VW Golf GTI vs: Acura Integra Type R

[Porsche]

I would think the Acura would win but, I'd take the Golf for it's German Engineering.

[texan]

I would take the ITR any day (and I assume you are comparing it against the GTI VR6, since the 150hp 1.8L is really underpowered for this comparo). German engineering means nothing to me when it doesn't make the car "feel" superior, and in my opinion about the only things the Golf has going for it here is good low end power from a good engine and a really classy interior. Other than that, it's outclassed in all driving dynamics, performance, feel and perceived build quality (for instance, there are few cars at any price matching the Type R's chassis stiffness). The GTI feels much more nose heavy, doesn't have half as good a suspension setup (too much float and understeer), a still-shoddy shift mechanism (though it's much better than the old Corrado VR6 shifter), a soft chassis, less fade resistant brakes, greasy all-season tires, and weighty but uncommunicative steering feel. It also doesn't have a limtied slip differential available, which is a big minus with either of it's torquey motors. If that's what people are calling superior German Engineering these days, make mine an ITR .

PS- I do very much like the Golf, but it's superiority factor as a German car is just way overrated today. But that's just my 02 cents, I could be wrong.

[GOD]

Are you kidding me comparing a Integra Type R to a VW .......hahahahahahahahah i think this is a JOKE ...the ITR is not some Civic Si its a car made for the race track ...tuned out of the factory . For this kind of insult i shall give you this this is how i feel about the GOLF

[GOD]

Oh yeah one last thing ....this is what I will do if someone compares a VW Golf to an ITR

[texan]

I wouldn't say it's that ridiculous a comparison God, the cars are mostly very similar. They have similar performance (let's be honest here, is a 1/2 second difference in 0-60 times THAT big a deal???), similar pricing, similar technical specs and design layout, and they are a similar size. But when it comes to performance the ITR is the clear winner, but then again not everyone buying a car is interested in pure performance. That's why I bought my Prelude Sh instead of the ITR (of course now I want something with a real edge to it, which is why I have my eye on the S2000). Anyways, my point is the ITR isn't so all-conquering over the VW that it doesn't deserve comparison with it.

[Porsche]

I was referring to the VR6 model. Hey GOD, just remeber VW is essentially Porsche and don't go there. Porsche's research dips into VW and vice versa, I'm not trying to start something but, that is what I call German Engineering. :bandit:

[texan]

just to be devil's advocate here, I must point out that by your thinking Porsche is in fact essentially VW, not the other way around . BTW, where in your opinion is the superiority of German engineering evident in the Golf VR6?

[Porsche]

I called Porsche German Engineering, VW is to but a different kind. It's more of persoanl preference to me.

[flylwsi]

um.... vw and porsche engineering overlap only in an suv

and the old beetle.

yes they are both german, but there is no tie b/n the two companies except for the suv.
i would love to have the vw, it has been a car i have wanted for a while... and the vr6 is badass.
that is awesome engineering... small size, big power... get that out of the itr. oh, high hp, lowass tq... vs the 180ish for hp and tq for the vw...
and they handle really well for a road going car

if your itr is track designed, then the vw is for the autobahn...
either is nice, but i prefer the luxo interior of the vw

also... for a street minded car and a track car, that street minded car isnt alll that far behind that "race track design oriented" car:licker:

[bassik277]

If you were comparing the upcoming 2002 GTI with 201 horsepower and a 6 speed manual then it would be an extremely close battle and in my opinion I would chose the GTI but since you are comparing the 175 horwepower GTI then the Type R would win in performance but I still like the looks and quality of the GTI much more

[Racing Rice]

Straight line racing I would have to give it to the Grunt of the VR6 (If thats the GTR you were talking about)

Road Racing I would have to say the TypeR since thats what its made for.