GTI & GTI Pirelli

[franjae]

Hi,

I'm new and considering the GTI after a fews years spent in an MX5.

Can anyone tell me if there is a big difference in ride quality between the two GTIs? I read that the Pirelli is harsh riding. I've driven the R32 and that was fine, so perhaps the Pirelli is harder than the R32?

Are the owners of Pirellis happy with their purchase and consider the price difference worthwhile?

Thanks!

franjae

[tdi guy]

I think the R32 is more of a tourer, so the ride should be more compliant than the other sporty Golfs (Pirelli, GTI, GT).

[VW Central]

Nevermind.

[franjae]

Thanks for the responses so far. Sounds like you are over the moon. So you haven't noticed any difference in ride quality between the two? The extras in the Pirelli is what I'm after, but if I can't put up with the ride, then it is pointless. This will be a daily driver and will be in traffic rather than open road, so the ride quality would be crucial.

VW is doing drive away deals at the moment but there should be plenty left I'm sure.

[VW Central]

I probably spend the majority of my time in traffic and the drive is great. The heated seats on these cold mornings make sitting in traffic a dream. I think you will notice if you do a lot of mountain driving the AWD system will come in handy. However, I definitely feel the Pirelli would be suitable for normal roads, they aren't just designed for open roads

My best suggestion would be to take both cars out for a test drive.

Another thing to keep in mind is the GTI will be more fuel efficient which means if you are doing a lot of driving in traffic the extra saving on petrol will come in handy, especially when using 98 Premium Unleaded.

Hope this helps.

[jb747]

I think the R32 is more of a tourer, so the ride should be more compliant than the other sporty Golfs (Pirelli, GTI, GT).

I've driven all of them, but the Pirelli was isolated from the others, so it's a bit hard to give an absolute response, but, my impression was that it was similar to the R32.

The R32 may be more of a tourer, but it is appreciably more 'heavily' set up than the GTI or the GT. In fact, I was amazed that it was as compliant as it is.

[Corey_R]

Can anyone tell me if there is a big difference in ride quality between the two GTIs? I read that the Pirelli is harsh riding. I've driven the R32 and that was fine, so perhaps the Pirelli is harder than the R32?

The only difference between the GTI and the GTI Pirelli that could affect ride quality is the fact that the Pirelli has 1" larger rim diametre and uses Pirelli P Zero tyres. If you took a GTI and put 18" Rims with 225/40 R18 tyres, it'd be the same.

Apart from the obvious engine difference, the Pirelli doesn't have any options which the GTI cannot have (apart from the tyre imprint on the seat and the yellow stitching, both of which I think looks terrible!). The GTI has several options that the Pirelli cannot have.

[gregozedobe]

A friend of mine has a Mk V R32 and his wife has just bought a Pirelli. My mate finds the Pirelli a more "sporting" drive than his R32, and reckons it is livlier and more fun, but the R32 is more relaxing to drive.

As Deancorp suggested, take them both for another drive, preferably back to back on the same road.

I think there might be some good deals available on Pirellis at the moment, especially if you aren't too fussy about colour and options.

[franjae]

I think you guys over east are lucky to have a bigger market and more dealers to negotiate with. The "best" deal I've read appears to be $46k driveaway, but none of the dealers were even mildly interested. None had one they wanted to get rid of but had to order from VW and would be 2009 compliance. Perhaps you guys can still get "2008" ones. The other issue is obviously the trade-in, so I guess you can't have it both ways eh?

I missed out on a "demo" R32, by about 20mins. $47k driveaway with 10k on the clock. Some bastard paid a deposit when I was looking over the car

[VW Central]

I think you guys over east are lucky to have a bigger market and more dealers to negotiate with. The "best" deal I've read appears to be $46k driveaway, but none of the dealers were even mildly interested. None had one they wanted to get rid of but had to order from VW and would be 2009 compliance. Perhaps you guys can still get "2008" ones. The other issue is obviously the trade-in, so I guess you can't have it both ways eh?

I missed out on a "demo" R32, by about 20mins. $47k driveaway with 10k on the clock. Some bastard paid a deposit when I was looking over the car

That "best" deal sounds like mine. I paid $46k with rear sensors. The issue is now, since they only built 3,222 worldwide. 400 came to Australia. There is very limited stock now, so if you want a Pirelli, you don't have much choice when it comes to colour and options. Since there is no corporate pricing on the Pirelli it makes bargaining even that much harder. I'd prefer to buy a new Pirelli than a demo/used R32. There is nothing more satisfying knowing that you have bought a brand new car, with that new smell and ~20km on the clock.

You can always call interstate dealers and negotiate. They would be happy to sell you the car unregistered and you can just pay for delivery and get it registered at your local RTA.

All the Pirelli's were built August 2008, making them the MY09 model, however some compliant plates will be 2008 and newer ones 2009. I don't think it really makes a difference, as they were still built the same date, it just means that they were lying in the warehouse longer before a dealer ordered the car.

[R1 Crasher]

Dean Corp you have PM

[VW Central]

Dean Corp you have PM

R1 Crasher you have a PM.