As the owner of a 2021 GTI SE 170 and 2007 GTI SE 155, I can’t help but respond. I love my 170 for 2 up riding and the comfortable driver seat comfort. I also love the sport mode - makes the ski feel respond aggressively and like an old school mechanical throttle by wire. Fuel economy is similar to my 155 - about 6 MPG. And I like being able to add accessories plug and play (added the USB charger) and I want to add a depth finder. And as pricey as the speakers were, I like them too.
But I love my 2007 for 3 up riding and tow sports because of the larger seat and space. 3 can ride comfortably on the long banana type seat and the seat is like a soft sofa with a lot of foam to soak up the bumps. I like the wire throttle, with instant power and response. And I love not having a cover over half the engine that I have to remove every time I want to change spark plugs and oil. And I can spray lube easily all over the engine compartment after riding, without having to work a can of lube under the cover like on the 170. And I can get to and change the battery without cutting up my hand and actually being able to get the battery in and out easily.
Well, you can tell I love my 155… it is a tough choice. But for performance and overall riding I like the 170. 230 hours isn’t a lot if it has been taken care of. I am at 350 on my 2007 and original wear ring, pump rebuilt once, and it has been bulletproof proof. So if the 170 has been taken care of, maybe lean towards 170, especially if it has the speakers.
