Golf R -v- Golf GTI

[REXman]

Plus, I never said I was going stage 3 apr, or for that matter, any mods. I've been there with previous cars. And while it's fun for that time period I'm no longer motivated by such things. I just want something nice

So get an R. If you cant stretch, get a GTI. Both great cars. Thats how it is.

If you get a GTI just be happy with it. Its not as good as an R. Its close, but its not there.

Like comparing an S3 and an RS3, excepts the S3 is AWD also. THE RS3 will ALWAYS be a better performance proposition, if you can stretch.

[dave_r]

Derek is from European Autotech and is a well known and respected guy in Euro circles. Works on VW's Audi's Porsche's all the time, and the odd BMW and Merc.

Ok great, sounds like a good bloke. But it seems like his recommendation might have been taken out of context as there isn't gonna be any difference between the GTI and R in a daily traffic grind?

[mfl]

as there isn't gonna be any difference between the GTI and R in a daily traffic grind?

Not having driven a R, can I ask this as a question/s
* if the smaller turbo on the GTI spools quicker, then in the heavy traffic, won't the GTI accelerate faster than the R in the 100m sprints between red lights or is it bugger all difference ?
* in wet greasy road conditions won't the AWD on the R give you more traction than the GTI (without being stupid of course)?
the only thing I miss on from my Liberty was its handling on wet/greasy roads (although it had no hp to speak off).

[Big Yellow]

in reality the k04 is not that much bigger than a k03. the "lag" is not noticable in the cars i've driven - stock and modified.

[Corey_R]

Depends whether you're using the launch button or driving a manual or not. Peak torque on the R is 2400-5200rpm rather than 1700-5200rpm on the GTI. So as long as your revs are 2500 when you take your foot off the clutch/brake, the R is going to take off very quick - much quicker than the GTI can.
As for wet greasy roads, yes, the R will again give you more traction - but only to a point. 0 to 100 times on a wet road, the R will crush the GTI. But around a racetrack where you rarely slow down enough to break traction under acceleration, the difference is negligible (again, the Eastern Creek times of the Stage III cars).

[mfl]

thanks for the responses, so it doesn't matter the road conditions or which track its as REXman says, close but the difference is always there.

[AdamD]

Not having driven a R, can I ask this as a question/s
* if the smaller turbo on the GTI spools quicker, then in the heavy traffic, won't the GTI accelerate faster than the R in the 100m sprints between red lights or is it bugger all difference ?

As a GTI driver (so - declaring any potential bias right up front), I'd say the difference under these circumstances is quite perceptible, and I find the GTI preferable. I find the GTI feels "goey" where the R feels relatively more docile and weighty - especially on a part throttle. And I have driven them back to back, in traffic.

Having said that, the R will still get away faster if you jump on it. A GTI's turbo may spool up faster, but under a heavy throttle it will wheelspin strongly, almost immediately, and there goes your launch. With an R, there goes your lunch.

[Fab_R]

Having said that, the R will still get away faster if you jump on it. A GTI's turbo may spool up faster, but under a heavy throttle it will wheelspin strongly, almost immediately, and there goes your launch. With an R, there goes your lunch.

I like that, made me laugh....very true Adam

[Transporter]

I'd like to refresh the discussion as the thread is getting too long and some people would like to know the difference between the GTI and R in everyday driving.

As Golf R is AWD its ability to maintain the traction and to keep you on the road in the right direction when the road conditions suddenly change is superior to the GTI and any other 2WD car. Classic example is; when the both left wheels would be driving on unsealed gravelly side of the road at higher speed, for what ever reason.

The AWD is greatly enhancing active safety of every car in any weather conditions.

[REXman]

I found the GTI to be really well balanced. On a test drive I just punched 1st gear 'round a corner, and it suprisingly it stepped out almost like a RWD does, and stayed smooth and held line with the (smooth) wheel spin.

Also the Power seems to be more punchy in the GTI in the low- mid range, where the R is more peaky (which I much prefer). But it made the GTI easier to throw around at low speeds.

Also when I launched the GTI using LC, it made this big crunk sound like the CV joints or the front DIFF are about to rip through the floor.