Golf R -v- Golf GTI

[Corey_R]

The R is one of the best traffic light weapons in any conditions....

I'm not sure there is any new car for the money which could touch it....

[sabloke]

Look, I don't think anyone said that a proper AWD is not better than any FWD. Only a fool would say that. However, we are debating here R's AWD superiority over GTI's FWD-iness, not AWD over FWD in general. R's part time Haldex AWD is nothing like Evo's or STi's permanent AWD, who are we kidding? That's why properly sorted FWD cars like RS and RS250 are all over it on a track.

Read EVO's February 2011 R/STi/EVO comparo that tells the whole story. Their conclusion: "It certainly doesn't feel four-wheel-drive or exploit the fact that is is, like the Mitsubishi and Subaru." That sums it up, like it or not.

[Danny]

The R is one of the best traffic light weapons in any conditions....

I'm not sure there is any new car for the money which could touch it....

Hey Corey,

Yeah, gonna have to agree with you there. In DSG form, as far as hatches go, the R DSG has it in spades over any other manual hatch out there in a straight line. I dread the day where a DSG R pilot wants to have a traffic light stoush with Megs and I.

I knew this, when I tried to change my order to DSG (and United Grey) unfortunately I was met with the revelation that my now 9 month wait would start again. Corey, it was you who made the comment that the Manual Golf R lacks the R&D, that goes into the DSG, and yes bud, you were 110% spot on. It seems like VW have given up on the manuals.

The Manual Golf R I do not believe would trump my Meg in a straight line, no way, and as a drivers car, neither would come close. But the R is Nay a kidney shaker. Its a lovely place to do business in, clinical, where the meg is loud, bumpy, white knuckle fun. Yes the Golf R is a tad inert, the engine note inoffensive, yes it does lack character compared to the Meg. But there is a LOT to love. There is a reason I sold a 182 Cup Clio Sport, JUST to put an order on a Golf R, sadly, 9 months is a long time to think, and read reviews, and test drive other offerings. I ordered my Golf R in October, before the 250 was even here in Oz

There is a lot I gained in going the RenaultSport vehicle, but there is also a lot I lost, and I know that when I see no screen, no HDD, nor Sunroof, nor ACC, and when I listen to that horrible stereo, But the looks, the attention it gains, and the way the thing drives with that LSD is beyond amazing, that it may as well be AWD. If this thing is capable of lighting up the treads around corners, I am yet to experience it, It is that well sorted. It is unfortunate, but we may never see a hatch that offers the best of both worlds here in this type of application, and at the present point in time, Its either your Q car VW, cruiser, or the raw as balls out Megane 250.

Interesting times indeed.

[WhiteJames]

Forget about baseline Dyno runs. I’ve suggested to Ray that he drive the Renault Megane RS250 as a baseline comparison with his forthcoming Golf R, if it ever arrives. This will enable him to experience how a well sorted hot-hatch should drive before he embarks on his upgrade plans with his Golf R.

He already has pricing for the following upgrades to be supplied & fitted in the one hit once the EA113 motor has a few miles under its belt:

APR Stage 1 tune.
APR TBE.
H&R small solid adjustable sway bars F & R.
Brembo two piece 355mm big brake kit.

These upgrades should allow his Golf R to steer and stop as well as it accelerates, which are two important aspects tending towards driveability. It should also put his forthcoming R comfortably above the Renault Megane RS250 in terms of performance (I should hope so!).

He’s looking at having all this supplied & fitted by Derek @ European Autotech as apparently Derek is now a Master APR Tuner.

He’s probably going to need the Fuel Pump Upgrade to prevent any fuel surge with the EA113 motor imo. A larger intercooler may also be prudent later down the track imo.

I’d rather go the Renault and pocket the change. Each to their own. These plans are still some months away. Have to wait and see if the Golf R arrives on time.

Cheers
WJ

[Fab_R]

Hey Corey,

Yeah, gonna have to agree with you there. In DSG form, as far as hatches go, the R DSG has it in spades over any other manual hatch out there in a straight line. I dread the day where a DSG R pilot wants to have a traffic light stoush with Megs and I.

