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I don't think having anyoverly expensive car as a dedicated track beater makes sense, and Porsche parts and servicing will still cost a lot.
Just my 2c.
Just my 2c.
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Bear in mind that the Golf 'R', like the Mark 6 GTI, will most probably not allow the driver to completely disengage the ESC. A major drawback for the track day enthusiast. Saw video recently of a Black Golf 'R' (NZ I think) where the driver revs it before take off and comments it will not go above 4,000rpm. I found this with the MANUAL GTI on the Mark 6 and I believe the APR guys have had a similar problem launching their GTI's with this 4,000rpm rev ceiling limiter. Stops owner from abusing the vehicle potentially causing damage to driveline.
I'm erring on the side of caution and taking the NZ Golf 'R' Brochure difference in weight between the GTI and Golf 'R' as @ 130kg (www.drive.com.au Jez Spinks stated its 160kg?).
One thing I like about the MKV GTI and the EA113 motor in the Golf 'R' is that it has higher compression ratio. Bad for boosting up turbos for you power hungry mongels, but motor is more responsive when off boost. The newer EA888 motor in the Mark 6 GTI and Audi TT feels a bit doughy when off boost due to the lower compression.
Having a MK6 GTI for half a day test drive, I found the suspension setup mostly spot on for daily use and the occasional blast ... in some areas, could do with a tad more damping, but 85% felt good. The Golf 'R' with 20% stiffer suspension tunes/springs, is stated to be spot on in this area. I'd still say that ACC could be worth the extra spend if it increases the steering feel and throttle repsonsiveness. I have ordered ACC for my GTI. Thought seriously about not optioning the ACC and sticking in a set of HPA KW SHS coilover from HPA Motorsport in Canada for @ $1600 for a comfort/sports ride/handling mix ... had a set at home to swap from KW V3 coilovers before the I sold the MKV GTI. ACC is more pratical adjusting on the fly. ACC also changes from 'normal' to 'sport' once you hit a certain speed (80 or 100 or 120kph?).
There is a common thread between all the Volkswagen sports vehicles: Sirocco R, GTI, Golf R, in that they come across as a bit dull to drive compared to the Renault Sport Cup LSD and Ford Focus RS. Most journos point out that the Golf 'R' is not aiming to be like either of those vehicles and targeting a different 'executive' type market that is looking for some sporting intent, rather than an all out boy racer hot hatch. If you want your Golf 'R' to be like these vehicles ... a set of H&R sway bars and sports orientated coilovers should do the trick. Personally, after having a set of KW V3 coilovers and small H&R sway bars on my MV5 GTI, I'm looking forward to a ride that is more refined, if a bit dull.
Cheers.
WJLast edited by WhiteJames; 14-02-2010, 05:56 AM.Comment
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I grabbed a copy of this month's Car magazine which had the Golf R vs. Megane RS vs. 911 GT3. The latter 2 scored 5 stars, but the R only scored 4.MY07 Polo GTI APR'd - Gone!
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Are you kidding me Sharkie ??? Go the Boster and day of the week man !
Originally posted by Sharkie View PostLatest Wheels magazine has a comparison roadtest with the Megane and Focus RS.
Whilst they say all of these are in a different league to their lesser stablemates (ie the GTI), the R did not do too well against the other 2.
I'm thus standing by my decision to testdrive the R before proceeding through to making a purchase.
I've been looking around and a 2003/4 model Porsche Boxster S will probably cost me the same as the R. For my intended use, very little day-to-day and as much track as I can find time for, the Boxster S, would probably be the better bet. If I spend $80K on the Porsche I'd have a really nice car, so its going to be a tough decision come June/July ....
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That is an odd comparison. I would think the Scirocco R would be more a Megane RS250 rival, so it won't have one in AustraliaOriginally posted by poloplayer View Post
184kW in the Renault without the weight of AWD and ESP that has normal, sport and off (that _really_ means off). Strikes me as interesting. I know you would have to put up with French reliability and resale but...
How the Golf R and the Megane compare with a GT3 that costs more than the other 2 put together is a mystery to me.
I am shaking my head.2009 118 TSI
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Yeah WTF, 911 GT3 isn't even in the same category or price range.
The Megane RS250 would be a good drive!Comment
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They claimed that you got 85% of the thrills of the GT3 in the 250 for 15% of the price
MY07 Polo GTI APR'd - Gone!Comment
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its actually not such a silly comparison.. Many people would probly consider the GT3 as the benchmark in Daily driveable trackday weapons. You wouldnt expect either car to beat it on the track but comparisons would be interesting.
I think the R is always gonna come off second best in many of these reviews due to its compromised design ethos. In standard form it will always be a jack of all trades/master of none.
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Exactly. I've been in a few Meganes over the years, and regardless of how many of these reviews come up, it just would not be an option for me. Their ride and comfort and 'luxuries' are just too compromised in my opinion, to make up for the better 'track performance'.Originally posted by Tim View PostComment
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That means the GTI is also a Jack of all trades, but agree I couldn't be bothered getting a megane as it wouldn't be as practical or comfortable around the streets which is where most people would drive them 99% of the time.Comment
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Switching off the Golf 'R' ESC switch allows for a greater degree of slip angle, but as stated, does not completely disengage the ESC. For a track car, this may not be a great thing to have. For the public roadway, shouldn't make much difference.
The thread below relates to Robbie's Audi S3 5 door Sportback DSG. He does 7-10 laps before DSG overheats and goes into limp mode. Not sure if this problem will rear it's head in the Golf 'R'.
The link below is the latest USA review from Car & Driver. They indicate that VW, like BMW with there 135ci with twin turbo six, did away with the fog lamps, replacing them with air vent to keep things cool underneath. Big turbos or twin turbo do generate a bit of heat, esp in Aus conditions.
Cheers.
WJComment
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Correct. The GTI is definately a jack of all trades. Why do you think we spend so much money trying to improve on them?Originally posted by G-rig View Post
Renault, Porsche, BMW and probably others all do "Track inspired" cars and manage to charge more for them. Why cant VW have a crack?!
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I'm not disagreeing, but think VW would have to make the car a bit more 'raw', do some weight saving and possibly sacrifice some of the comforts/luxuries.Originally posted by Tim View Post
Those who are after a real track inspired car would probably forego a few of the the luxuries etc. that are common to all models. May cut out a lot of the potential buyers I guess but could be a bit more racebread IMO.
I was also saying that the GTI would be just as much fun for less mula perhaps.Comment
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Why not have a base GTI at 35k RRP, then a better "options list" that ran in the way of luxury/composure/all round or hardcore.
For instance one way you go leather, sat nav, sun roof, park assist.
The other way you go from the VW motorsport catalogue (on the UK website) and get the motorsport 18s, race inspired suspension, freer exhaust and intake, meatier pads etc. Fully optioned you get around the 53-55k on road mark?
Then the R is your combination of both for 59kRRP ??
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Hmmm - not sure that would work... a fully optioned GTI (5dr) would actually be $71k on the road (before negotiation).....Comment
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