funny my 15 year old e46 325 it ... stick .... wagon. is on its' last legs. but i've driven it yesterday & ... maaaaan. beema is a beema. don't get me wrong, i love my '17 GTI.
but, you'll miss:
- cushier suspension (i'm 40 ...
- GTI is stiff
-
v6 ... still pulls pretty well, for 15 yr old chelapy (but 260 torque on GTI does pass pretty anything on the highway ...)
- transmission ... gears are much taller on GTI. so you'll stall it occupationally for the 1st few months
- steering is much tighter on the 3. yeah "sport" on GTI tightens things up, but ... after 2 months, I actually prefer GTI on this. it's easier to live w/ in traffic
- & most of all ... you'll miss RWD
now, the reality of the situation is that GTI is most affordable, powerful & utilitarian german car out there. I've driven mazda3, yaris (i know, but it's fun), focuses, bigger 300 RWD, maximas. & ... there isn't anything out there hatchback for this price or RWD / stick under $30k (new). wagons have been replaced by FWD suvs. I wish BMW would have 2 series hatchback, they've got in canadia here, but they don't ....
so, you'll be happy with the GTI is a fun car. & when you put APR stage 1 on it ... wow.
ps: used. i've been looking at a v8 m3 stick, v8 benz CLS & E (2014 can be had for $30), or 2007 s4 v8 avant (but they have a problem timing chain .... $5k repair).
& a 2008+ 911 (but then your wife has to have SUV)