Golf R -v- Golf GTI

[dsuhiti]

Hi all,

I currently have a 2010 3 door Mk6 GTI in manual. Candy white with 18", leather, sunroof, rear camera, xenons. It has 65 000km on the clock.

Opportunity has come up to buy a mint (like new) 2012 Golf R 5 door in manual in rising blue with 25 000km for only $35000. However, it is a completely standard car, no factory options.

Would you upgrade to the R? Having a hard time justifying and maybe someone needs to convince me which way to go!

Cheers

[team_v]

To be honest, unless you are going to be tracking it, i would just stick with the GTI.
There isn't going to be any major upgrade in the R other than AWD which while fun, has proven to be non essential by Nat225/Alan etc at our happy laps.

[koji]

I would keep the GTI. 3 Door and manual is hard to come by, let alone xenons, sunroof, leather etc.

I know it can be tempting seeing R's dipping into the sub $35k price bracket but I think you have an epic setup already!

[Lucas_R]

I think id keep a well optioned (and manual - yippee) GTI over a bare bones Golf R.

Might be time to get the GTI tuned (a tune alone.....or tune, intake and dump pipe) if you are craving a bit more power.

I own both a mid spec optioned Golf R and also a bare bones GTI (both manual), and although the AWD grip of the R is amazing, you rarely use it to be honest. I cant comment on power differences, because the R is making 211kw whereas the GTI is stock (although it's getting tuned this week), so obviously the R is faster and certainly feels a lot more powerful (much more torque).

The GTI is a good 150-170kg or so lighter than the R, and feels more nimble/fun to drive.

[Tim]

It depends on what kind of a driver you are.
In my mind the GTI is 10x more fun to drive than a Golf R. But this is because you can play with its limits. The Golf R is just a plant your foot and go proposition. Quick but boring to drive.

[dsuhiti]

I have a stage 1 bluefin on the GTI and would be looking to do the same on the R. I just find the grip of the GTI lacking, probably average tyres, that's why the R appeals, just point and shoot. Along with the fact that it is manual, under warranty and newer for a cheap price.

I'm leaning towards keeping the GTI, if the R had a few options I would snap it up. I'll drive it anyway and see.. Just want to get some opinions from the community I guess

[zoomda]

I'll drive it anyway and see..

That's the best thing to do. You'll know then if you really want it or not.

[Dutch77]

This is what I did. I test drove an R a couple of years into GTI ownership but felt for my needs (and budget at the time) I'd get more out of keeping my GTI and doing some mods - which is exactly what I did as outlined in my sig.

[dsuhiti]

Well I have the R for the night and the grip is amazing, a bit punchier than my stage 1 bluefin GTI as well. Sounds better too, one downside of the GTI and the ride is better for some reason (no adjustable dampers) and because it's a newer car (October 2012 build!) feels tighter.

The price is also great. However I love the combo I have now, it's unique and I've grown to have stuff like leather and sunroof a big factor. I'm leaning towards holding onto the GTI, let's see if I feel the same in the morning. IMO, the R is a better car, more aggressive and it's refreshing having so much grip at all times. If only this R wasn't bone stock, it would be mine already

[SilvrFoxX]

Tough call , I have the R and love it for all the reasons that everyone else doesn't. Can't advise if you should do it as it really is a case of heart over head. However if you enjoyed the upgrade journey on the GTI then it should be fun doing it all over again.

Also munching V8s is also addictive