car to mod for power. You can do simple upgrades and get decent power or you can upgrade the turbo and make loads or power. On person on this board has been well over 400whp on a stock block. As far as handling goes, I can't really say. I know that the jetta can be made to handle well with a big rear sway bar and some coilovers or a cup kit.
VW reliabilty: none of my friends with mk4 vws have had a single problem other than the recalls for the coilpacks. I've personally owned two and have driven them very hard with no ill effect.
I'm not a WRX pro. All I know is from my friends. While they can make great power, I've hear of issues with the drivetrain. The stock tires are terrible and replacing them can go a long way to making the car handle better.
I'd say go test drive both and see what you like. Don't forget about the 24v vr6 jetta. They are awesome cars, but that may need another thread.
VW reliabilty: none of my friends with mk4 vws have had a single problem other than the recalls for the coilpacks. I've personally owned two and have driven them very hard with no ill effect.
I'm not a WRX pro. All I know is from my friends. While they can make great power, I've hear of issues with the drivetrain. The stock tires are terrible and replacing them can go a long way to making the car handle better.
I'd say go test drive both and see what you like. Don't forget about the 24v vr6 jetta. They are awesome cars, but that may need another thread.
Registered member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 0
Re: WRX or GLI
wrx, make me a decent offer, and mine is yours.
The trannys are fickle yes, but it all depends on who drove the car, and if your buying new then thats not an issue, i know of wrx's making over 300 to the wheels and the tranny holding fine (granted thats rwd) and i know of some that never made it near 300hp and exploded. + 1 for the wrx, every car has a weekness, every car has its ups and downs. I know the wrx is not cheap to make fast, but im not to sure about the gli
The trannys are fickle yes, but it all depends on who drove the car, and if your buying new then thats not an issue, i know of wrx's making over 300 to the wheels and the tranny holding fine (granted thats rwd) and i know of some that never made it near 300hp and exploded. + 1 for the wrx, every car has a weekness, every car has its ups and downs. I know the wrx is not cheap to make fast, but im not to sure about the gli
for being honest.
Ricky Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach
Re: WRX or GLI
well he needs a car for auto-x. i dont know much about vw's and how they handle so i cant say the wrx is better. i love driving my wrx in auto-x and everyday. you dont really need power mods so you can focus more on suspension. they handle well stock but with minor suspension upgrades and some better tires they handle real well. but thats only my opinion and what a lot of people have done for auto-x. some dont even lower them. but thats all i know i suppose....
wub wub wub wub
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 19,724
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Re: WRX or GLI
I admit to being biased, but I personally would get the GLI. There's nothing more fun than being on 3 wheels.. 
The WRX is a great car, and I have to admit... but a 1.8T powerplant is so cheap to modify and make reasonable power. You don't have the option of AWD, but AWD isn't all it's cracked up to be IMO; There are pro's and con's to that just as there are with anything else. If you want an AWD Jetta, UndergroundVWParts in Florida is building an R32 Jetta.. AWD, 3.2L.... yum!
The WRX is a great car, and I have to admit... but a 1.8T powerplant is so cheap to modify and make reasonable power. You don't have the option of AWD, but AWD isn't all it's cracked up to be IMO; There are pro's and con's to that just as there are with anything else. If you want an AWD Jetta, UndergroundVWParts in Florida is building an R32 Jetta.. AWD, 3.2L.... yum!
