Golf R -v- Golf GTI

[brimway]

And to the delight of Hyundai, the current Kia offerings are making sales volume inroads aswell.

[SilvrFoxX]

So what is the source of the joy for you when driving the R? Simply sensing how far you are within the capability of the car while going fast?

In a nutshell yes, sure you can imply a lot from that but it is that sense that defines what the driving experience is. This would explain the popularity of the Merc 63 and the BMW M series, both extreme cars but the feeling within is controlled and planted.

[Candyman]

In a nutshell yes, sure you can imply a lot from that but it is that sense that defines what the driving experience is. This would explain the popularity of the Merc 63 and the BMW M series, both extreme cars but the feeling within is controlled and planted.

Also, specifically related to this, my wife continually remarks how much more safe and relaxed she feels in the R versus our MKV GTI.

Not directly fun you might say but a happy wife is fun

[SilvrFoxX]

Also, specifically related to this, my wife continually remarks how much more safe and relaxed she feels in the R versus our MKV GTI.

Not directly fun you might say but a happy wife is fun

Same for mine, she decided between the 2 offerings from VW, how good is that

[AdamD]

Golf R wins

Fewer letters to debadge (god, wash my mouth out, sacrilege)

Don't even joke about that! *runs out to the garage to check badges are in place*

In a nutshell yes, sure you can imply a lot from that but it is that sense that defines what the driving experience is. This would explain the popularity of the Merc 63 and the BMW M series, both extreme cars but the feeling within is controlled and planted.

I'm not sure I'd describe a C63 as planted per-se; those things can be ridiculously lairy and tail-happy. Still, an incredibly engaging and satisfying drive. I'd be more inclined to draw parallels between the R and, say, an Audi RS5 - hugely competent and very fast, but not so dramatic or wild. It all comes down to your personal driving style as to what you prefer. Journos certainly seem to prefer the BMW and Mercedes, but I have to say I see a lot more RS5s on the road...

The R is undoubtedly quicker and more relaxed at going hard point to point - very fuss free. The GTI, particularly if tuned, can be much more of a handful (albeit fairly safely so) while being nowhere rear as quick unless being driven by a pro. I personally enjoy the thrill of being smooth and fast rather than just going faster than everyone else, but I know plenty of others who don't see the appeal. I love having to pay real attention to throttle application, and controlling the car as the (lower) weight transfers on entry and exit - it's a real challenge to get right.

I think the GTI would be seen as more of an on-par performance alternative to an R if it were RWD and so appealed to the hard-core traditionalists. FWD has come a very long way in the last decade or so, but at the end of the day no amount of suspension tuning and clever diff electronics can overcome physics when you push beyond a certain point.

[Candyman]

Mmmm, rear wheel drive GTI .....

Has that ever been done by VW ?

As a weekender that could be a lot of fun although playing with the Haldex could generate some nice rear wheel action.

Agree about the C63 - tyre shredder extraordinaire

[kaanage]

The R is undoubtedly quicker and more relaxed at going hard point to point - very fuss free. The GTI, particularly if tuned, can be much more of a handful (albeit fairly safely so) while being nowhere rear as quick unless being driven by a pro. I personally enjoy the thrill of being smooth and fast rather than just going faster than everyone else, but I know plenty of others who don't see the appeal. I love having to pay real attention to throttle application, and controlling the car as the (lower) weight transfers on entry and exit - it's a real challenge to get right.

I think the GTI would be seen as more of an on-par performance alternative to an R if it were RWD and so appealed to the hard-core traditionalists. FWD has come a very long way in the last decade or so, but at the end of the day no amount of suspension tuning and clever diff electronics can overcome physics when you push beyond a certain point.

Given that the the Sirocco R (basically an Ed35 with different styling) can lap some race tracks quicker than a Golf R, this is not strictly true - the sheer added weight and inertia of the AWD does slow the acceleration down under the right circumstances.

I do agree that AWD makes the Golf R much more of an every person's car but that is where I have been confused in the past - I just couldn't understand buying a relatively budget performance car if exploring the limits wasn't part of the reason. But it seems there are 2 types of buyer which I couldn't relate to in the past (and why I couldn't understand why people buying a GTi or R wouldn't want to track it at least once).

Anyway, this thread justifies (to me) why the Sirocco R is FWD - it's intended for those who really want a responsive drivers car that demands and rewards attention. The lower spec Siroccos are intended for those who just want the looks.

[SilvrFoxX]

I thought the ROC came in AWD in Europe, we just got the FWD version

I believe it is possibly related to where they want to position the Golf range. The Golf R has all the toys, the Scirocco has the 3 door looks but FWD, then the GTIs come into play.

Overseas you seem to get the breadth and length of all the variations including diesels

[ConR]

No the Roc is only available in FWD no matter where you are. HPA makes an AWD version....for $150k

http://www.hpamotorsports.com/scirocco.htm

[Candyman]

Drivers car ?

Shop elsewhere