Civic type R vs mk5 golf gti

R

Rob_benton

Member
 Bedfordshire
Hi

I need to get a 4 seater to replace my 3.0 Z4 for the same sort of money. (Approx £5k)

I think I've narrowed it down to the Honda around 57 plate and Vw around 55 plate but haven't driven them yet.

The civic seems best value for money but the reviews are mostly negative with the ride and engine.

Has anyone owned either car ?

Thanks
 
go for something newer with less power. ford focus is your best bet.

with your budget being an issue avoid the VW, expensive bills. Both are boy racer cars and will have been thrashed.
 
ive owned a Golf Gti of the mk5 vintage, fantastic car, great choice for your budget.

The FN2 CTR is gutless in comparison and really has to be revved hard to get anything from it, the Golf was a pleasure to drive and will easy map up to 270bhp which will make it easily on par with a 3.0 Z4.
 
Owned a 09 Civic Type R for 4 years before the Z4 and absolutely loved it. Liked the way it looks, great inside, loads of space (practical) and was fast enough for me and with the VTEC sounds great. Apart from servicing each year I didn't have any issues with it, it was a bit of a struggle to part with it. Get on the civicinfo to read a bit more and check the car has had the recalls done.
 
Id buy this... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-A3-Quattro-s-line-2-litre-turbo-/262656877920?hash=item3d2791e560:g:yz8AAOSwI2xX8qAQ

Quick remap and it wont be far off your Z performance wise and is just that bit nicer than the honda or the vw
 
Itd be the Mk5 Gti for me , they offer so much for so little right now (from £3500 upwards )
Just look hard , buy well & maintain then you won't go far wrong
 
Rob_benton said:
Thanks for all the advice so far.

Some interesting points.
Click to expand...
I had a mk5 GTI for a few years
Watch out for :
Failed air con - compressor failure is not unknown , check before you buy- i didn't
Rust under front wheel arches - common issue
 
I had an FN2 CTR before getting my Z4C, I thought it was was kind of underrated. Mine had a Group N map which was a free upgrade as I could sell it after I was finished with it for the same price. This made a big difference to low end torque with the VTEC kicking in at 3800 instead of 5400 and raising the rev limit from 8200 to 8600, the car felt very urgent north of 4K. Even with the standard exhaust and filter with the map it sounded like a rally car. Very amusing. It was actually kind of dull to drive though at normal speeds, but I can't imagine any hot shopping kart being very entertaining at low speeds. If you really grabbed it by the scruff of the neck around corners it was very capable, lots of grip and plenty of confidence. The interior is also interesting for what it is. It is a downgrade from something like a Z4C though. I have to say though most turbo VAG cars do nowt for me.
 
Another previous owner of a Civic FN2 before my Z4. Had it 7 years and nearly 90,000 miles and never had a problem. As said above in other posts it is a good all round practical car, loves the revs :driving: with a few choice mods good fun on track and then can carry a large amount of stuff , more with rear seats folding down completely flat. (Pic, 4 people plus camping gear)
 

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They are different animals, so just go and drive both.

Both will cover the 4seater and practical aspects, however, they will appeal to different driving styles beyond the normal driving, golf low down power and easier torque vs responsive Top end revving vtec.

Try to drive both in the manner that they are designed and see which appeals as there is a clear difference
 
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