Golf R -v- Golf GTI

[Maverick]

A mating of the EA888 motor and the 4motion AWD system actually do exist already James ..... Can be found in the VW Tiguans ....

But the Golf has a few things Tiguan doesn't and that's handling and looks.

[G-rig]

The Tig is an SUV as well (higher centre of gravity)..

Boot size is only marginally bigger too.

[Sharkie]

But the Golf has a few things Tiguan doesn't and that's handling and looks.

Well looks are in the eye of the beholder .... so thats debatable ..... and handling, yes, stock a Golf has it, however this can be fixed in a Tiguan ...

The Tiguan has more space than a Golf, makes a better family run-around and more importantly has AWD .... Have embarrased a few Stg 2 GTI's now already as off the line my Tig has a clear advantage ..... in gear to my amazement I've found no real difference either (love p!$$ing off smug GTI drivers....) .... so a Tiguan is like a GTI for grown-ups .... very good value, but yes, not the ultimate when it comes to "on-track" handling, but not standing back 1 inch on the road where everybody spends 99.9% of their time .....

Not much beats a 210kw/420NM small AWD SUV when it comes to value for money ..... and that money is less then $50K on the road ....

EDIT: and the R was a bit of a dissapointment driving it after driving to the dealer in the Tig and back home afterwards .... and what makes it worse is that the Tig is my wife's (a girls car !!!!) ....

[Sharkie]

The Tig is an SUV as well (higher centre of gravity)..

Its amazing what a 40mm drop will do to that centre of gravity problem .....

[G-rig]

Its amazing what a 40mm drop will do to that centre of gravity problem .....

Yeah i think it would help but you could also drop a GTI 30-40mm and that would be better again (or leave it stock vs spending money on modding a Tig).

[Sharkie]

Yeah i think it would help but you could also drop a GTI 30-40mm and that would be better again (or leave it stock vs spending money on modding a Tig).

True, but I've spent less than $40K on the Tig so far and now have a car that is far more capable than a stock 5dr GTI that costs $45K ....

[G-rig]

True, but I've spent less than $40K on the Tig so far and now have a car that is far more capable than a stock 5dr GTI that costs $45K ....

Sounds like you're happy with it which is the main thing. I also wasn't that impressed with the R vs my Stage 1 GTI.

You can get GTI's cheaper than that with the EOFYS.

[triode12]

Very comprehensive review WJ, sounds like you are mainly paying for the mid corner grip with the R. I test drove an R yesterday too, albeit a short spin not a good circuit test. The extra lag was quite apparent and the acceleration wasn't overwhelming as you suggested. There's no doubt that it's very balanced compared to the R32 and quite composed in nature leading me to believe it's still somewhat of a tourer. My APR GTI still felt quicker and more lively.

Big question is are you getting one? I agree with iBoost that the GTI is good enough around town and also like the styling with the 18" detroits. An R would be great just not sure if the extra spend gives you that many more thrills. If you track your car sure, would be worth it.

Purchased my GTI from Phil Fairhall and he's very good to deal with!

Greg, when did you feel the lag - in Drive and Sport Modes?

*I drove it for the second time yesterday too.

[G-rig]

Greg, when did you feel the lag - in Drive and Sport Modes?

*I drove it for the second time yesterday too.

I guess mainly in Drive mode.. Sports mode made it a bit more agressive and tend to think it went better in sports. Didn't rev it all out but find sports mode on the GTI a bit unuseable the way it holds it up top sometimes (like you're being a hoon), but good if you're driving around on light throttle and the down shifts on deceleration are nice.

[mooka]

This is a brilliant write up WJ - thanks.

I test drove a GTI a few months ago and was thrilled with the drive. I have now purchased the R, without driving it, expecting (and hoping) that it will deliver the goods - as it appears to from your review.
As far as the looks comparo, it really is horses for courses I suppose. I was lucky enough to be in Frankfurt last September at the Motor Show, and have loved how understated the R since then.

In reality I would be happy with either and am fortunate that my budget can stretch to the R.