Golf R -v- Golf GTI

[Fab_R]

Just browsing the thread and will stay on topic and add my two cents worth.
I've not owned a VW since '89 after wrecking my combi in my teens (how I miss that car - bed in back. Those were the days!)
I was looking to get a new GTI after reading many reviews and not deaf to the motoring world acclaim!

So I tested a few and was given one for two days by a Sydney dealer! They are a great car! Getting close to ordering I noticed an R at my local dealer and reluctantly (not wanting to spend up) requested a drive
When I pulled back into the dealership my wife was watching me and she sighed "you're getting that one aren't you?"
You see, the smile on my face was exponentially larger than after driving the GTI.
And I think that's the point (well at least for me).

So, one DSG 5 door R heading my way in Jan...and I'm still smiling.
Lets face it, if offered a GTI or R for free, who could seriously take the GTI over an R?
Well, not me!

Ah yes now that sums up the R -V- Gti debate perfectly Whistler...
How could you pick the Gti over the R seriously (Providing Finances are available of course for the R)
The grin factor in the R is much greater to be honest, especially with a Stage I Tune!!!

[shakespeare]

Just browsing the thread and will stay on topic and add my two cents worth.
I've not owned a VW since '89 after wrecking my combi in my teens (how I miss that car - bed in back. Those were the days!)
I was looking to get a new GTI after reading many reviews and not deaf to the motoring world acclaim!

So I tested a few and was given one for two days by a Sydney dealer! They are a great car! Getting close to ordering I noticed an R at my local dealer and reluctantly (not wanting to spend up) requested a drive
When I pulled back into the dealership my wife was watching me and she sighed "you're getting that one aren't you?"
You see, the smile on my face was exponentially larger than after driving the GTI.
And I think that's the point (well at least for me).

So, one DSG 5 door R heading my way in Jan...and I'm still smiling.
Lets face it, if offered a GTI or R for free, who could seriously take the GTI over an R?
Well, not me!

That is exactly how I felt too, though I didn't take the wife and she did not know there was a less expensive option (GTI)

What was it about the R that made you choose it over the GTI?
How did the R make your smile larger than when you drove the GTI?

For me, I'd find it very hard to explain why, it's like one of those intangible moments in life that you struggle to explain but continually strive to experience again and again

Ah yes now that sums up the R -V- Gti debate perfectly Whistler...
How could you pick the Gti over the R seriously (Providing Finances are available of course for the R)
The grin factor int he R is much greater to be honest, especially with a Stage I Tune!!!

Grin factor would be the best explanation, also I know that if I bought a GTI I'd be lusting after an R within a few months

[triode12]

For me, I'd find it very hard to explain why, it's like one of those intangible moments in life that you struggle to explain but continually strive to experience again and again

I can put it down to one thing...the R is more fun to drive. But that is my opinion. The GTI lacks that extra bit of power that takes it over the edge/that overcomes the extra refinement built into it - it lacks the edgyness of the R. The R is a closer homage to the GTI heritage IMHO.

[Whistler]

That is exactly how I felt too, though I didn't take the wife and she did not know there was a less expensive option (GTI)



For me, I'd find it very hard to explain why, it's like one of those intangible moments in life that you struggle to explain but continually strive to experience again and again



Grin factor would be the best explanation, also I know that if I bought a GTI I'd be lusting after an R within a few months

I think that was a big part of my descision. Had I bought a GTI I know I'd want that R that just passed me. I don't think any R driver sees a GTI and thinks "gee, wish I had that instead"

Also, my grin was partly due to blowing away an SS commodore from standstill (though the road was wet) and I wasn't close to mastering a launch!

Haha!

[Fab_R]

I think that was a big part of my descision. Had I bought a GTI I know I'd want that R that just passed me. I don't think any R driver sees a GTI and thinks "gee, wish I had that instead"

Also, my grin was partly due to blowing away an SS commodore from standstill (though the road was wet) and I wasn't close to mastering a launch!

Haha!

Wait till you smoke current model FG XR6 Turbo's and FPV Typhoons with ease.
The looks on their faces will say it all.....

[masev]

Wait till you smoke current model FG XR6 Turbo's and FPV Typhoons with ease.
The looks on their faces will say it all.....

Stop it guys!!! I'm salivating all over my keyboard

Just can't wait till I'm doing the same.....within the limits of the law of course

[Whistler]

Wait till you smoke current model FG XR6 Turbo's and FPV Typhoons with ease.
The looks on their faces will say it all.....

