So as sad as it is I'm looking to sell my RX-8 and get something with 4 doors. I admit I was ignorant about getting a 2 door but who wasnt when they got their first 2 door. Anyways, I'm looking at two cars and just as the title says its between the 2011 VW GTI or The 2011 Dodge Charger R/T. I know very well that these two are very different cars, one being a german sport hatchback and the other an american muscle car.

I've seen and driven the charger r/t and it was great. Interior was a total overhaul and the exterior had a makeover as well. It is a very appealing car and I find nothing wrong with it besides the fuel economy compared to the gti. However the fuel economy is better than the rx8, the hwy mpg that is.

I have yet to test drive the 2011 vw gti but I plan on doing so by this week. I have done my research and everyone seems to enjoy driving it. I also used to have an Evo x before my rx8 so the thought of getting a car with a turbo again gets me all nostalgic and eager to tune.

To those who have driven either if not both of them, what do you guys think? Pros and cons?

 

If I were to have only one car in my garage, the GTI are actually at the top of my list because they do everything pretty well and I live in an urban setting.

* They have decent interior capacity, can even move small furniture, and is appointed well.
* Handle nicely and have enough zip.
* Great fuel economy.
* You can show up at track and then go later to a black tie event without being embarrassed (as long as it's not krauted out)
* Great price.

If you live in the burbs and do a lot of highway driving, I think the new Charger R/T is a good "I refuse to buy a toaster" family car alternative, especially if you don't like hatchbacks. It's heavier and less economical, and not tremendously faster than the GTI.

 

Thats true and I do drive a lot on the highway. I guess I'm just going to have to test drive the gti and see how I like it compared to the charger. Thanks for the input!

 

Ha fellow Italian, I sold my 8 and got a 2007 Charger R/T. Its badass, also you get really good mpg on hwy due to the multiple displacement. Which is the V8 going to an 4 cylinder.
I really enjoy the car and so much room. BTW its fast for it size. I say go for the charger but that's just my opinion.

 

FWIW, I like the new Chargers quite a bit, especially because of the intimidation factor. They look and sound so much faster than they really are and if they creep up behind me on the highway, it feels like an unmarked is about to pull me over.

 

@ domenico, whats good paisan?! Yea thats very true I forgot about that and btw my family has been with chrysler and dodge for a while and my dad has a chrysler 300 srt8 so I'm familiar with their work haha

@ dynamho, lol thats also true especially for the fact that I want to get a black charger...thats gonna be some fun! haha

 

GTI gets my vote. That little car does everything well.

 

^ Me too.

 

Hey man its all good, I say go with the charger R/T you won't regret it. They are simple to work on and the engine has a reward winning status. I have an police interceptor one that I use with my unit (MP) and people respect you. Im 6'5 and weight 215 so charger was the way to go. Plus the charger I have has new suspension, brakes, and sway bars. GTI is to small, charger is mean. Good luck.

 

OP, if those two cars were my two options... I'd choose the '11 GTI over the '11 Charger R/T, without any doubt.

Build quality is extremely important to me.

 

You'll have a great time in either car, go with what grabs you more.

 

So an Rx8 appealed to you when quality is important to you. Even though it has a worse quality rating than the GTI and Charger. The charger and gti quality is rated the same. Charger is more spacious, faster, and is better looking in my opinion.

 

First off, I respect your opinion, and I wish not to start a debate with you.

Secondly, to me... I really do feel that the RX-8 has great build quality. Maybe the 'outside' ratings are lower because of the engine issues which have plagued this car... But overall, everything I touch on this car is made with care and precision. That's to be expected when this car is made mostly in Japan.

Again, I respect and appreciate your opinion, and the 2011 Charger R/T is also a great car in its own right.

 

Just put up a poll...that should help to see which gets majority :D

 

Ha sorry if I came off harsh. I agree with you, the Rx8 is a solid car. With this decision your talking to a community that likes smaller cars and handling. A lot of people had a choice to get an faster car but went with the 8. Also a lot of people here prefer foreign cars over American. I have to say the charger is a tank, Its handing is a lot better now because of srt8 sway bars, suspension, and brakes. Its turn radius is poor compared to the 8.

 

^ No worries, my friend!

I was at the track very recently last month, and my 8 and a Charger SRT8 were playing cat & mouse on the track, lol! He passed me and I passed him, and vice versa, lol! It was tremendous fun, and he had so much power in which he was so relentless in putting to use. Much respect to the Charger, for sure!

And thank you for your positive response!

 

Ha I will like to go on a track against ur 8. I respect the 8 a lot especially the R3. Looks really good.

 

Thank you, sir... One thing's for sure... Every car has its own strengths, which the driver must appreciate.

Sorry to thread jack, OP... Any luck with the decision?

 

charger for sure, never liked the looks of the vw

 

Agreed. Good luck with your decision. I think the gti Wagons are UGLY.

 

haha I actually got back from both the dodge and vw dealership 2 hours ago and I scheduled a test drive for the gti for friday. To be honest though I find both of them very appealing and sporty whether it has 370 hp or 200 hp. However I did sit in both of them and they both looked and felt like im getting my moneys worth if not more but I feel like I might go with the gti b/c it is much more ecnomical than the charger. Charger being 16 city/25 hwy and the gti being 22 city/ 32 hwy and it is less expensive than the charger.

And to go back to what dynamho was saying earlier on how the gti has the look that one can go to and unformal event and then later go to a formal event with it without feeling out of place. it all comes down to the test drive friday...I CANT WAIT!!! But I'll definitely write back when I do!

 

eww, neither.

 

I guess pride makes us ignorant at times....thanks for the two cents tho it definitely helped

 

IMHO, the Charger is way way way too big for me to consider it a sporty car. I drove one around for a week and was never comfortable with the massive feel of the car. Kudos to anyone who can push the thing.
I like the GTI and the Vdub owners have a great community

It seems like an odd comparison to me... Good luck!

 

Hey man its all about what fits you. I was actually wanting to get a truck so the charger fit me. Plus I'm tall and wanted a lot of room. The charger community is very friendly, just from being a part of it. Good luck with your decision!