I've had a 2016 GTI for 2 years now with a JB1 and I just bought a 2002 c5 z06 with 405hp. I know you had a base c5 so the handling should be different but my car is stock so much slower than yours in a straight line. I'm probably only around 350whp.
-Practicality
I get 33mpg if I cruise in the GTI. I can do about 27 at the same speeds in the c5. GTI has a ton of space in the back . Seats fold down for even more. Hidden storage under the seat. The c5 has surprisingly good trunk space but it's no comparison.
-Engine
The GTI has the best 4cyl I've ever had and I've owned a wrx, srt-4, and a cobalt ss turbo. The ss comes close but this thing really is amazing for the size. Turbo lag is small but you do need to be at about 2000rpm before it's awake. You can't safely go full throttle below around 2500rpm in higher gears because it tends to knock. That seems to be a common issue. Redline is high and it gets there smoothly. With only a JB1 my car feels great in 1-3rd gears. Tends to run out of steam after that though. The stock turbo isnt much for top end. But the LS6 is better in every way but smoothness. And I don't want my v8 to smooth anyway. It feels much faster. I knew it would be faster but seat of the pants feel is more than I expected. One of the reasons is power delivery. The V8 has no waiting. As soon as you punch it you're gone. It also has a more usable and exciting powerband. I can pass people when the engine is at 800rpm. It makes usable torque at that point. Despite having so much torque it is still a top end motor. The power builds all the way to redline. I love my GTI but this motor is just more exciting.
-Sound
The GTI stock note sucks. Put an exhaust on it and it just sucks louder based on youtube videos I've heard. It's why I'll probably only do a downpipe because I don't really want to hear it that much. That APR pops and bangs tune does seem to add some needed drama though. And the Golf R sounds a bit better. Maybe it's the is38 turbo helping it out. The c5 sound is amazing. I'm running the stock exhaust and it still sounds better than any 4 banger I've had with full exhaust.
-Handling
The vette is far flatter and more planted. You can tell it's more capable but the steering feel makes you more nervous to exploit it. I feel like I can toss a gti into a corner closer to it's limits. That being said. Understeer sucks and oversteer is scary and fun. I've already gotten the vette's tail out just a bit. The steering is super heavy in the vette. You will feel like the wheel isn't connected when you first get in the GTI. But that makes around town driving very easy. I hate parking lots in the vette.
-Tunability
You can tune anything but when it comes to performance per dollar nothing really beats an LS engine. You basically need a new built motor from APR to go past 450whp with some reliability.
I've never posted here before but I'll probably post a more detailed comparison with pictures later. They are both great cars.
Late reply- been on vacation. Thanks for the comparison.
Do you plan on keeping both cars? Personally, I find that when having multiple vehicles the more practical vehicle becomes the go-to 9 times out of 10 rendering the 2nd car an unnecessary expense. I like performance cars but realistically I don’t go to any type of track or event, not even car meets. So I don’t really need the car for those purposes. And I hate to admit it but the horsepower and performance comparisons become less important when you consider it will primarily be a daily commuter for me. What I mean is- it’s okay that the GTI cannot easily achieve high horsepower #’s. That’s really never been my goal. I’ve been more interested in the overall fun-factor relative to the C5. The vette can be thrilling and I’ve been a little afraid to lose that. However the more comfortable I become with the idea of getting into a GTI (or similar) the more dissatisfied I become with the comfort and utility of the C5. Im actually excited about the thought of driving with my dog in the back seat, taking my car to run errands on the weekends instead of my wife’s, driving home for lunch (or anywhere) without worrying that I’m burning up a bunch of gas. Yes I see people are getting 25+ mpg in the c5 on the highway but I am just making quick trips around town and my work commute and averaging 14-15mpg. It feels like waste to me.
Also I have thought more about what everyone keeps saying about how too much power on the street can be more dangerous than fun. I’m really starting to agree. Every day feels like an obnoxious game of restraint. The power is great but full throttle in any gear puts me in a dangerous/illegal situation that usually leaves me feeling more scared than thrilled.
Anyway looking forward to more comparisons you may have. I found a dyno chart the other day (from previous owner) just for reference. I’ve been kind of comparing it to what I may end up with if I got into a GTI.
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