Yep... Can't wait to give mine some poke and take on some falcodores (within legal limits again)
Besides, I have a tosser neighbor who just bought a GTI and thinks he's the s@#t

Keeping up with (and passing) the Jones
Ha ha!

[Whistler]

Yep... Can't wait to give mine some poke and take on some falcodores (within legal limits again)
Besides, I have a tosser neighbor who just bought a GTI and thinks he's the s@#t

Keeping up with (and passing) the Jones
Ha ha!

...and sorry to harp on, but when driving the GTI I felt great that for the potential coin I could, if trying hard, stick with the real performance cars costing many thousands more.
But in the R I knew I was in a REAL performance car.
I just love it, but I don't want to 'dis the GTI.
In fact Its a shame the GTI is now the 2IC badge 'cause it's been a hero badge for so many years. Maybe the R should have been GTIR?

[SilvrFoxX]

I thought the NRMA did a pretty good job in their comparison Volkswagen Golf R v Golf GTI comparison - NRMA Motoring & Services

[Fab_R]

I thought the NRMA did a pretty good job in their comparison Volkswagen Golf R v Golf GTI comparison - NRMA Motoring & Services

Thats a good write up SilvrFoxX.

This is a good summary:

"If you're buying for precision, sharpness and strong performance levels beyond your daily drive, plus the ability to be able deliver repeatable times at the track, then the R is worth paying the extra money for.

The GTI won’t disappoint but the R will be the more rewarding if you plan to take it on the track. Volkswagen has spent the money for you on the R and made it more affordable than the old R32"

[BezzyR]

So to add to the debate... and my experience i spose, I drove Fab's MK5 GTi with a tune etc in it.. and i was pretty much converted there and then, the DSG, performance and brakes all felt just right. I'm coming out of a 500HP VE SS [6 Speed Man] which I love.. the sound and torque etc. I even loved the recent session at Sandown in the GTi Time Trial.. (which I won *cough and got a nice little Red GTi Trophy, hey Fab ;p)

As soon as the R was released I knew I wanted that over the GTi.. because the GTi was already a great car, but the R just has the 'R' Factor and crazy performance figures, enough 'differentiators' over the GTi and for me it was the AWD DSG Combo.. and it was in my price range.. in fact I was even considering something a lot more expensive. I LOVE the Recaros Fab has in his..

They are both great cars IMO and I guess im about to become a convert lol

Cheers
Curtis.

[Fab_R]

So to add to the debate... and my experience i spose, I drove Fab's MK5 GTi with a tune etc in it.. and i was pretty much converted there and then, the DSG, performance and brakes all felt just right. I'm coming out of a 500HP VE SS [6 Speed Man] which I love.. the sound and torque etc. I even loved the recent session at Sandown in the GTi Time Trial.. (which I won *cough and got a nice little Red GTi Trophy, hey Fab ;p)

As soon as the R was released I knew I wanted that over the GTi.. because the GTi was already a great car, but the R just has the 'R' Factor and crazy performance figures, enough 'differentiators' over the GTi and for me it was the AWD DSG Combo.. and it was in my price range.. in fact I was even considering something a lot more expensive. I LOVE the Recaros Fab has in his..

They are both great cars IMO and I guess im about to become a convert lol

Cheers
Curtis.

"Cough" um yes, the pr*ck was quick in the time trials, absolutely thrashed the Mk6 Gti and was rewarded with bloody good times.
Hope your little model is sitting in a prominent place in your office old mate...

There is no doubt about it Curtis, you will miss the grunt of your VE SS, and even the sound, BUT, the power delivery, grunt, and thrills you will get from your R will feed your appetite.........The Golf R fits the bill hands down.........bring it on, and quickly!!!!

[Mountainman]

Wait till you smoke current model FG XR6 Turbo's and FPV Typhoons with ease.
The looks on their faces will say it all.....

Stock v stock? Dream on.......

[sh|tbmxrider]

Wait till you smoke current model FG XR6 Turbo's and FPV Typhoons with ease.
The looks on their faces will say it all.....

Errr, wha?


Unless your racing on the streets of Mt Buller/Perisher, or driving in a river....

[Fab_R]

Stock v stock? Dream on.......

With stage 1 buddy.
Ahh no dream im afraid...sorry to disappoint you.