Having owned my 2021 GT-Line for about 15 months, I've been interested in upgrading to a GT2. I really like my GT-Line, but I miss the features of my old Acura that (for the most part) come on the GT2... basic luxuries like driver memory seats. With trade-in values as crazy as they are, I figure this is an opportunity to start fresh without taking a bath.
New Stingers are nearly impossible to find in the DFW area, so I just got back from test driving a 2019 GT2 RWD. I was really surprised about a lot of aspects of the car:
- Seats: The Nappa leather seats are softer, both by touch and padding, than the base seats. Even the head rest felt more padded.
- Exhaust sound: Our 2.0L models might as well be electric cars compared to the sound coming from the 3.3L setup. Quiet at speed, but definitely makes its presence known under acceleration. Does the GT pipe in artificial sound? (I turned it off in my car)
- Acceleration: This was perhaps the most surprising... and you'll think I'm crazy... but I wasn't blown away by the acceleration, at least at speed (stomping on it at 45). There was definitely more grunt, but also a lot more weight to get moving. I've been running Map 2 with the JB4 on my 2.0L and it's awesomely responsive on the highway.
- Features: Love the HUD and large color MID between the gauges. Underwhelmed with the accent lighting (is it only on the passenger dash area? I thought it would be on the doors as well?). Love the electronic parking brake and adaptive LED headlights... these two features (or lack thereof) are the main reason I'm looking to upgrade from my current ride. Cooled seats in Texas would be a plus, too.
- The ride: It feels even more planted as it hauls ass down the highway, but I'd rate it a wash between the two. The weight difference can really be felt as well.
I'm torn about what to do. I didn't love the car as much as I thought I would. I'm still interested in trying a '22 GT2... The bigger infotainment screen is appealing, but I don't love the new wheels, the huge exhaust tips, or the brake lights. And although the new KIA symbol is light years better than the one it replaced, the "E" badging I have on my 2.0L looks classier in my eyes, and attempting to remove that large aluminum
badge on the hood is a paint disaster waiting to happen. I just don't think a new '22 is worth the $20K premium.
The '22 GT-Line makes sense on paper with its bigger engine and added features, but its ugly-ass wheels are a deal breaker, and it's still impossible to get all of the features from the GT2.
I plan on looking at A5 Sportbacks or possibly an S5 if a lease deal can be made. Has anyone driven the Audis to compare?