I knew this, when I tried to change my order to DSG (and United Grey) unfortunately I was met with the revelation that my now 9 month wait would start again. Corey, it was you who made the comment that the Manual Golf R lacks the R&D, that goes into the DSG, and yes bud, you were 110% spot on. It seems like VW have given up on the manuals.

The Manual Golf R I do not believe would trump my Meg in a straight line, no way, and as a drivers car, neither would come close. But the R is Nay a kidney shaker. Its a lovely place to do business in, clinical, where the meg is loud, bumpy, white knuckle fun. Yes the Golf R is a tad inert, the engine note inoffensive, yes it does lack character compared to the Meg. But there is a LOT to love. There is a reason I sold a 182 Cup Clio Sport, JUST to put an order on a Golf R, sadly, 9 months is a long time to think, and read reviews, and test drive other offerings. I ordered my Golf R in October, before the 250 was even here in Oz

There is a lot I gained in going the RenaultSport vehicle, but there is also a lot I lost, and I know that when I see no screen, no HDD, nor Sunroof, nor ACC, and when I listen to that horrible stereo, But the looks, the attention it gains, and the way the thing drives with that LSD is beyond amazing, that it may as well be AWD. If this thing is capable of lighting up the treads around corners, I am yet to experience it, It is that well sorted. It is unfortunate, but we may never see a hatch that offers the best of both worlds here in this type of application, and at the present point in time, Its either your Q car VW, cruiser, or the raw as balls out Megane 250.

Interesting times indeed.

Hey Danny i cant believe you cancelled man, but I understand your reasons - 9 month wait is ridiculous!!

Drop into Ringwood when you get a chance. Would love to check Meg out....

[Whistler]

Look, I don't think anyone said that a proper AWD is not better than any FWD. Only a fool would say that. However, we are debating here R's AWD superiority over GTI's FWD-iness, not AWD over FWD in general. R's part time Haldex AWD is nothing like Evo's or STi's permanent AWD, who are we kidding? That's why properly sorted FWD cars like RS and RS250 are all over it on a track.

Read EVO's February 2011 R/STi/EVO comparo that tells the whole story. Their conclusion: "It certainly doesn't feel four-wheel-drive or exploit the fact that is is, like the Mitsubishi and Subaru." That sums it up, like it or not.

No, we are debating R vs. GTI (per the thread). A primary benefit of the R over GTI is AWD. Whereas one benefit of the GTI over the R is.... Ummm.... Oh yeh... It's cheaper and mother-in-laws drive them.

Lol

[sabloke]

I wouldn't know mate, to me most Golfs look the same... I'm sure there must be a few mother-in-lawas driving Rs, too

R's part time AWD is in fact 90% front wheels most of the time. I wouldn't believe the 10% sent to the rears makes any difference for normal driving. The only advantage over the GTI seems to be a more balance car due to extra weight of the AWD system. No use to bag the GTI since they're really the same car.

[Danny]

Hey Danny i cant believe you cancelled man, but I understand your reasons - 9 month wait is ridiculous!!

Drop into Ringwood when you get a chance. Would love to check Meg out....

Hey Fab!

Sweet as, should hit us up next time you go for a cruise too. Only had the Meggy a week, bought it just up the road from you. Have had my eye out for that sweet sweet R of yours, and would have definitely dropped in if I'd seen it! Anyway, we're all run in now, so I'll come past one of these days!

-Dan

[hooba]

The Golf manual turned me off due to:

Electronic throttle intervention.
Long and ill-defined throws between gates.
Imo less front end spring rate of the manual GTI –v- DSG GTI increasing comfort, but reduced chassis control.
Clutch replacements every 60-90K km.

I respect your first three points, all valid and it is really up to the individual as to how big an issue it really is.

However the last point about clutch replacements and therefore maintenance being a reason to choose DSG over a manual shouldn't go unchallenged. How do you reconcile the relative reliability of the manual vs the DSG (the DSG's issues have been discussed extensively on this forum)? Did you factor in the cost of the DSG service every 60,000kms?

[Fab_R]

Hey Fab!

Sweet as, should hit us up next time you go for a cruise too. Only had the Meggy a week, bought it just up the road from you. Have had my eye out for that sweet sweet R of yours, and would have definitely dropped in if I'd seen it! Anyway, we're all run in now, so I'll come past one of these days!

-Dan

Great mate...sounds good!!
Look forward to it.