Golf R v GTI Performance

[andrew7]

G'day guys

As you may know I recently wrote off my Lapiz Blue R after just 2 months driving thanks to a high speed collision with a 1 ton Bull The good news is that I'm OK and get to start over and choose a new car

Having decided against the extra $$ spend for the Audi S3, I'm tossing and turning over a choice between another R or a GTI Performance. The notional gap is $6k but it narrows after my negotiations to about $4.2k when you spec both with leather and Driver Assistance package. I did enjoy my brief time in the R, an impressive angry beast when poked, but did occasionally have concerns that the ride was a fraction firm (but still comfortable) on the country roads I travel. Ride quality appears better with the Performance even tho it also rides on 19's. GTI performance is well rated (9/10 in Wheels mag v 8/10 for the R) and clearly more than adequate, engine note sounds good (though I am yet to drive it). Anyway, thoughts/comments appreciated so I can make up my mind!

[wasabiz]

If I had the extra cash... I woulda went for the R instead of the GTI performance.... but to get a specced up R wasn't cheap (over 65k) over at the west =/ they wouldn't even budge that much for mine. ( I tried 3 dealership )

[Jimi]

Manual R would be my pick!

[Dutch77]

If you've got that gap down to just over $4k then as above, I'd be going the R without hesitation.

For me the gap from my standard GTI to basic R was in the five figure range and therefore sticking to the standard GTI was a no-brainer.

[mfl]

just did the VW Drive experience at Eastern Creek, and drove both the GTI PP and the R. On the fast full laps around Eastern Creek, the R felt tighter and was flatter in the corners and was stronger in the top-end and sounded better. Brakes felt good on both. On the shaloms and wet cornering we used the PP and it was quite agile and the new diff on the PP was impressive in the wet corner exercise.

Apart from drive both, my feeling would be if you do a lot of country driving the R would be well suited. If you do a lot of driving on tight hilly roads, the PP might be more suited.

[andrew7]

Great feedback thanks mfl (et al). Given the relative 'value' equation, incredible all-round performance, top end grunt/power of the R (and AWD) I think it's a winner. This time around I'll switch to pure white

[mgs996tt]

Great feedback thanks mfl (et al). Given the relative 'value' equation, incredible all-round performance, top end grunt/power of the R (and AWD) I think it's a winner. This time around I'll switch to pure white

Andrew7....are you able to share price of the Golf R via post or PM?

Cheers

[Paul_R]

This only applies if you're thinking of a manual probably. With the Mk6 I've said to people get the GTI if you live in the city and get the R if you live in the country. Reason being the GTI Has a bottom end and the R doesn't so the manual GTI is better in traffic. As the Mk7 now has a bottom end thanks to the variable exhaust thingy I would suggest everyone get an R if they can afford it.

[Dutch77]

..As the Mk7 now has a bottom end thanks to the variable exhaust thingy I would suggest everyone get an R if they can afford it.

I disagree a little, which does contradict my comment above though.

I could have afforded to jump up to a PP and then to an R if I had wanted to, but I did not see any value in those models for my purposes (I emphasise the my here). I think ultimately that is why it's good to come on here and get some feedback on the question, but then use that information to make the best decision for yourself.

[aj555]

I went for the PP over the GTI - I wanted the Xenon's as I had them in a previous car. It was a $2k option on the GTI, so I figured for another $2k I would be get the PP with 19", electronic diff, alcantara & LED taillights. The R would be nice, but we all have a budget to work to.