Golf R -v- Golf GTI

[styyyle]

Well I had the choice. Test drove a 2008 R32 with 48000kms on the clock, priced at $43880. Felt very slow to react under throttle, but liked the sound of the beast. I say beast because the test drive circuit had more than a few roundabouts, and it didnt seem at all too happy turning in - much happier in a straight line. Next I tested an R, the whole package felt more balanced, and managed to pick a 2010 with 10k on the clock up for $49500 neat from a dealer.

Sure the R cost 15% more, but was 2 years newer, still had 2 years factory warranty, (feels like) it turns in quicker, and has a functional centre console computer (which the R32 didnt). Needless to say Im very happy with my purchase - the next generation of engineering and refinement sealed the deal for me.

For the record I also tested an 135i (VERY minimalist interior, no chance to put child seat in the back), and a Mini Cooper S (fun but too small). Looked at a GTI with adidas seats - fine if I wanted my football boots to be my car but cant see myself giving anyone a ride without stupid comments - say if I were to drop a feminina home... Looked at a GTI Pirelli but the trim was way too over the top with yellow stitching and strange grooves in the seats. Great for the fully-sicks Im sure, but not something Id be comfortable giving my director a lift home in.

[triode12]

Sorry, I meant can u feel the extra weight of the r dulling the turn in much as in does it want to push understeer more when going for it. I would assume the are would be less eager on turn in and less adjustable mid corner with steering, throttle and braking inputs

Not that I could tell, it felt just like the Pirelli on the turns (in everyway except in power delivery and braking). In stock form, the Pirelli understeers quite a bit so, it would be the same for the R. The car would benefit from upgraded sways.

[Corey_R]

Attached is a blog from an R32 fanatic who has had the first opportunity to test drive the R.. it is pretty unbias account of what he thinks of the R in a brief test. Lets call him American WJ

VW Golf R drive report and perspective from R32 enthusiast/owner | Nordschleife Autoblahg

From the article:

One major design that I'm glad VW went away from was that cheese "diamond plate" looking dash trim from the MKV R32. The Golf R has a nice, subdued medium gray dash trim that is unassuming and even has a nice quality textured feel to it.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought the Golf R32's "diamond plate" trim sucked. It's so "un-executive" if you ask me! hehe

[Rob_R]

I feel dirty..

hehe, it doesn't read well does it.

[SilvrFoxX]

hehe, it doesn't read well does it.

Not when I am wearing my chaps and stetson... ooops .. wrong forum.. isn't this buff boyz..?

[MkVIGTI]

You need a luxo barge not an R

My friend made a comment whilst in my GTI last time, saying how he thinks sports cars should also be luxurious, and also asked why my GTI doesn't have electric seats...

[DoggieHowser]

My friend made a comment whilst in my GTI last time, saying how he thinks sports cars should also be luxurious, and also asked why my GTI doesn't have electric seats...

Tell that to the Scuderia and Elise owners

[MkVIGTI]

Tell that to the Scuderia and Elise owners

I used my friend's Evo 9 as an example He also said that a 2.0L Honda Accord feels very powerful and not that much slower...

[DoggieHowser]

I used my friend's Evo 9 as an example He also said that a 2.0L Honda Accord feels very powerful and not that much slower...

I hope he's referring to the EuroR

Even so, with a higher state of tune on the S2000, it felt sluggish. Things only improved after my friend changed the final drive which improved the acceleration but crippled top speed.

That said, with a convertible form factor, like with the S2000 and say the Boxster, with a good exhaust note, the cars do "sound" fast and with the wind in your hair, feels fast too, even if the car isn't.

[hentaiboy]

My friend made a comment whilst in my GTI last time, saying how he thinks sports cars should also be luxurious

In the latest series of Top Gear, JC looks at the evolution of the GTI and complains that they have become too soft and luxurious. This, he states, is the new GTI: