So I went by and test drove a 2015 WRX today and thought I'd give my comparison between it and the GTI. First, a few caveats:
...
My biggest disappointment: power. Now granted, I'm spoiled by a Stage 1 GTI. But comparing stock GTI to stock WRX: they are nearly identical. And that makes sense. Once you calculate the extra weight of the WRX, plus the larger drivetrain loss due to AWD (roughly 20%), then the power to weight ratios are very close. Of course the WRX has a faster 0-60 due to AWD launch, but on the highway it didn't feel like it could get out of its own way in 5th gear at 70mph.
But say you tune both. GTI gets an APR OTS tune, WRX gets a Cobb OTS tune. The GTI benefits more % wise, giving it the edge in power to weight ratio. At least that's what the numbers say, since I haven't driven a tuned WRX! Comeback there is you can get a custom tune from tons of people to go with the Cobb access port and bump up to 330hp, possibly. AND you can remove the tune, if you're just stage 1, and it should be undetectable.
I felt the same, as I came from a stage 1 gti. I think the wrx probably is faster, but the torque band is a little smoother and doesnt havent that huge torque surge at ~2500rpms like the tuned gti, so it doesnt feel as fast. When I was stock I ran with a stage 2 gti at the track, and while we didnt race per se, he would slowwly pull away from me in the straights, and I would catch back up through the turns. I will say that a stage 1 tune (with protune) definitely changes that significantly. While you can say you can add more power to the gti, it's true, but I feel the power is much more usable in the wrx. btw all the cobb stage 1 tune does it fix throttle mapping, rearrange the power band, etc, I wouldn't really consider it a power mod. The protune is where the power improvements really come.
...
Exhaust and engine noise was actually nice. Not the same as the old WRX, but still uniquely boxer and not 'honda' sounding.
Yeah, sadly it's not the same old sound. I'm definitely jealous of the ej rumble.
Final notes: 2 things the WRX has over the GTI is (1) supposed reliability and (2) AWD grip. The AWD grip makes a big difference for taking off while turning (FWD sucks at that) and putting power down coming out of turns. And really, controlling the car with the gas pedal. I can't consider a FWD car a sports car since you can't modulate the car's balance like you can with AWD or RWD.
All in all, I didn't walk away thinking, "I've got to have that car!" Sure, it would be a good replacement for the GTI, in a different way. And I love my subies.
Agreed. It's a step up in some ways, a step down in others, and a step sideways in others. It's all about what youre looking for.
P.S. After having the soft/smooth shifter of the GTI so long, I understand all those reviews that say it's like shifting a tractor - it actually is! And the clutch is stiffer. Both things I like.
Agreed. I love the clutch and shifter.
But maybe you're right, and the car just needs a few miles on it before it will open up good. 
