Golf R -v- Golf GTI

**Ideo** · 04-04-2011, 08:07 PM

Originally Posted by Capercat

Don't want to pop this forum's lag bubble, personally I've always felt the S3, Golf R, Pirelli have terrible lag irrespective of compassions with Jap cars or ECU flashes.
Now, how do I explain to the guy at work who bought his first VW (golf R) and complains as he describes as "power hesitation" lol. Do i act dumb and say, try driving an EVO?
I could just quote WJ's above post, but might risk scaring him.

The Focus RS and ST are both worse imo.

**QIK-R** · 05-04-2011, 09:06 AM

having driven both an rs and the xr5, they are a bit laggy compared to the golf r. the golf i think has a more linear power curve to the xr5..

**dave_r** · 05-04-2011, 10:05 AM

If you drive an R and GTI back to back, the R will "seem" laggy as the smaller turbo on the GTI is more responsive but the R isn't laggy. NFI what peoples comparisons are but I've had Jap turbos and XR6T's and the R is fine, stock or stage 1 tuned.

**Capercat** · 05-04-2011, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by triode12

Rocco, have you driven a tuned R/S3/Pirelli before?

If you're implying an aftermarket tune helps lessen K04 lag, I could suggest this as a possible solution, except how will he take it when he learns it will cost him extra $$, he's taking it to VW to have it checked out

I'm kinda enjoying the entertainment. I know I'm cruel haha

**triode12** · 05-04-2011, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by Capercat

If you're implying an aftermarket tune helps lessen K04 lag, I could suggest this as a possible solution, except how will he take it when he learns it will cost him extra $$, he's taking it to VW to have it checked out

I'm kinda enjoying the entertainment. I know I'm cruel haha

Yes it does. But the stock R's lag is nothing compared to the stock Pirelli. I think people who complain about it are crazy.

As Parso said, it is more to do with the tune than the actual size of the turbo that is the cause of the lag.

A superchips tune is $680 - chump change in the whole scheme of things.

**REXman** · 05-04-2011, 12:08 PM

Originally Posted by SilvrFoxX

Well there are a number of answers but I still think it comes down to expectation.. it is a 4 cylinder with a turbo bolted on, you want linear torque curve then buy a v8. The other issue may well be it is a DSG which again has to be driven differently to a standard auto.

+1.

Originally Posted by Ideo

The first thing I thought when I drove the R was how tractable at all RPM it was for a turbo 4.

What. People are expecting V8 like torque from 1000rpm from a turbo 4?

+1 here.

Originally Posted by Capercat

Don't want to pop this forum's lag bubble, personally I've always felt the S3, Golf R, Pirelli have terrible lag irrespective of compassions with Jap cars or ECU flashes.
Now, how do I explain to the guy at work who bought his first VW (golf R) and complains as he describes as "power hesitation" lol. Do i act dumb and say, try driving an EVO?
I could just quote WJ's above post, but might risk scaring him.

You tell the guy at your work that the R is about as good as it gets when it comes to 4-cylinder turbos. You tell him that hesitation is more to do with the DSG engaging first, as this appears to happen slower than it takes your foot to reach from the brake to the accelerator, the price of lightning fast shifts, and just requires better anticipation.

Maybe tell him to stop talking to you as well..

**Capercat** · 05-04-2011, 02:38 PM

He'll soon be speaking with a VW tech, DSG hesitation or lag shall wait & see.

**DDTW** · 06-04-2011, 11:14 PM

I don't understand all the fuss about the R's lag. Just slip it into S and the car hammers! D is for economical comfortable cruising.

Just went for a spin with a mate who owns a GTI Adidas. The GTI's low down power is way better and more useable than the R's. Above 3000rpm the R pulls a lot stronger.