GTI or R32?

[starionx]

Hi there folks. New to the forum and am looking for some advice. I currently have a Mazda 6 MPS (fantastic car), but need to get something smaller (they don't make garages like they used to ). I'm looking for a hatchback, and really like the Golf shape and size. They both seem fairly similar in specifications, with the obvious differences being engine, driven wheels and price.

Is the R32 really worth the extra $15-20k extra in price? Is there as much of a wait for the R32, as there is for the GTI? Any 'undocumented' things I should know about the 2 cars?

Any help would be most appreciated.

[ozgriff]

The R32 is faster and due to its drive-train handles much better. I'm sure the sixer is sweet as during all driving, but I can't overly fault the turbo four, and you won't be left short with it.

Whether that is worth $15K extra to you is a matter of personal choice and budget. Test drive both and see what you think.

[ebayhtl]

The price gap b/w the two might actually be less now, at least judging by the 2nd hand market. You can pick up some low km R32 examples for $53-57k(and there's no dealer delivery fees on 2nd hand cars usually). Hard to find a similar spec 2nd hand GTI (leather seats etc) for less than $42-43k.

Can't comment since I haven't driven a R32, but the GTI is a great drive and not short of power at all.

[GermanwithaVdub]

the r32 comes with a lot of things standard that many people order on their gti ie leather, xenon and what not so it might not end up being such a huge difference, depending on your bargaining.

other than that the r32 is a very different car to the gti, obviously the 4wd and it being a big block v6 as opposed to a turbo make for a very different drive and a lot of that is personal pref.

keep in mind the gti's can be easily chipped to similar power (dont get the dsg if you're gonna do that, it has a low torque rating).

dont forget the new gt sport coming out in a month or two.

theres lots of ppl in here with either a gti or r32 so im sure they can fill you in!

regards, michael

edit: you could pick up an mk4 r32 for much less than a new gti costs, apart from body its practically the same car

[phaeton]

Welcome to VWwA starionx

If I was in your position I would test drive both and see which one best suits your lifestyle.

Having said that the R32 is and as your coming from an AWD it may best suit you.

[hatzenbach]

i was going to get a new gti a few months back but ended up getting the dealer down on a demo model r32 3dr with recaros (bless) for 52990. 3k on the clock. the spec i wanted in the gti was going to caost me right on 50k.

i did always want a r32, for me it was never about modding etc, it was about getting the car i wanted/could afford.

be happy with your choice, and on the amount of homework you do.

[anarchycamp]

If you can afford the R32..get that....if its an uncomfortable stretch...get the GTI.

IF you care about straight line speed, a chipped GTI will (generally) see off a stock R32. If cornering fun is your bag, the R32 will be your friend.

I think its one of the best kind of worry to have, do i choose an R32 or a GTI? Oh the horror!

I have to say the MkV R32 feels MUCH more restrained than the Mk4 R32 but thats part of the reason why i love it, is a powerful AWD cruiser with balls when you want it

[gtimk5]

As good as the R32 might be, I never regret getting GTI. With its mods it saw off a pair of R32s at Sandown last year on the main staight and iI had 4 people in it.
I think the fuel economy is better with the 2L though I have no idea of the consumption of the 6. The R32 was better at getting traction out of the corners but if you damage a worn tyre, you would have to replace all 4 of them.
I love my GTI and am very happy that I got it. The lower price of it allowed me to spend money on it to suit my tastes.
Welcome to the forum, its great to have you here, and dont be afraid to ask questions!
Cheers, Andrew

[itgwv]

Having had both it's a very tough decision as to which car would suit you best as both have great attributes. Only way to get the GTI is to mod it though and if your not comfortable in doing that the R32 is a much better car. Took me a month to get used the differences and slightly less low down torque but handling is a step up over the already fantastic GTI. And listening to the awesome exhaust is something i doubt you'd get tired of.

[blur32]

spec a GTI to R32 levels, make a considered decision on which youy think looks better.....

....and start both, give 'em a rev and have a lsten.

Simple choice in the end!

[ebayhtl]

I would have loved to have gotten the R32 if I could have afforded the extra $8-$10k. They have the 4WD and are certainly rarer!

Having said that the GTI has good power, even un-modded and is a great drive as well. Can't lose either way.

[jb747]

My wife and I went to the dealer and test drove a DSG equipped GTI and R32 one after the other. On nice twisty roads, and without the salesman.

We ordered the R32. I would have liked to have saved the $, but by the time I specced the GTI to the same (or as close as I could get) level as the R32, the price difference wasn't all that much, and I still didn't have AWD.

I doubt that you'll be unhappy no matter which way you go. They were both nice cars.

[starionx]

I went into the dealer today to get some 'numbers'. They wanted to give me $27K for a $48k, 1 year old Mazda 6 MPS with 17k kms. Needless to say I will be keeping my car. I'll just have to put up with a faster, roomier car.

Have fun with your veedubs.

[phaeton]

What about a private sale ?

Then you could buy the R32 or GTI

[mikinoz]

[QUOTE=starionx;76896]I went into the dealer today to get some 'numbers'. They wanted to give me $27K for a $48k, 1 year old Mazda 6 MPS with 17k kms./QUOTE]

That is in my opinion about what you would expect, at 12 months, and again at 24 months = you probably won't get any more than that at any stage as a trade, but I think you should be offered similar in another 12 months with twice the KM's.

Do the rounds with the trade, some new sales person may give you a mre generous deal if the moons are aligned.