Golf R -v- Golf GTI

[mfl]

apples and oranges.

Liberty GT is intended to be a Grand Touring vehicle, while Golf R is intended to be Race oriented, thus the R name...

obviously the liberty GT is intended to drive like a super tanker and Golf R to drive like a slinky slingshot

I know this is OT, but the Liberty GT , especially the previous STI version, was intended/viewed as the model you got when, you wanted to replace your WRX, with something more restrained. - (this doesn't apply to the land barges they now sell.)

Although you cant compare a 4 door AWD, turbo sedan to a Hatchback (FWD or AWD), what they both have in common is that they are very restrained looking performance cars with refined performance, as opposed to the WRXs and EVO 10s.

[Pepe]

apples and oranges.

Liberty GT is intended to be a Grand Touring vehicle, while Golf R is intended to be Race oriented, thus the R name...

obviously the liberty GT is intended to drive like a super tanker and Golf R to drive like a slinky slingshot

I wasn't expecting razor sharp handling after the R, but it was a lot of little things that bothered me too.. like the fact they stole a gearbox from a tractor to use in the GT, and the stupid clever wireless key thing that was patchy at best.

I enjoyed the experience though, because I got to sit down at the salesman's desk afterwards and say the worst thing about it and the reason I wouldn't buy it is because it looks so sinfully ugly. The look on his face was a resigned "yeah, I know"... poor fella

[SilvrFoxX]

but they sell better then VW.. the target market were fat middle aged americans.. hit the bullseye..

[whichonetoget]

Given that it's quite easy to get a fair bit more power out of the GTI for not much money; Is a Golf R worth the extra $$$ over a GTI?

[SilvrFoxX]

I think that question has been asked and will continue to be asked.. there are too many factors at play to have a black and white answer. If you read this thread from the beginning you will find the cars are similar but different.. this difference may have you wanting to part with the extra cash or not.

So I suggest strongly that you go drive them back to back... most have and decide on that.. the financial aspects become secondary after that..

[dave_r]

Given that it's quite easy to get a fair bit more power out of the GTI for not much money; Is a Golf R worth the extra $$$ over a GTI?

Personally I always go with buying the best (IMO) that I can afford at the time without having to modify it to be something it is not.

But really, having a forum tell you which one is worth buying is pointless. In this sub forum alone there will be people who tell you that a 1.2L TSI Golf will be adequate because anyone else with more performance is just a hoon and at the other end, people with fully loaded R's will tell you that the base Golf is dull.

Test drive and decide, its the only way.

[whichonetoget]

I have only tested the GTI and I think that it's a great overall package - there aren't any R's around here to test. If the R didn't exist, my decision would be pretty easy.

Initially, I was only looking to spend $40-45k; now with the R, I'd be looking at $55k+.

[SilvrFoxX]

I have only tested the GTI and I think that it's a great overall package - there aren't any R's around here to test. If the R didn't exist, my decision would be pretty easy.

Initially, I was only looking to spend $40-45k; now with the R, I'd be looking at $55k+.

And the GTI is a great overall package.. doubt you would be dissapointed.. I was test driving them back to back and the seat of my pants test said you really want the R .. my missus had to talk me into it as I went the value for money route of the GTI fully loaded.. but she said i would always have wanted the R so spend the extra and forego the extras.. as it turns out for the spend I only left Leather off the list which I was neither here nor there on..

I figure why spend money on something you already have.. the car comes with seats and it comes with wheels but doesnt come with Nav , ACC or MDI...

[AdamD]

I have only tested the GTI and I think that it's a great overall package - there aren't any R's around here to test. If the R didn't exist, my decision would be pretty easy.

Initially, I was only looking to spend $40-45k; now with the R, I'd be looking at $55k+.

Last time I was up at Medindie they had a demo R to drive.

I would strongly advise you to wait to drive a demo R before you make up your mind. Don't get me wrong, I think both cars are fantastic and chances are you'd be very happy with the GTI. But they are quite different cars, and when you're prepared to spend that much cash, a considered decision is a good decision.

Here are my observations from the R. That whole thread is worth reading BTW.

[Prodigy]

There were a few reason why i chose the R over the GTI, firstly i prefer the look of the R with it's slightly more aggressive front and rear end then there was the fact it was awd and quicker.

At the end of the day though the biggest thing that swung me was that i had owned wrx's previously and that i always had tried to make them look like and go as quick as an STi. I always wished that i had just spent that bit more $ in the beginning and bought the STi, but both times i talked my self out of it as the WRX was cheaper. This time i decided to bite the bullet, don't get me wrong, the GTI is a great car but i know if had bought one i'll always be wishing i bought the R.

[SilvrFoxX]

We just couldnt go past AWD, once you have had it the confidence it inspires in the wet and cornering makes it hard to move. The brakes on the R as you pointed out are just sublime.. the stabby grip of the GTI were disconcerting.. potentially this would be over come quickly as you get used to it. But like all the points of contention which are raised as you understand how the each car performs in various situations you wil adapt your driving style to either accommodate or compensate.

I think it has to be tough on those who have already parted with hard earned for either a GTI or R32 as they are both great kit and the step to the R is very difficult to quantify.. but as a first time investor the decision really is straight forward if you can afford it

[SilvrFoxX]

There were a few reason why i chose the R over the GTI, firstly i prefer the look of the R with it's slightly more aggressive front and rear end then there was the fact it was awd and quicker.

At the end of the day though the biggest thing that swung me was that i had owned wrx's previously that i always tried to make them look like and go as quick as an STi. I always wished that i had just spent that bit more $ in the beginning at bought the STi but both times i talked my self out of it as the WRX was cheaper. This time i decided to bite the bullet, don't get me wrong, the GTI is a great car but i know if had bought one i'll always be wishing i bought the R.

sums it up well really...

[blanch0b]

if ur stepping up from a 1998 toyota corolla (like i did) the GTI surpasses your wildest dreams....

if ur stepping up from an wrx, or other >$40k car, the difference is not as big....

i for have never regretted getting a GTI - an absolutely amazing vehicle refined to price v performance perfection (although the old say 'i dont know what i dont know' is relevent in this instance)

[Converted]

if ur stepping up from an wrx, or other >$40k car, the difference is not as big....

No regrets getting the GTI as I can't afford the R's AWD (that's the only thing I want, really).
In terms of the level of trim, design and luxury, the GTI beats my previous Integra DC5 handsdown and I believe a whole lot of other Japanese cars too. The interior earned a big tick from ME when purchasing.

[team_v]

No regrets getting the GTI as I can't afford the R's AWD (that's the only thing I want, really).
In terms of the level of trim, design and luxury, the GTI beats my previous Integra DC5 handsdown and I believe a whole lot of other Japanese cars too. The interior earned a big tick from ME when purchasing.

The XDS and other electronic wizardy in a GTI will provide enough grip in normal or reasonably spirited driving.
Almost all R owners will never use their R's to the potential that demands AWD.

It really comes down to what you are willing to pay for and what perceived benefits you get.
This is why the GTI is such a sales monster and why there are so many of them around.
Also why it won the bang-for-your-buck challenge.