Golf R -v- Golf GTI

[bigdave260]

If I'd have been able to justify the price I probably would have gone for an 'R'. I think I'll aim for a mk7 one in about 2/3 years.

Dave

[SilvrFoxX]

If I'd have been able to justify the price I probably would have gone for an 'R'. I think I'll aim for a mk7 one in about 2/3 years.

Dave

It would be fair to say of all the R owners here that none of us can justify the price, but once you have one it is the last thing you think about.

Still spend every waking moment wanting to go for a drive, and as a detailing nut how to get the paint to pop more on an RB

[Rob_R]

Too true SF, can't remember the last time I thought about the cost of mine. Just know I wish I could drive mine more than I do!!!!

[WhiteJames]

First local review of Sirocco R in not so good Victoria weather conditions. XDL does work very well on public roadway speeds in inclemental conditions once on the move. Probably works better on snow or ice than torque sensing LSD which can only apportion 'available' grip from one side to another. Looks like the Sirocco R has a bit of steering wheel kickback as is the case with the Mark 6 Golf GTI. Kickback was not an issue with the MKV GTI ... maybe its the stiffer chassis & suspension setup of the Mark 6 chassis. See link:

Volkswagen Scirocco R hot hatch first drive

Cheers.
WJ

[Ideo]

I just did 1700kms in 2 days to cobar and back.

Lots of dirt roads and high speed highway work.

Perfect.

My car is now dirty as Hell. Looks awesome like that. Red dirt, bug guts and highway streaks.

[MaxMo]

Some great comments and observations guys. I also had to weigh up whether to go for the R or the Gti. As my wife actually drives the car more often than I do, the GTi took precedence. That, and the fact that most reviews I read at the time did not think the premium for the R was justified in up to 90% of regular driving experiences. At the end of the day there is no right or wrong answer - both are superb machines and your personal preferences will swing it. By the time we added on every conceivable option to the car, we actually paid almost as much as the R anyway!

[WhiteJames]

MotorTrend.com is an North American website run by Angus MacKenzie, ex-Wheels Magazine Editor in Chief. MotorTrend.com does have good video reviews. They test out the American version of the Manual only Golf R with North American tuned suspension said to be fairly neutral for handling characteristics on the open roadway - which contrasts with the the Euro Version Golf R that seems to carry a greater amount of understeer at local AUS speed limits (maybe not at Germany Autobahn speeds). This article is not written by Aussie Angus, but they say:

The steering ratio is quicker than that of the GTI, the suspension a smidge firmer, and the brakes a touch larger. And that's not to mention the more aggressive bodywork or unique 18-inch alloys

Read more: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R First Test - Motor Trend. USA Golf R also has detuned motor like AUS hot-weather version. The ride height of the Golf R in the Motor Trend pics looks to be about 10mm higher than the euro/aus spec versions. I bet it's probably a bit softer than the euro spec Golf R.
Cheers.
WJ

[WhiteJames]

Motor Trend is a North American Magazine with a half decent website and an Australia Editor in Chief Ex-Wheels Mag Angus MacKenzie. Motor Trend now have a new youtube.com channel of their own callled Ignition. Carlos Lago spends a bit of time with the Golf R manual only transmission in the States.

See youtube video:

2012 Volkswagen Golf R: The Super GTI? - Ignition Episode 6 - YouTube

BTW ... Ray is looking for a new car ... either a fully loaded GTI with DCC or BMW 328i M-Sport to tie him over until the MK7 Golf R or Golf RS arrives.

Cheers.
WJ

[SilvrFoxX]

I miss Ray

[Candyman]

Gee, the R is rubbish isn't it.