Originally Posted by fastball
Could be my Honda bias opinion talking, but for that I can get an Accord 6 speed. And for another 3 grand, you can get an Acura TL 6 speed.
Both cars have more substance, more useable space, more luxurious feel, and that rock solid Honda reliability (VW and Audi still have their share of electrical glitches).
But to each his own. Enjoy your VW. I'm sure it really holds tight in the twisties. That's one thing they are renowned for.
I'll jump back in on this since I've had the R32 for a while now. First, I considered the Accord Coupe, but I couldn't stand to look at the thing. Too bulbous looking to me. I also considered Acuras (no dealer nearby), and the Civic SI, but I read where it won't be made next year. The WRX STi or the Evo would probably eat the R's lunch on pure acceleration, but I didn't buy it for that. This car is a "GT" car...you know, like a comfortable yet fast (relatively speaking) machine that's made for trips, backroads, whatever. I drove it to Birmingham for the AMA Superbike races a few weeks ago, 525 miles one way, and we weren't even tired when we got there and drove 75-80 mph all the way, and got a little over 25 mpg. My Prelude wasn't trouble-free, either. Shock knock in the winter, sunroof rattles, engine hesitation. So although I have no regrets with the VW, I hope when it's time is up that Honda has something sporty in their lineup again.