Golf R -v- Golf GTI

[Klink1313]

Having completed the VW Progression Drive day at Norwell yesterday, I had the opportunity to compare a Golf GTI and Golf R back to back.

The last event of the day was 4 laps in the R first and then the GTI. As a very happy R owner, I expected that I would be a little biased toward the R, but not totally the case. The R was optioned with ACC and 19s, the GTI was poverty.

The R was, as expected, fantastic around the tight Norwell circuit, but the surprise for me was the GTI. It was quite amazing, especially as it rained heavily (enough to need the wipers on low speed) for the last 2 laps.

Overall, a good day that was very well organised. I was lucky to have Tony D'Alberto as my instructor.

When I completed the VW Progression Drive day at Eastern Creek a couple of months ago I also got to sample the R & GTI back to back. When completing the 3 laps at the end of the day I went first in the R and then in GTI. When i got out of the GTI, I said to the instructor that I was surprised that the GTI handled almost as well as the R. His comment was that that was due to me - as I listened to the instructions I drove the car better. He siad that if I had gone from the GTI to the R i would have noticed a improvement of the R over the GTI.

As I own an R I think the instructor really knows what he is talking about. I can back his comment up by some detailed scientific research conducted at Sydney Motorsport Park earlier this week (formerly known as Easten Creek - has been renamed now that the new track extensions have been put in). I can report that the R is capable of overtaking Lamborghini's and Porsche's. Nothing to do with driver skill, or group level, all due to the car. If Dub Dub was not Rising Blue it may not have been so successful overtaking that Lamborghini though (that comment is for Silver Fox).

[brimway]

When I completed the VW Progression Drive day at Eastern Creek a couple of months ago I also got to sample the R & GTI back to back. When completing the 3 laps at the end of the day I went first in the R and then in GTI. When i got out of the GTI, I said to the instructor that I was surprised that the GTI handled almost as well as the R. His comment was that that was due to me - as I listened to the instructions I drove the car better. He siad that if I had gone from the GTI to the R i would have noticed a improvement of the R over the GTI.

Good point. Even though I was impressed with the GTI (I would be happy to take some credit for my driving lol), I wouldn't swap my R.

As I own an R I think the instructor really knows what he is talking about. I can back his comment up by some detailed scientific research conducted at Sydney Motorsport Park earlier this week (formerly known as Easten Creek - has been renamed now that the new track extensions have been put in). I can report that the R is capable of overtaking Lamborghini's and Porsche's. Nothing to do with driver skill, or group level, all due to the car. If Dub Dub was not Rising Blue it may not have been so successful overtaking that Lamborghini though (that comment is for Silver Fox).

SF will be your friend now

[Klink1313]

For those that are interested, this is the new layout for Eastern Creek. Turns 7 to 13 are all new

[SilvrFoxX]

. If Dub Dub was not Rising Blue it may not have been so successful overtaking that Lamborghini though (that comment is for Silver Fox).

I feel special.. thanks for the call out

[Klink1313]

Whoa back off big boy…….I don’t play that side of the field…..... in future gratitude can be expressed in cash

[SilvrFoxX]

Whoa back off big boy…….I don’t play that side of the field…..... in future gratitude can be expressed in cash

oh come on that is not what you said last night after the man cuddle..

[Klink1313]

oh come on that is not what you said last night after the man cuddle..

No no no, you misheard me, just because I said I was happy and gay, I meant I was happy and gay, not happy and a gay.

You may find making an appointment with these people Home | ihear may help you.

[SilvrFoxX]

I see so you the guy that says that you are not g@y but slept with one once..

You are so dumped...

P.S

That waggly emoticon does nothing for your argument.. I was going to say position but we know it does

[Klink1313]

......That waggly emoticon does nothing for your argument.. I was going to say position but we know it does

you hurty hurty my feelings....do you know how long i had to look to find an icon that I thought would appeal to you?

[SilvrFoxX]

[WhiteJames]

Sirocco R -v Golf R

After driving the Sirocco R for a bit around EC, I was quite suprised by how good it actually was to drive from a driver's perspective. It felt faster than the Golf R, had sharper dynamics around corners offering greater driver enjoyment & challenge.

This is a good sign for the upcoming Golf MK7 GTI as it too will be lower & wider with the front axle pushed further forward to improve weight distribution. Add in lighter weight, an alloy roof as rumour states and a sideways haldex style clutch type LSD and the Golf MK7 GTI could be the business.

Going from the Sirocco R to the Golf R was like going from a sharp knife to a blunt knife (within reason). The Golf R has the old-school Volkswagen/Audi suspension tuning DNA with lots more safe & secure understeer that rarely ever push through. The Golf R never stops feeling like a FWD when pressing-on (okay ... maybe not on initial take off under 40kph). The weight out front with the weight out rear in the AWD Golf R + an engine that sits higher than the FWD Sirocco R, has the Golf R feeling like a dumbell around the faster corners, twitching front and rear with weight transfer, not being able to place the front end at the apex with mm, or sometimes half a foot, in addition to making it less prone to maintain a desired line into and out of corners.

Imo the Sirocco R was so much easier in this regard, although you did have to keep on eye on lift off oversteer on corner entry and XDS electric diff does take a little away from driver skill. On an fast open track like EC, imo the Sirocco R would probably trounce both the Golf R and Megane RS250 RenaultSport as it's so fast in its top end poke.

Cheers.
WJ

[Candyman]

Another win for the driving around Sydney Motorsport Park in the Rocco, can't see any traffic behind you.

[Klink1313]

....... The Golf R never stops feeling like a FWD when pressing-on (okay ... maybe not on initial take off under 40kph). The weight out front with the weight out rear in the AWD Golf R + an engine that sits higher than the FWD Sirocco R, has the Golf R feeling like a dumbell around the faster corners, twitching front and rear with weight transfer, not being able to place the front end at the apex with mm, or sometimes half a foot, in addition to making it less prone to maintain a desired line into and out of corners...

Umm, may less right foot, or slight lift off or slight left foot brake pressure to get the front tyres to bite might help reach that apex. Don't blame the tool...not that I am biased mind you .

[Candyman]

You aren't suggesting WJ can't drive AWD are you

[SilvrFoxX]

Geez CM, I thought it but didn't post it.. well now I am worried as there isn't a line