Originally Posted by JHM2K

The V-dub might have a fender on you in a race, but he wouldn't get preferential parking from the valet guys like our rides do.

If I simply wanted speed, I would've bought that $4,000 Fox-Body Mustang down the street with the blown 331 stroker. But, I wanted something sleek and classy.

I'll gladly sacrifice a couple tenths for the added rarity, timeless body lines, and F/R drivetrain layout in a tiny, lightweight little Euro car.

Besides, no one has ever asked a V-dub owner "OMG, how much did that thing cost you?"

No matter how "souped up", the GTI simply looks like another low-20's hatchback to the layman. Combine that with the multiple decades of production, and the body will soon become dated.