You mean other cars are faster than the GTI? NO WAI!
But seriously, my Mom has a V6 accord 5 or 6 speed.. i don't remember which. It feels faster than my GTI but it's not even close to enjoyable to drive. 3rd already grinds/pops out of gear if you get to frisky with the clutch, you have to tell your self to push the shifter into the glove compartment when you shift to 5th or you'll miss it, and forget trying to steer under power in 1st-3rd.
And that's not even touching on aesthetics and interior..
You miss the point entirely.
This forum is packed full of people claiming they routinely "beat" G35s, G37s, 2010 Mustang GTs, etc. IN A STRAIGHT LINE.
Go check the posts on your own.
Yet, in truth, a mere Camry would beat their GTIs - ASSUMING the driver was willing to keep his/her foot to the boards and let it shift on its own (their all 6 speed automatics). MOST drivers are either unwilling or unable to do that, which explains how they're often "beat" by slower cars.
I owned a 2004 Accord V6 sedan (EX, 5 speed automatic) and an '06 V6/6 speed/EX Accord coupe. You're grossly exaggerating the torque steer in those cars. Their brakes sucked and their suspensions felt like worn out Buicks, but that has nothing to do with the context of this forum. The '06 coupe in particular has a nice interior.
The automatic '04 felt about as quick as my GTI and the '06 V6/6 speed was definitely faster - as long as one is willing to rev the engine to redline. That car would run mid 14s at 98 MPH - with skinny all weather Michelins and a completely open differential.
The Mazda speed 3 definitely has a LOT of torque steer, but I consider that junk and really don't care how fast it is.
I've owned some TRULY "fast cars" (e.g. 1999 LS1/6 speed/1LE Z28 with headers, a cat back and various other tweaks) and a 2009 Z51 Corvette. I know what a fast car is. While the GTI is a very NICE car and an extremely well integrated car, it is not truly a "fast car."
