Ok, have had my AWE track exhaust on for just a few days and wanted to share some thoughts for those interested:
1) Quality: Seems to be top notch. I didn't do the install myself but my mechanic said it was easy, fitment was spot on, and it looks to be made from good quality stainless so rust should not be an issue in the future.
2) Looks: I opted for the dual chrome tips and really love the look. They stick out without being over the top. Very classy imo and they fill the exhaust hole cutouts perfectly. I also LOVE the look of the pipes vs suitcase muffler in the back.
3) Sound:
So here is where I was a bit surprised. Considering this system deletes the resonator and only leaves a muffler, I expected it to be considerably louder than stock. When I picked it up, I was a bit disappointing that it sounded as quiet as stock at idle/while revving it up to ~3500rpm (from the outside). Tone was a little deeper but not louder.
I gave it the beans leaving the shop and instantly got a call from my mechanic saying it sounded great taking off. I also noticed the difference in sound inside the cabin even from startup. It was considerably louder >2000rpm inside the car. At WOT, it sounds awesome. No drone, just a nice deep sound which I've been really enjoying. The soundaktor is OFF so before/after comparisons in the cabin are just natural noise.
For those considering the Touring exhaust, don't do it imo. I feel like any quieter and its not even worth changing the exhaust. I really like the sound now but do wish it was a bit louder on the outside/at idle. I am considering AWE's catted DP in the future so I bet the full turboback system will sound savage.
Overall, it is very tame for an exhaust with no resonator. Would recommend but don't expect a head turning system that screams aftermarket exhaust. As many have said, it sounds the way the GTI should have come from the factory.
