Golf R -v- Golf GTI

[WhiteJames]

After driving the Sirocco R for a bit around EC, I was quite suprised by how good it actually was to drive from a driver's perspective. It felt faster than the Golf R, had sharper dynamics around corners offering greater driver enjoyment & challenge.

This is a good sign for the upcoming Golf MK7 GTI as it too will be lower & wider with the front axle pushed further forward to improve weight distribution. Add in lighter weight, an alloy roof as rumour states and a sideways haldex style clutch type LSD and the Golf MK7 GTI could be the business.

Going from the Sirocco R to the Golf R was like going from a sharp knife to a blunt knife (within reason). The Golf R has the old-school Volkswagen/Audi suspension tuning DNA with lots more safe & secure understeer that rarely ever push through. The Golf R never stops feeling like a FWD when pressing-on (okay ... maybe not on initial take off under 40kph). The weight out front with the weight out rear in the AWD Golf R + an engine that sits higher than the FWD Sirocco R, has the Golf R feeling like a dumbell around the faster corners, twitching front and rear with weight transfer, not being able to place the front end at the apex with mm, or sometimes half a foot, in addition to making it less prone to maintain a desired line into and out of corners.

Imo the Sirocco R was so much easier in this regard, although you did have to keep on eye on lift off oversteer on corner entry and XDS electric diff does take a little away from driver skill. On an fast open track like EC, imo the Sirocco R would probably trounce both the Golf R and Megane RS250 RenaultSport as it's so fast in its top end poke.

Cheers.
WJ

[Candyman]

Another win for the driving around Sydney Motorsport Park in the Rocco, can't see any traffic behind you.

[Klink1313]

....... The Golf R never stops feeling like a FWD when pressing-on (okay ... maybe not on initial take off under 40kph). The weight out front with the weight out rear in the AWD Golf R + an engine that sits higher than the FWD Sirocco R, has the Golf R feeling like a dumbell around the faster corners, twitching front and rear with weight transfer, not being able to place the front end at the apex with mm, or sometimes half a foot, in addition to making it less prone to maintain a desired line into and out of corners...

Umm, may less right foot, or slight lift off or slight left foot brake pressure to get the front tyres to bite might help reach that apex. Don't blame the tool...not that I am biased mind you .

[Candyman]

You aren't suggesting WJ can't drive AWD are you

[SilvrFoxX]

Geez CM, I thought it but didn't post it.. well now I am worried as there isn't a line

[Klink1313]

Well unjustified criticism and bullying of my Dub Dub is not acceptable . All this handling drivell is just so subjective and is not all car related. When I drove a GTI at the VW drive day I also had trouble making the apex when trying to drive like Fangio whilst having the driving skills of Sgt Schultz .

[Ideo]

It's ok. Ray knows how to drive.

[team_v]

Would be interesting to note if the drive days allowed you to turn off traction control as i find the 4Mo system is a lot easier to use when TC is turned off.

This could account for the difference in fun while driving.

[brimway]

Would be interesting to note if the drive days allowed you to turn off traction control as i find the 4Mo system is a lot easier to use when TC is turned off.

This could account for the difference in fun while driving.

No, the main purpose of the drive days is to allow you to experience the ABS, ESP gadgetry, at least for "insights" and "progression" courses.

The Rs all had ACC set to "sport" and no ACC for the GTIs

[team_v]

No, the main purpose of the drive days is to allow you to experience the ABS, ESP gadgetry, at least for "insights" and "progression" courses.

Well that would make the Golf R feel a lot less nimble and responsive as TC kicks in jerks the steering around rather than progressively allowing you to push the rear out and then bring it back in.