Fiesta ST vs Golf GTI, after 1000 miles

"Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies" (jordanwphillips) 09/11/2018 at 11:00 • Filed to: None

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Looks: GTI

I defended the looks of the Fiesta for too long. It looks like a shrunken minivan. It’s not horrible to look at, but it doesn’t look special. I get that that isn’t what you buy it for, but it has one good angle, and I can’t stay crouched for that long. The GTI just looks right, everything seemed to designed with a purpose, not an afterthought. I look back at it every time I leave it. Plus, dat color.

Performance: GTI

With a tune, intercooler, high flow filter, and exhaust, it would still get utterly decimated by this off of the line. Even in economy mode, in full auto, this will quickly and quietly get up to speed. No drama, no strange rattles, no weak motor mount, no rev hang, it just goes. Engage launch control? It’s stupid the way it just takes off. It’s not a super car, but it’s a fwd car with a sub-6 second trip to 60. It’s quick for what it is.

The brakes are amazing. From this list, what do you think stops quicker: Focus RS, Ford Mustang GT Perfomance Pack, Golf R, Subaru Impreza STI, or Golf GTI? The GTI. The Civic Type-R beats it, but it’s on a different level.

The sticker is gone

Interior and Overall Quality: GTI GTI GTI

Alright, confession, I miss one part of the Fiesta: The seats. If I had those Recaros in plaid in this car, I would be ecstatic. The stock seats are great, and they look phenomenal , but the warm embrace of the Recaros is missed.

Everything else in the interior hands down goes to the GTI. Everything is placed where it makes sense. On top of being where they should be, everything is super easy to use. The infotainment is quick, and faultless as far as I can tell(Admittedly, SYNC 3 was quick and easy to use). The sound system is nice and crisp, and doesn’t rattle the interior past half volume. The adjustable arm rest is wonderful and well thought out.

Practicality: GTI

The Fiesta was just ergonomically bad. The seats didn’t fold down flat. The roof was slanted where you had to be headless to sit in the back(I was more comfortable in the FRS).

This is just excellent, so much room for activities. The seats fold flat, there is plenty of interior storage otherwise. I don’t have to fold down the rear seats to put more than a backpack and duffle bag anymore.

I would also add day to day use into practicality. It’s just so relaxing to drive. The Fiesta wanted more, all of the time. It wanted to be thrashed, it punished you if you didn’t comply . The shifts were sloppy if you weren’t quick and forceful. The ride was awful if you weren’t (sorry for this) sending it. It just needed to be driven hard to be enjoyable. And for the first year, that was fun, but it’s been wearing down ever since.

Because of my commute and being scarred by the FiST(and the Logitec esque shifter and clutch in the GTI), I have zero regrets about the DSG. It gives this car a split personality, which is welcome.

Fun: Draw

The anger and tossability of the FiST is almost unmatched by other reasonably practical cars. It’s just so fun to rip on, if only it didn’t want it all of the time. It’s nimble, it’s twitchy, and just feels so much quicker than it really is(maybe the blast pipe had a lot to do with that).

But

The GTI is just so good. Where the FiST started to chatter, this just keeps putting power down. Go full sport, and the quickness of the DSG shifts make me giggle. Sport mode engaged, traction off, manual mode engaged, left foot on brake, right foot on throttle, rev, and dump the brake. Leave traffic behind, show the left lane hogs how they are supposed to leave if they wanna lead. It’s just fun, but fun without drawbacks.

So while I miss some parts of the ST, I don’t miss the ST. It’s fun, and I get it, but I don’t think it fully deserves the legendary hot hatch status it gets by journalists, because isn’t the purpose of having a hot hatch being that it’s fun and practical? The Fiesta is eating the cake. The Golf is having your cake and eating it, too.

PlasteredClover > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 09/11/2018 at 11:09

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That green is such a great color. 11/10 would drive

Ash78, voting early and often > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 09/11/2018 at 11:11

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Brakes: The Civic Type-R beats it, but it’s on a different level.

Yes, it’s the only car truly motivated to outbrake its own ugliness.

Glad you like it. My little brother just got his Mk7 a few months back (his fourth GTI) and loves it. Holds all of his band equipment and puts up with all kinds of East Coast traffic and crappy roads, but tears up the backroads, too.

