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The original was posted on /r/cars by /u/ilikerwd on 2025-07-13 19:29:28+00:00.
Background:
Yesterday I went one of my car window shopping Saturdays. I am looking to getting a practical daily to travel to and from another city that is 400km away from my home every other week. I do those trips on my X5 right now and it’s fantastic but it’s also excessive for just me & my dog. It’s also a bit big to drive around in Mexico City and park. I’d like to save the X5 for family trips where it is worth it. I live in Mexico.
The Cars Tested:
I was able to do quite extensive test drives of both a '25 GTI and a '25 Acura Integra A-Spec. Both are only available here in a single trim level. No manuals available. The GTI is basically fully loaded except that we don’t get the 19" wheels or the DCC suspension. The Integra is fully loaded with a CVT automatic.
They are very close in price. The GTI is $836,990 (~USD 44,000) pesos and the Acura is $869,900 pesos (~USD 45,700). Both prices include 16% VAT and other applicable taxes. The GTI is German built and the Acura is built in the US.
Steering, Ride & Handling:
The steering feel and precision of the Acura is very noticeably superior to the GTI’s. It has much better on center clarity, feels more precise and communicative. It is not a small difference.
Regarding body control, both are very good. The Acura is slightly softer but it also feels a slight tad lighter. The GTI is tighter and clearly has higher overall limits. The Acura has adjustable dampers but the range of adjustment is barely noticeable. The GTI has fixed dampers. The Acura rides slightly better but has more road noise as well. The GTI is a good compromise between sporty and comfortable that errs a bit on the sporty side.
Overall I’d call it a tie in this department. The Acura has better steering and feels lighter, but the GTI has better body control and higher limits. Both ride well enough.
Powertrain:
This is an easy win for the GTI. It has 261bhp to the Acura’s 200bhp, much more torque, and a much, much stronger response in the lower revs. The DCT is also vastly superior to the CVT on the Acura. The engine sound, while nothing to write home about in either car, at least is somewhat sporty in the GTI’s sports mode (even if fake). This is an easy win for the GTI.
The Acura is probably more economical to run, so there is that.
Interior Space and Comfort:
The GTI has less legroom in the back, but much better headroom. Both are very practical as they are hatches, which is what I am looking for. I think the GTI may have a slight edge here.
I just couldn’t get comfortable in the Integra’s seat. They seem too narrow and have a kind of wedge backrest shape that I couldn’t get comfotable in. I am on the large side (1.94m/6’4", 92kg/202lbs). The seats on the GTI are much better for me.
Interior quality of materials I think is better in the Acura, but I like the design of the interior more on the GTI, probably because I am very used to german cars in general.
Sound System: The ELS sound system on the Acura is a lot better than the H/K on the GTI. No contest, the Acura has a better sound system.
Amenities and Infotainment:
The new VW system has a larger screen and is more responsive. The Acura’s system feels a little dated. The GTI wins here.
Adaptive Cruise System: I didn’t try the adaptive cruise on the GTI because it is the same system that I am familiar with on my GF’s Taos. I did try the Acura’s system and my initial impression is that it is inferior. It works only at higher speeds, leaves too much distance to the car in front and is a bit slow to react.
Overall: I am leaning a lot towards the GTI. The Acura is a very good car but I fear those seats can be a dealbreaker.