NEW VW GTI vs. Civic SI vs. MINI S (you choose)

[civic95]

Both cars are barely quicker than the normally aspirated Civic Si (6.6 sec., 15.0 sec.)

Our navigation-equipped test car represents the screaming deal of the three, coming in at $22,490, thousands less than the more option-laden Volks-wagen and Mini.

In the company of the Mini and GTI, it's nearly as good just about everywhere, proving to be the most versatile handler of the test, but also the one hampered by its engine's narrow powerband. More torque might have put it over the top.

I would choose the civic. I can take the $8K price difference, and make it boosted like the other 2, and it would be faster. Then with the leftover cash I can pay for the first 5 yrs of gas.

[4dmin]

I would choose the civic. I can take the $8K price difference, and make it boosted like the other 2, and it would be faster. Then with the leftover cash I can pay for the first 5 yrs of gas.

i don't know which one they tested but i went to a dealer starting at 22k for the new gti w/ a 5spd... they had one fully loaded for 24k and it's already boosted