What to Buy? Golf R 7 vs R Grid 7.5

[flat6]

Hi All, Just looking for a bit of insight as i could be joining the R club this weekend The MK7 R in blue has been my dream since it was released in 2014

Currently i'm looking at a MY16 R fully loaded, yet for around 3-5k more I can pickup a Grid with the same options.

Is the difference between the two justifiable for the price?

R's are currently hanging around the 43k~ mark whilst the Grids are around the ~$45 - $48k mark, my only gripe with the grid is the terrible interior, the leather looks so much nicer.

Cheers

[Mattlock]

The Grid has a bit more power and torque plus it makes more pops and bangs from the exhaust.

There’s a couple of other software and tech differences and different lights but that’s about it.




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[avdo_]

With the Grid R you get the better 7 speed gearbox (if you're looking at DSG)

[flat6]

Looking at APR'ing the Mk7 so power wont be an issue, however the DQ250 vs DQ381, is the 7 speed that much better as a daily driver?

Car will mostly be used around town, odd road trip interstate ect. Also does anyone know if the infotainment setup in the grid is still MIB2 or is it MIB3?

[andrew7]

DQ381 is vastly superior to the DQ250 and will be better equipped to handle tuning/higher torque etc. I've found it far smoother than the DD250 I had in my 7R (I have a new Grid), lightning fast shifts. Exhaust is louder, sport mode limits are far better set than in the 7R which IMO changed up at too high a rev, on downshift in Sport in the 7.5 you get nice pops/crackles. I think the MIB is the latest Discover unit which is so far bug free and working well. I'm a big fan of the Grid interior, suede/cloth seats super comfy, try and pick up a Roof as well which adds to cabin ambiance. In summary 7.5R Grid > 7R by some margin.

[Kachingg]

+1 for the dq381 i have tuned and its fantastic sharp and smooth light years better than the dq 250
My car is 480nm at flywheel and 370nm at wheels handles it fine just don't launch it repeatedly i wait till about 20 kilometres per hour then floor it

[WallySimmonds]

I also considered a 2015/2016 R instead of the Grid which I have ordered. The transmission is better as everyone has said, although I guess it depends on your budget. I reckon it would be possible to pick up a near new 7 for mid 30's pretty easily.

I'm with you on the interior - it's the biggest gripe I have with the Grid as I think the leather really brings a premium feel (although I know that view is pretty polarizing).

However, most dealers wouldn't budget from mid 50's for a standard R with DAP, so - depends on how much you value that interior I suppose

[GTIWesome]

Re DQ381 and tuning - for those who have tuned the 7.5R to stage 1 alone, have you also done a DSG tune or just ECU ? I havent noted any issues with the stock dsg at month 1 (in fact love it as andrew7 notes above), though a few folk on other forums have spoken about 7.5Rs dsgs not being as smooth / worse than the 7R clutch, and needing the dsg tune Strange?

Threadjack aside:
Interior - yep polarizing. I'm quite fond of the grid interior and not a fan of leather so win win for me.

Exterior of the grid also a little more aggressive looking. And much prefer black mirrors/roof lining to the silver.

Overall agree 7.5R grid > 7R on all aspects for me (...except maybe not the spielbergs tho )

[WallySimmonds]

I'd take the burgs over the Cadiz though

[flat6]

Thx for the feedback fellas, I notice VW leather sags a bit after a couple of years, was my main concern with the leather in the 7 but it just looks the business, yet always gotta be careful getting in and out to avoid creasing it

Have sat in the Grid a few times and it just doesn't feel premium, that alone would probably do my head in after buying it but its damn good value.. bastards have it worked out lol

Thinking for the price the MK7 is going for at the moment, its a huge saving on a 7.5 R with about 95% of the feel for a daily driver, thinking the leather in the 7.5 would probably sag more with the perforations over time, plus when kids come along, food getting into it.. nightmare, anyone have a 7.5R care to comment?