The kiwi may take the early lead, but put your money on the wisteria to win the arbor. You have heard that Wisteria is traditionally supported by galvanized pipes set in concrete? Perhaps you have a guardian angel and you bought a native wisteria (W. macrostachys or W. frutescens).

Sorry, but I'm betting on the kiwi. Mine have strangled out a Sweet Autumn Clematis (a monster in its own right) and a grape vine. It has now full control of the arbor and would likely have the telephone lines and probably the pole if I wasn't diligent in beating it back a couple times a summer.

~Chills

Hmmm, sounds like an epic battle brewing.

I'm getting the impression that unless we build a fairly big arbor its probobly best to only get one vine growing up on it. Pity.

granite grrl,
with either vine you will eventually need a fairly big arbor unless you plan to be diligent with pruning! I've seen both overtake arbors made out of concrete pillars and 2x8 cross-beams!!! Good luck!