The comparison review that's not been done yet

[Perry]

I didn't know until now that VW produces the Beetle GSR model that actually sounds like it would at least wanna be able to come out and play with the likes of the FiST.

It carries a cast-iron block 2.0L 4 cyl TSI providing 210 hp at 5300 rpm and 207 lb-ft at 1700 rpm. FWD, of course, and 6-spd MT or 6-spd DSG, multi-link rear susp. and 19 inch wheels with high-performance all-season rubber standard, all with a curb weight VW claims as 3056 lb. Car & Driver reports that it will be a limited-edition run of only 3500 vehicles, and its MSRP of $30K is of course a tad bit more than a loaded FiST. C&D also reports a 0-60 time of 6.3-6.5 sec (!!). They also describe it as having "plenty of punch to run with other adventurously styled hot hatches, including the Mini Cooper S, Hyundai Veloster Turbo, and Fiat 500 Abarth." (Are they missing something from that list? Hmmmm.)

Motortrend took a brief look in December '13, and reports all the above and a quarter-mile time of 14.8 seconds. However, they note that at "the track, the 2014 Beetle GSR might not live up to the performance promised", and "Though not anywhere near as sharp as a GTI, the Beetle GSR performs well enough in the canyons. That said, the Beetle would be more rewarding with a bit less body roll and more aggressive brakes."

All in all, I suspect that the GSR is a great little car for what it is, but what it isn't is a real direct competitor to the FiST once handling and overall performance characteristics are taken into consideration. A little faster than a stock FiST, but it's not all about straight-line speed.

 

[MKVIIST]

If the Mini S is a competitor, they should compare this against the 2-door Fiesta ST from Europe too.

 

[gojagz]

Exact same engine/tranny as the GTI... so wouldnt the GTI be the more direct competitor?

 

[RyGuyFIST83]

Not that it matters ,but I really don't see it being faster and if anything I can see the fist walking away from it or atleast equal with it in straight line speed.yes it has 10 more hp,but it is 300pds. heavier,as well as fords numbers being conservative. Depends on the driver I bet...

-ry

 

[Colin1337]

Good lord, $30k for that?!

 

[Perry]

Exact same engine/tranny as the GTI... so wouldnt the GTI be the more direct competitor?

I'm sure it is a more direct competitor; I'm just following the trend of everything being compared to the FiST.

 

[Perry]

Not that it matters ,but I really don't see it being faster and if anything I can see the fist walking away from it or atleast equal with it in straight line speed.yes it has 10 more hp,but it is 300pds. heavier,as well as fords numbers being conservative. Depends on the driver I bet...
-ry

You may be right, but I don't know how conservative VW's numbers are, either. At any rate, the GSR appears likely to have about the same speed in a drag race--it's once the turns and twists come into play that the FiST will, I think, kick aspen trees.

 

[Perry]

Good lord, $30k for that?!

Well, yeah, they are asking $30K for the thing. I wouldn't ever pay $30K for one, but . . . .

 

[Colin1337]

Well, yeah, they are asking $30K for the thing. I wouldn't ever pay $30K for one, but . . . .

Theres a sucker born every minute, I'm sure someone will hop on that haha

 

[airjor13]

Is the Polo GTI was here that would be a great direct competitor, GTI is more in Focus ST size and power

 

[airjor13]

Sidenote, I can't believe the new EA motors from VAG are still iron-block....what is there 1970? No excuses other than being cheap.

 

[Colin1337]

Sidenote, I can't believe the new EA motors from VAG are still iron-block....what is there 1970? No excuses other than being cheap.

I'd take an iron block in a heart beat!
That with forged internals, thats a strong setup thats going to handle a good amount of power.

 

[airjor13]

I'd take an iron block in a heart beat!
That with forged internals, thats a strong setup thats going to handle a good amount of power.

I can understand the forged internals being nice, but the actually block construction being cast iron? Iron sleeves I think would be better. I guess I am thinking like much much later down the road, if you run into any sort of cooling issue with the thermostat or radiators crapping out, having an iron block and aluminum heads, the overheating even if its for a few minutes if you're not careful the heat difference can crack the head, my M5 blew that way.

 

[Colin1337]

I can understand the forged internals being nice, but the actually block construction being cast iron? Iron sleeves I think would be better. I guess I am thinking like much much later down the road, if you run into any sort of cooling issue with the thermostat or radiators crapping out, having an iron block and aluminum heads, the overheating even if its for a few minutes if you're not careful the heat difference can crack the head, my M5 blew that way.

Ya I can see that.
My SRT4 had the cast iron block, aluminum head set up, and I beat the hell out of that thing for a good 50k miles. Big turbo and all, never gave me a problem.

 

[Shmi]

Not that it matters ,but I really don't see it being faster and if anything I can see the fist walking away from it or atleast equal with it in straight line speed.yes it has 10 more hp,but it is 300pds. heavier,as well as fords numbers being conservative. Depends on the driver I bet...

-ry

VW/Audi (well, Germans in general I think) has a history of underrating the 2.0T. Or rather, they seem to just take the WHP and advertise it as crank HP. There are several stock dynos out there for the 2.0T GTIs showing 200-210+ at the wheels.

The DSG transmission in Audis with the 2.0T has helped it out significantly as well, even with the weight disadvantage. Shorter gearing and fast shifts help a lot.

That said, even with these advantages I'd be surprised to see the GSR outdo the FiST in the fun department. Heavier, probably less fun handling, etc etc. Fiesta for me please.

 

[airjor13]

Ya I can see that.
My SRT4 had the cast iron block, aluminum head set up, and I beat the hell out of that thing for a good 50k miles. Big turbo and all, never gave me a problem.

You know the SRT4 has alway been a car I had an irrational attraction too for a long time, but never got around to owning one. My neighbor has one, big turbo and all the works everything, drives around in the summer with Hoosier slicks on the front, such a wild animal I love it! He was putting down high 10s all day long at MIR but its a big of a dog around town...best part his daily....Focus ST

 

[Sekred]

Looks a bit gay to me, not that there is anything wrong with that.

 

[airjor13]

Looks a bit gay to me, not that there is anything wrong with that.

gay as in homosexual? is there something wrong with that?

 

[rodmoe]

gay as in homosexual? is there something wrong with that?

3. having or showing a merry, lively mood: gay spirits; gay music.

Gay as in too merry for him .. Person can only be so lively .. Lol

 

[Sekred]

gay as in homosexual? is there something wrong with that?

Gay is the slang term used for homosexual in this country. The reference "not that there is anything wrong with that" is from a episode of Seinfeld . I can remember reading once about a survey where the Audi TT and the Mazda RX-8 were voted 1 and 2 as the Gay person most favourite car and the vee dub reminded me of that survey. As far as being "Gay" I don't care, what ever floats your boat, mate.