What to buy? GTI or R20

[G-rig]

The R will be more like your R32 - setup for comfortable long distance driving - a Grand Tourer. The suspension will be tweaked for that according to one report. So it depends on what you want I suppose.

Personally, faced with the same decision, I would either go back to an R32 (since you know what it is like) or buy a Pirelli (same engine as the R but w/o AWD). The R32 will become a collectable like the Pirelli because it will be last of it's kind - no more V6 engines for the Golf.

If you like a car that is more fun/thrills than the two suggested above (the new GTI included) ...a Polo GTI is what I would suggest you test drive.

I initially thought the Golf R would be like an AWD GTI but will still weighs 160-180kg more than the GTI, has the older FSI engine and doesnt really stand out from the other Golf's as much as the MK5 GTI/R32. Given the extra drivetrain losses of AWD (10-12%) may still be slower than a retuned GTI. A retuned Golf R would be enough power you'd think, but extra lag so it's a hard choice.

Around town the GTI would probably be good enough for the price saving but those who want to push big power for the streets are better off getting the Golf R (coming to realise that power isn't everything and you can't use it legally most of the time and is a bit pointless- may as well get something that is a hoot to drive like the R32 with the sound, or smaller lighter FWD cars).

If I were placing an order for a MK6 GTI I'd probably want to wait to see really how good the Golf R is and drive it, although the wait is ages for both. The mk6 is really not worth the extra over a Mk5 either given the saving on used ones, but some people like new cars.

[backdoc]

I think you'll find there will be plenty of turbo kit upgrades for the GTI that will surpass the R20 available in the future that will make the R20 seem slow and overpriced.

I assume the R20 its awd? Guess this will be the big difference for anyone wanting a track monster.

Upgrading/tuning is one thing I'm not really into. I like cars to be as stock as possible. Don't mind subtle upgrades like exhausts & wheels but not really into mucking around significantly with hardware or software.

I might take the S3 for a spin. That's a good idea and failing that I may just have to wait for the R20 to arrive before I can decide.

[VW Central]

Upgrading/tuning is one thing I'm not really into. I like cars to be as stock as possible. Don't mind subtle upgrades like exhausts & wheels but not really into mucking around significantly with hardware or software.

I might take the S3 for a spin. That's a good idea and failing that I may just have to wait for the R20 to arrive before I can decide.

I agree somewhat, I just think its better to buy a car with a bigger turbo rather than buy a GTI and then upgrade to k04 afterwards etc..

[G-rig]

I agree somewhat, I just think its better to buy a car with a bigger turbo rather than buy a GTI and then upgrade to k04 afterwards etc..

That is the beauty of the Pirelli/S3 and Golf R although there is a bit more lag but like the idea of having more power in stock form as well.

[VW Central]

So pretty much, best value car was the GTI Pirelli

[G-rig]

So pretty much, best value car was the GTI Pirelli

Good value but too much lag, depends if you care .

Stock GTI prob best value but a stage 1 Pirelli is a lot of power .

[Corey_R]

For those who are saying that you'll be able to upgrade a Golf GTI and it will be quicker than a Golf R, you're dreaming.

It's been said before, but this is not the MKV GTI vs R32 situation this time.

Firstly, the Golf R is ONLY 125KG heavier this time, not 200KG as with the R32.
The Golf R's acceleration is 0 to 100 in 5.5 seconds, not 6.1 of the R32.

So a stage 2 APR GTI (around 205kw / 430NM) which will cost you $5k in upgrades (ECU, Exhaust, Air Intake) still won't get you to 5.5 seconds, mainly due to traction.

A stage 3 APR GTI (around 275KW / 520NM) will cost you $10k for the stage 3 kit, and probably another $10k in exhaust, suspension, brake, wheel/tyre upgrades, making it more expensive than a Golf R, would still struggle to do the 0 to 100 in 5.5 for most drivers, again due to traction. Guy H, please correct me if I'm wrong there

Simple fact is, the Golf R (or Audi S3) is going to be the car to have if you're looking at THAT level of performance. They already have 200KW/350NM of torque. They already have better suspension / brake package. And with a simple stage I ECU update they'll have 240KW/435NM of torque for as low as $1695 and then do 0 to 100 around the 5.0 second mark.

I'm not a "Golf R fanboi", my previous car was a APR/Oettinger Stage II GTI, I'm just being realistic here. Golf GTI is a fantastic car, but the fact that the Golf R is also getting a turbo engine and has nowhere near the weight penalty the R32 had, it changes things

[G-rig]

Not disputing that the Golf R is better for drags if you're into that, but what about a rolling start? Agree it's not worthing having too much power in a FWD as you can't put it down.

The point is, is it worth the extra for street use?

[Mk6 GTI]

Upgrading/tuning is one thing I'm not really into. I like cars to be as stock as possible. Don't mind subtle upgrades like exhausts & wheels but not really into mucking around significantly with hardware or software.

I might take the S3 for a spin. That's a good idea and failing that I may just have to wait for the R20 to arrive before I can decide.

me either!

[Timbo]

We all say that...and then we try a flash...and then it's a slippery slope

I think you'll find the the current 8P S3 will give you a pretty good indication of what the R20 will be like. Flash an S3 & it eliminates most of the lag, as well as boosting mid range torque considerably. Makes it a very pleasant car to drive, in a whole range of conditions. AWD also makes a much bigger difference than you'd imagine, especially in the wet.