Yea that's all true. But I'm just saying your going for base GTI power with all lower parts (intercooler,downpipe, transmission, drivetrain, exhaust). What's stopping you from working towards selling your golf and getting a gti?
That's kind of where I left it at. When I started to add it all up, It seems more economical to get the gti.
This argument always breaks down.
Rant warning!
Modify your GTI with exhaust, intercooler, tune, etc. Why not just get an R? Your Gti will never be an R. Its more economical to start with an R right? But then the Mustang guys will question why you have a $45000 "economy car." Just start with a Mustang.
Now modify your mustang! But wait, why not just trade up to the next level mustang? Your base mustang will never be a Boss Mustang. But then, it's never going to be a Corvett, so why not just save time and get the Corvett?
Now buy some hot parts for your Vett! Oh man, here we go again. I should have just bought the Z06. But then again, it will never be a Ferrari. I'm just going to ride a bicycle till I can afford the highest level Ferrari that I don't have to make any modifications too. But it will never be a true race car, so...Shit. Maybe Al Gore is right. Cars are stupid. I'm getting an electric scooter.
My TSI was $7000 less expensive than the next cheapest GTI. No small change. Plus, I hated the look of the rims and grill on the GTI. I would have at least changed the rims. I have less than $1000 into modifications and it has 250HP to the wheels. That's some good cheap speed. Everyone who drives it smiles. People with V8 cars. Its more satisfying to drive in everyday situations than an R. Is it as fast at the track? When do I go to the track?
Its not a GTI, that is not an R that is not a Mustang, that is not a Vett that is not a Ferrari that will never be a race car.
But I like it. It's the fastest car that I wanted to afford for less than 20k. I've driven stock and stage 1 mk7 gti and a stock R. I like my car better. The GTI guy likes my car too. Would a like a mod GTI or R? Yes. But I like $ too and only have so much to go around.
I have a 2016 Polaris 800 snowmobile. That was a great use for that extra $7000. I Modify that too!
Also. Some people have the Sport Wagon or the AlItrak. They come with the 1.8 only.
If a car responds to modifications and you want to modify it. Do it.