Which car should I get?

[whichonetoget]

Mk5 Pirelli or R32 or Mk6 GTI

I decided to wait until more Mk6 GTIs filtered into the secondhand market before making up my mind. Now there seems to be a reasonable amount going for decent prices with options I want.

However, the exclusivity of a Pirelli or R32 still very much attracts me to a Mk5.

I like the tuning abilities of the GTI / Pirelli, but the whole R32 package.

The Mk6 has a much better looking interior to me, but that isn't all that important.

I can't decide!! So for me, it's either a MY08+ R32, Pirelli or Mk6 GTI. I like them all, arrgh.

[kctt]

R32 for bang for buck, AWD grip and that V6. But if you want to do engine mods, then probably not the car to get.
Mk6 GTi is such a sweet car, arguably nicer to drive than the R32. An APR'd GTi is a ripper of a car.
I can't comment on the Pirelli as I haven't driven one before.

[Stalker]

R32.

No further comment.

[sabloke]

R32.

As above.

[VW Central]

R32 is gay...slow boring old mans car.

Get something that will be fun to drive so any turbo golf

[kinezo]

if you want more than 200kws at the wheels pirelli or a mk6 gti.

[team_v]

R32.


If you want to mod it, get a Mk4 version.

[Stalker]

R32 is gay...slow boring old mans car.

Get something that will be fun to drive so any turbo golf

Haha..... If you can get rid of the lag in the GTI, I'm in. The R32 is something a little bit different and still good fun.

[kaanage]

The Pirelli will be far more exclusive and will pull bigger numbers at the dyno (see DeanCorp's plot from the recent Melb Dyno Day).

[bwen]

You will get quite bias answers posting this forum as everyone will just support their car. MKV R32 is a beautiful car as what millions of other people have echoed before, the sound is lovely. Personally I think that's the only thing going for it, it's nose heavy and I think VWs decision to evolve it to what the R is now today was a good choice. It seems like you're in the 'hot hatch' market which I think the 1.4 TSI and GTI do very well, small, light, quick and nimble. MK4 R32 on the other hand is something I would much prefer over the MKV R32, more raw and still sticking true to what a hot hatch should be. MKV R32 is more like a GT car as it's quite luxurious and comfortable over the other golf models.

GTI Pirelli and MKVI GTI are are bet but the Pirellis are getting a bit older now as you can only find them 2nd hand. MKVI GTI are nice but personally I would like to put the extra money and pick up the Golf R. I think they're a beautiful ride, AWD and lighter and more nimble than the R32 sticking true to what the hot hatch should be.

The 'lag' in the GTI is no different to the 'lag' in a Mini Cooper S or Mitsubishi Colt, so it's nothing to worry about I guess. So if money wasn't a huge problem go the Golf R as it ticks all the boxes or settle with the MKVI GTI with the new EA888 engine, it's a better choice than the MKV R32 (in my opinion). Pirelli sits just below that if you're plan on keeping it stock

[triode12]

Chuck a stage 1 tune (Bluefin/APR/GIAC) on the Pirelli and the lag below 2000RPM is gone. Power delivery is very linear and almost NA like.
The R32 sounds nice but is nose heavy and not as nimble to drive round the twisties as the GTI is. Both the GTI and R32 will need upgraded swaybars to handle well - more so the R32 than GTI. While The GTI can get away with fitting just the RSB, the R32 needs both and it still won't handle as well as the GTI with just the RSB.

The R32 is more a Grand Turismo rather than a hot hatch.

[kaanage]

personally I would like to put the extra money and pick up the Golf R.

I don't think the OP is looking to spend that sort of money - he/she has been waiting for MkVI GTi's to become available 2nd hand.

Fully agree about the MkV R32 - gorgeous sound but really is a GT rather than a sporty car.

[DeKay]

stretch your budget and get a S3.. awd and turbo fun

[poyta]

No question R32 all the way.

[Zed!]

They are similar but also very different. I had an R32, but would have never considered a GTI. It really comes down to how important handling is. If it's not a priority then consider the GTI, otherwise the R32. There is a vast difference in the way these cars handle, the AWD provides immense grip and can do things the Gti will never be able to do. The V6 is a great engine although a bit on the heavyside & can't easily/cheaply be modded.