How much power could a GTI handle before it becomes a handful?

[whichonetoget]

Being FWD and all....

[team_v]

The Stage 3 APR GTI was only a second or 2 behind the Stage 3 Golf R at the recent tuner shootout in the wet.

It was also very close when Guy ran them at lakeside raceway.

Stage 2 or 3 would probably be a bit wild so it depends on your ability to control/feather the throttle.

[Tim]

depends on driver skill. Some people complain at stage 1 that they cant get traction. Ive driven GTIs putting out over 200fwkw and theyre fine so long as you dont treat the throttle as an on/off switch.

In my opinion the turbo choice really is what makes them driveable or not. A fwd that boosts very hard is much more likely to break traction. Its also important to do the appropriate supporting mods as well. Better suspension tune means more traction.

[whichonetoget]

Cool. I can't decide between a VI GTI and V R32. While stock, the R32 is more exciting to drive + wicked soundtrack. I'm sure a GTI with some mods will run rings around the R32 though, but still lack that sound.

[team_v]

I would go the R32.
Linear power delivery, suitable car from the factory.

[Tim]

it certainly is a hard choice to make.
Both cars are awesome but for very different reasons. Most people will tell you just to drive both and then pick.

I chose the GTI over the R32 because although it was technically slower and has more compromises when it comes to getting the power down. It was those things that made it more fun to drive. With all its pops and farts and squirming under brakes and grabbing for traction. There is a lot more driver involvement taking place.

Each to their own though. The above things are why some people refuse to drive a GTI. But yeah as a daily driver for me it was about having fun not about being stupidly fast. (not that theyre slow)

[Corey_R]

One BILLION kilowatts!

[simonm]

One BILLION kilowatts!

Better than a DeLorean, they can only handle 1.21 gigawatts.

[whichonetoget]

Having driven the V GTI, R32 and VI GTI, I have to say that all were very lovely to drive. The R32 felt the most refined out of the lot, and stock, felt the most powerful. The turbo rush of the GTI was nice though.

What attracts me to an R32 is the exclusivity, refinement, 4motion and sound (big meaty v6 grunt in a hatchback). However, they aren't all that quick, less potential for mods, and lack the improvements of the VI Golf. I see GTIs everywhere, and for good reason; they are bloody good cars!

[AdamD]

Having driven the V GTI, R32 and VI GTI, I have to say that all were very lovely to drive. The R32 felt the most refined out of the lot, and stock, felt the most powerful. The turbo rush of the GTI was nice though.

I briefly considered a MkV R32, but ruled it out based on how much I prefer the interior of the MkVI. I still drive a MkV regularly, and to me it feels like I'm driving a much less luxurious car (despite the MkV being a sportline with leather - not at all basic).

The GTI isn't really all that strong, but a stage 1 APR tune would fix that. As far as traction and handling is concerned, like many FWDs, it can become a bit of a handful if you're ham-fisted. But I agree with Tim - I find the GTI more involving and, ultimately, more fun - even though you're no doubt going quite a bit slower in certain conditions. Maybe a few less speeding tickets?

The MkV R32 is still a fantastic-looking car though, with real presence. If there were MkV and MkVI GTIs and Rs lined up, it'd be the R32 I'd check out first.