Is it any wonder the Golf is still one of the top 2-3 cars worldwide? It does the most stuff for the most people, regardless of where you are in life, geographically, etc.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 09/11/2018 at 11:12

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Wow, that was a close match. So, which do you prefer? Your review was quite ambiguous!

dogisbadob > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 09/11/2018 at 11:14

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Isn’t the GTI’s real competition the Focus ST? Of course the GTI will be more practical than a car much smaller than it :p

That green is nice :)

LongbowMkII > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 09/11/2018 at 11:29

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I think you did the right thing going DSG. The manual transmission seems like a complete afterthought on these.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Ash78, voting early and often 09/11/2018 at 11:33

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No, it’s not a surprise. I’m sure in about 5 years I’ll wish it was German built, but until then...

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > dogisbadob 09/11/2018 at 11:34

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The Focus isn’t that much larger inside than a Fiesta. It still is way less practical. The roof rake kills room. 

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 09/11/2018 at 11:41

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Another plus: Tartan seats. 

bob and john > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 09/11/2018 at 12:03

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i keep forgeting the GTIs are now mexican built.

LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 09/11/2018 at 12:32

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Wait, your review missed one thing: Sound.

Winner: FiST with the tune.

Those pops were wonderful to hear when I was following you in the mountains . The GTI is practically silent by comparison . . . although that makes it more livable in my book.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com 09/11/2018 at 12:36

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I miss that, but they got really old. 

random001 > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 09/11/2018 at 13:10

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Hmmmm......

TysMagic > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 09/11/2018 at 13:30

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automatic GTI and everyone is fine, automatic miata and people flip shit...dagum double standards 

UnderSTeerEnthusiast - Triumph Fanboy > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 09/11/2018 at 13:44

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Having experienced both, I can tell you the focus is much bigger. I couldn’t even sit into the back of a fiesta st without hitting my head, I’m only 5’ 10”. I can fit 3 people comfortably in the back of the focus. Also the trunk room without or with the seats down is double the fiesta.

The ST is only barely smaller with  passenger room, and actually has a bigger trunk, so I don’t get the “way less practical” part

UnderSTeerEnthusiast - Triumph Fanboy > dogisbadob 09/11/2018 at 13:49

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I chose the ST over the GTI personally but I still like both. For me the bigger trunk won out on the ST because I use it often, as well as the driving dynamics. The st is a little more unhinged in a good way. That being said, he next gen  GTI or probably R will be the next car as the ST is no longer here

jasmits > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 09/11/2018 at 14:06

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Yeah, this kind of affirms my feelings from seriously looking at both STs. I liked them but didn’t love them, especially considering them both for fun-to-drive factor and as a place to be for the 20k+ miles a year I drive.

I ended up buying a Tacoma and not a GTI but that was mostly thanks to a personal r ealization that as much as I enjoy a well sorted car 10 times out of 10 I’d prefer a S aturday on the trails or ski slopes to an autocross or back road, and that I have much more faith in a Toyota N/A V6 eating a fuckload of miles with a smile than anything turbocharged made by Ford or VW.

TeamPunkassRacing > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 09/11/2018 at 14:24

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I loved my ‘15 FiST (Molten w/ Gray Recaros) but ya the interior was plastic shit (other than the amazing Recaros that I miss a ton). I was always looking at GTis because even the interior that I had in my Mk4 GTi was miles and miles ahead.

Replaced the FiST with an ND Club, interior is tons nicer, seats are not bad but they’re no Recaros. .

LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com > dogisbadob 09/11/2018 at 14:40

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For Jordan, he is comparing the car he used to own with the one he now owns. I’m not sure if the FoST was a real consideration when he got the GTI , since his FiST gave him headaches.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > UnderSTeerEnthusiast - Triumph Fanboy 09/11/2018 at 15:28

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Having been in both, the Fiesta has more front seat room, at least when both cars have Recaros. 

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > TysMagic 09/11/2018 at 15:29

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Dual clutch is life. 

UnderSTeerEnthusiast - Triumph Fanboy > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 09/11/2018 at 16:47

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I mean maybe, it was different for me with non Recaros. But to say it’s way less practical is pretty far fetched. I felt more cramped In the drivers seat and back seat but it could’ve come down to the setup of the seats at the time. I wanted the space which was a big seller. With the new mk8 projected to be a bit larger, it will probably be what I get next. 

