Golf R / R wagon vs GTI vs Skoda Octavia RS - purchase decision

[Aztech]

I do need an rs4 avant correct! I have heard that the dsg tune would help a lot just haven't convinced the girlfriend its a good use of $1600. I will definitely look into the rear sway bar though. Does that make the ride harsher?

[tigger73]

Yes I think everyone who buys an Octy RS actually wants the RS4...

Regards the rear sway bar, it only stops the boat-like side-to-side motion. If you keep the same springs, the ride comfort (up/down) will be identical. You'll just sit flatter through the corners. You can pick up a rear sway bar for ~$300 (both Whiteline and Superpro do them) and the install is direct bolt on, bolt off for the existing one which is tiny in comparison.

[Aztech]

Awesome, I'm sold, might get one for both cars if its that cheap and an easy install I can do myself.

[donweather]

I thought one of the sway bars (front or rear) on the RS was an absolute dog to install?

[brad]

I thought one of the sway bars (front or rear) on the RS was an absolute dog to install?

Front requires dropping of subframe and requires a few hours to complete

Rear is 6 bolts and fairly easy - triple square heads IIRC so correct tools required.

Personally, I prefer harder springs as I don't like the way heavier sway bars stop the independant suspension being independant but there's more than 1 way to skin a cat.

[tigger73]

The rear sway bar is a pretty easy DIY. If you lift the rear of the car up on jack stands you can unbolt the rear sway bar straight off and bolt the new one on - job done!

The front sway bar is already reasonably stiff so there's less to be gained and requires the subframe to be dropped to get the sway bar in/out. You really need this up on a hoist and a proper workshop with all the tools for this one. It's not something to be attempted on the driveway...

You'll get 80% gains by upgrading the rear sway bar upgrade - so if you're looking for the best bang for buck just do the rear.

[kamold]

Yes I think everyone who buys an Octy RS actually wants the RS4... .

Too right!

I'm working my way up there which is why I went from the Octy to an R36...next stop RS4! (In my dreams)


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[spud75]

Too right!

I'm working my way up there which is why I went from the Octy to an R36...next stop RS4! (In my dreams)


Sent from my HTC One M8 using Tapatalk

Damn Straight. I would consider the Golf r wagon if it came in a manual.....R36 doesnt so that is out.....

Then again getting a manual RS4 could be a challenge.....but then I cant afford one, so will keep dreaming of that manual RS4 wagon....

[asmith_49]

is there much difference in boot size between in R wagon and the vRS?

does the AWD in the Golf take up much room in comparison?

[shauno]

Also consider the Golf Alltrack, it's down on performance but still has the AWD and slightly higher position.

Pity the R Wagon has that ugly
Carbon leather!

[wfdTamar]

Also consider the Golf Alltrack, it's down on performance but still has the AWD and slightly higher position.

Pity the R Wagon has that ugly
Carbon leather!

You could chip (flash) the Golf Alltrack ecu. The Superchip version gives an extra 42kw and 93Nm.

[shauno]

That'd be pretty decent, comparable to a stock vRS!

I really like the Mk3 Octy, I think if it was AWD it'd be an easy choice... Pity they're $45k+ fully loaded, more than a GTI

[tigger73]

I'm going to be waiting until the new Tiguan comes out (due later this year). Lowered with some suspension mods and a tune will give some decent AWD performance at an affordable price point.

[brad]

That'd be pretty decent, comparable to a stock vRS!

I really like the Mk3 Octy, I think if it was AWD it'd be an easy choice... Pity they're $45k+ fully loaded, more than a GTI

Price up a GTI with all the fruit - Octy usually works out cheapeer.