Golf R -v- Golf GTI

[G-rig]

I'm not entirely sure what the tradition of the GTI is supposed to be, and I've not driven a MkI to get to the bottom of the car's characteristics myself. But to be honest I can't imagine either of today's models pays more than lip service to it - both the GTI and the R are reasonably heavy and luxurious hatchbacks. Wouldn't something like, say, a RenaultSport Clio be closer to the mark?

I haven't driven a MK1 either but should do to see what all the fuss is about. The new golfs are a lot heavier obviously but people should just buy one if they really love them, or take out the sound proofing and aircon from a new Golf .

At any rate, I personally think the lighter, FWD, less laggy low-boost turbo is closer in spirit to the original light, N/A FWD GTIs of old.

I would have thought the GTI being FWD, lighter and tartan seats is closer to the original MK1 than an R is

Absolutely. I feel sorry for you guys with Stage 1 Rs... keeping that license will require more patience than I've got!

The R is more suited to the track, where you could really open it up. It feels slower than it is with the linear power delivery and masks the speed.

[triode12]

Absolutely. I feel sorry for you guys with Stage 1 Rs... keeping that license will require more patience than I've got!

I was being sarcastic.

The lag in the R isn't that bad. Wait till you drive a stock Pirelli (in Drive) in traffic.
One of those sprint booster thingamejigs or a tune should fix the last vestiges of lag.
In Sport mode, where the engine is held at higher revs, you won't feel it.

[triode12]

I haven't driven a MK1 either but should do to see what all the fuss is about. The new golfs are a lot heavier obviously but people should just buy one if they really love them, or take out the sound proofing and aircon from a new Golf .



I would have thought the GTI being FWD, lighter and tartan seats is closer to the original MK1 than an R is



The R is more suited to the track, where you could really open it up. It feels slower than it is with the linear power delivery and masks the speed.

It is all about the fun of the drive - that is what the GTI tradition is about. It is not about refinement nor is it about all out performance either.
The stock Mk6 GTI is boring from the back to back test drives I've done with it and the R.
The R is edgier to drive and feels a lot more fun IMO.
I've driven both and it is the GTI that masks the speed (because something about it doesn't trancend it's refinement), even my wife in the passenger's seat prefers the R.

Look, it's alright to try and justify your purchases. But don't bag the better car because

1. You want to feel good about your purchase

2. Or you don't want the criticisms to affect the resale value of your current purchase (so that you can offload it for a good price and purchase the R).

[G-rig]

I can see what you are getting at - older cars seem more fun as it feels like you're going faster than you are, and are less refined. I still don't think I'd like one though for a daily driver.

I'd have to agree that cars like the Clio/Megane and MX-5 etc would be more of a hoot than either the GTI or R. Not putting the R down as i know it's the better car and so it should be.

[AdamD]

I was being sarcastic.

You were being sarcastic when you implied a stage 1 tune would make it feel less sedate off boost? I'd expect it to improve response low down, and power/torque up high. Sounds spot on to me.

The lag in the R isn't that bad. Wait till you drive a stock Pirelli (in Drive) in traffic.
One of those sprint booster thingamejigs or a tune should fix the last vestiges of lag.
In Sport mode, where the engine is held at higher revs, you won't feel it.

The R's lag isn't that bad, true - I've lived with a Cordia Turbo and I know all about lag. I'm happy I don't have to live with it though, just like I'm glad I don't drive a MkV Pirelli for the same reason. The lack of lag with the GTI is one of the things I like most about it - it comes on so early, it's almost as smooth as a nicely tuned N/A car.

And yes, sport mode should make the lag less obtrusive by keeping the revs higher, but I find it too manic for normal driving.

[triode12]

You were being sarcastic when you implied a stage 1 tune would make it feel less sedate off boost? I'd expect it to improve response low down, and power/torque up high. Sounds spot on to me.

It all depends on the tune. Some tunes don't improve response down low and give gains at the higher revs.

[guest12345]

The R's lag isn't that bad, true - I've lived with a Cordia Turbo and I know all about lag. I'm happy I don't have to live with it though, just like I'm glad I don't drive a MkV Pirelli for the same reason. The lack of lag with the GTI is one of the things I like most about it - it comes on so early, it's almost as smooth as a nicely tuned N/A car.

And yes, sport mode should make the lag less obtrusive by keeping the revs higher, but I find it too manic for normal driving.

The lack of lag in the GTI because of the smaller turbo? I don't find there is lag in my pirelli, maybe because it is tuned... but from my experience the lag comes in only in D mode, because it is in fuel efficient mode, therefore the car is not in the right gear or speed for the turbo to kick in.

But pirelli over the mk6 gti anyday of the week.

[G-rig]

They all have lag compared to an N/A like the R32, but still quite acceptable and people get used to their car either way. Still a lot better than large turbo Jap cars etc. Although i wouldn't want any more lag than what the GTI has.

[Big_Dave]

Ok, not sure where to put this, sure Corey will move it if need be.
RS3 details have been released in the UK press
YouTube - New Audi RS3 (powerful hatch)
wasn't sure if it had been posted yet.
looks like it goes like stink.
Maybe have to start saving up for it after the R

[team_v]

Ok, not sure where to put this, sure Corey will move it if need be.
RS3 details have been released in the UK press
YouTube - New Audi RS3 (powerful hatch)
wasn't sure if it had been posted yet.
looks like it goes like stink.
Maybe have to start saving up for it after the R

Same engine as the TTRS - MTM tuned it to 472HP so far.
Came up in another thread.

Not worth the money though as it will be close to 100k here and you might as well get a 335i or a KTM Xbow.

[Corey_R]

If it's under $100k here, that'll be unreal...
Judging by the price jumps between the other S and RS variants of the same car, it'll be over $100k though

[Big_Dave]

Only 40k pounds in Uk though.
remember the R is 30K.
So much better value there

[WhiteJames]

'Car of the Year' by drive.com.au

Golf GTI has been dethroned by the Renault Megane RS250 Coupe as the <60K drive.com.au Performance Car of the Year. See link.

Drive Car of the Year: Performance car under $60K

Volkswagen Polo won outright honours as drive.com.au Car of the Year. See link:

Volkswagen Polo 77 TSI wins Drive car of the Year

Golf GTI was included in the final showing for <60K PCOTY - but failed to attract any of the 11 votes. Ford Focus received 2 votes -v- Renault's 9 votes. Golf GTI has won drive.com.au PCOTY for the past 4 years.

Cheers
WJ

[WhiteJames]

VIDEO ... drive.com.au

Video of drive.com.au PCOTY showing all contenders:

Video - 2010: Best Performance Under 60k - Drive

Cheers
WJ

[dave_r]

Golf GTI has been dethroned by the Renault Megane RS250 Coupe as the <60K drive.com.au Performance Car of the Year. See link.

Fairly useless comparison as most of these types of reviews are. Plus the Megane is R money, not GTI.