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > UnderSTeerEnthusiast - Triumph Fanboy 09/11/2018 at 16:57

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The width of the console of the FoST is tight in the leg area. It just feels cramped. And I’ve been in the back of a FoST, and it still is in the “Don’t wanna be back there” zone at 6’. It’s not the leg room, it’s the head room. I have short legs and a long torso, so even the front of the FiST was a close rub. But the width was never an issue, nor was really the rear leg room, as the Recaros have leg cutouts. I’ve fit 5 people in that, just with a lot of rubbing heads(sounds so wrong).  No bending is required in this.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > TysMagic 09/20/2018 at 19:14

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The miata isnt a super practical hatchback. The Miata has one purpose and one purpose only; fun. If you get that in an automatic you are defeating the damn purpose. Most people dont dual duty a Miata and its never going to be quiet/comfortable car anyways. So yeah it makes sense to hate on automatic miatas. 

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 09/20/2018 at 19:15

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And sound is definitely fixable. You can make a GTI sound sweet too.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 09/20/2018 at 19:19

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That color is amazing. If it werent for that, I would not agree with you on the looks. The GTI and the Golf R are just WAY too understated in the looks department. I think they are amazing cars otherwise but definitely a bit on the boring to look at side. That color kind of sways my opinion though!

I say this as an STi owner though so my visual interests may be a bit childish haha. I also REALLY love the styling on the mazdaspeed3. I still kind of want one of those but I dont think I could go back to FWD ever again. And the only reason I would get rid of my STi is if it becomes way too unreliable and a mS3 would DEFINITELY not solve that issue either.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 09/20/2018 at 20:09

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I’m considering going factory plus with a GTI Clubsport S muffler. Factory R&D, better sound. 

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 09/20/2018 at 20:11

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After looking at the Fiesta for a while, the fact that it is taller than it is wide shows badly. It really looks like a shrunken minivan. The Golf is a nice shape, and side by side, the GTI definitely stands out compared to the regular Golf, even the R. 

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 09/20/2018 at 23:13

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I feel like I would miss the exhaust from the Fiesta. And going too close to stock in the golf would just be disappointing. 

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 09/20/2018 at 23:17

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Well yeah I wasn't particularly saying the ST has outstanding looks either haha. I think the FOST has better proportions and agree that the fiesta is just kinda odd in that department. I'd probably end up preferring the GTI as well in that comparison. I really loved the mk7 GTI that I rented. The interior quality and speed of it in general outweighed any meh feelings about the looks. It's funny though that GTI actually looks better than the R in some ways. You would have thought at least the R would have some wilder looks to it. But zee Germans I guess. 

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 09/20/2018 at 23:33

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Only a few people on here understand how loud it is lol. The pops were gunshot loud, and the exhaust itself wasn’t much quieter.

On the stock part, the Golf feels like a supercar in comparison, so I’m not too bored with it.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 09/21/2018 at 00:20

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Haha I get you. My Miata is pretty loud, I hadn't realized this until I picked up my STi and the quiet in comparison made the subaru feel like luxury. Now it's not like Subarus are known for quiet luxurious rides so it was a wakeup call. But yeah, makes sense why you might get sick of something way louder. 

DoomsdayMelody > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 01/27/2020 at 01:38

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Not saying the FiST is perfect, but, speaking from price point, there is absolutely nothing that matches it’s driving experience. It literally taunts you in an attempt to get you to drive hard, and it actually rotates unlike pretty much every other FWD car. It also boasts a better HP/ton ratio than the Focus ST and the GTI, and easily bests both of those cars on fuel economy. Granted it has its own slew of issues, but realistically the FiST is a subjective car. If it’s the driving experience you are looking for, there is no match; the minute you want to talk about dynamics or comfort the FiST is a laughably poor choice. Comparing a GTI and a FiST is like comparing a Miata and a Honda S2K. They CAN both fit other people in them but that isn’t the reason you buy them.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > DoomsdayMelody 01/27/2020 at 10:21

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I mean, I’ve had both. With the performance pack, the GTI is just as fun, while being a much better car to live with. Despite my absolutely  awful dealer experience(they completely ruined the car, VW bought it back), I’d have another, but not another FiST. The FiST is fun until you grow out of it. 

JayDS > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 08/09/2020 at 03:09

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Stock for stock? The GTI has too much understeer and is too numb to be as fun as the ST. The GTI is a better platform, but needs a good bit of modding to make it a true hot hatch. 

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > JayDS 08/09/2020 at 13:12

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I feel like people who make this comment haven’t driven one. Even on the garbage all seasons the GTI came with, there isn’t a hint of understeer unless you are just a garbage driver. For the price, the FiST is fun, but it gets old fast.