Golf R -v- Golf GTI

[MkVIGTI]

The R uses the same intercooler as the GTI? But I read in some posts that the engine oil temp in the R is lower than that of the GTI?

[Corey_R]

Yes, the R uses the same intercooler as the GTI.
The differences in oil temp are more to do with the fact that they use different engines/oil systems/fuel systems though.

[triode12]

Yes, the R uses the same intercooler as the GTI.
The differences in oil temp are more to do with the fact that they use different engines/oil systems/fuel systems though.

Which btw is the same as the one in the MkV Pirelli and is larger than the one in the Golf MkV GTI.

[Corey_R]

Yeah, haven't seen it compared to the MKV cars.

From Maverick's site, he has the p/n's for the parts as:
S3 Intercooler 1K0 145 803 P (1K0145803P)
Edition 30 Intercooler 1K0 145 803 A (1K0145803A)

So I guess if someone checked out their R and could see a part number, that may confirm if it is the same as the Pirelli (Edition 30) or not.
Either way, from all the photos and from those who've already changed their R intercooler, it's not the same intercooler as the S3.

[WhiteJames]

On a side issue with the aftermarket sway bars for the Golf R - here is a testimony from TheZoneR32 who has recently fitted a set of H&R bars to his R32 that was riding on the HPA Motorsport KW SHS coilovers + Haldex Controller:

Got some H&R sways fitted yesterday. 24mm Front set to soft -26mm rear set to Hard. Bought them direct from ECS tuning as the dollar is so good. The difference is amazing. The whole car is really tied down now. Turn in responsiveness and feedback has increased substantially. Understeer virtually non-existent. It also feels smoother and more expensive to drive now. This is a no brainer. I would describe the drive before the sways as sloppy compared to this. I would go as far as to say that doing the coilovers alone is a waste of time as would be a rear only sway. Now the car is complete............for now

Atm:

I'm 50% GTI.

The other 50% makes up in three equal parts:
Golf R
Polo GTI
Megane RS250 Cup Trophee.

This may change next month.

Wanted to test drive the Renault RS250 Cup prior to purhcasing the GTI, but wasn't released locally. Local review of the Renault hasn't said anything about unliveable ride comfort or nervous attitude with the torsion beam rear suspension - so far so good. In hindsight: Polo GTI is a tad on the small side. Renault offers heaps for 50K driveway - Brembo Brakes, Recaro Seats, LSD, 19" wheels, Xenons, Bluetooth, MDI and recent local review is so far favourable. Pity it only comes in a 3 - door & manual.

Do we concurr that stock for stock the GTI is the pick over the Golf R & in terms of adding performance enhancement of the motor/ECU - the Golf R is the pick over the GTI?

Cheers
WJ

[dave_r]

On a side issue with the aftermarket sway bars for the Golf R - here is a testimony from TheZoneR32 who has recently fitted a set of H&R bars to his R32 that was riding on the HPA Motorsport KW SHS coilovers + Haldex Controller

How is that valid? IMO the R handles far better stock than the R32 did so you may not see such noticable gains. Hard to say unless you compare them back to back.

Do we concurr that stock for stock the GTI is the pick

People that bought a GTI would, people that bought an R would disagree.

[SilvrFoxX]

On a side issue with the aftermarket sway bars for the Golf R - here is a testimony from TheZoneR32 who has recently fitted a set of H&R bars to his R32 that was riding on the HPA Motorsport KW SHS coilovers + Haldex Controller:



Atm:

I'm 50% GTI.

The other 50% makes up in three equal parts:
Golf R
Polo GTI
Megane RS250 Cup Trophee.

This may change next month.

Wanted to test drive the Renault RS250 Cup prior to purhcasing the GTI, but wasn't released locally. Local review of the Renault hasn't said anything about unliveable ride comfort or nervous attitude with the torsion beam rear suspension - so far so good. In hindsight: Polo GTI is a tad on the small side. Renault offers heaps for 50K driveway - Brembo Brakes, Recaro Seats, LSD, 19" wheels, Xenons, Bluetooth, MDI and recent local review is so far favourable. Pity it only comes in a 3 - door & manual.

Do we concurr that stock for stock the GTI is the pick over the Golf R & in terms of adding performance enhancement of the motor/ECU - the Golf R is the pick over the GTI?

Cheers
WJ

WJ , I love your write ups and have been educated through the process, however you are in denial.. you want an R

[Fab_R]

WJ , I love your write ups and have been educated through the process, however you are in denial.. you want an R

Spot on!!!

[dave_r]

you want an R

Not that there is anything wrong with that

Everyone does!

[Fab_R]

How is that valid? IMO the R handles far better stock than the R32 did so you may not see such noticable gains. Hard to say unless you compare them back to back.


People that bought a GTI would, people that bought an R would disagree.

Also WJ is missing the point of the different weight up front of the R32 compared to the R - 4cyl -v- 6cyl

[Fab_R]

Not that there is anything wrong with that

Everyone does!

Thats because the R is a superior car to the GTi....Hands down!!

[Brian]

Thats because the R is a superior car to the GTi....Hands down!!

and so it should be for the extra Oxford Scholars

[Jasonpb]

Well I have no understanding of how anyone can compare the GTI to the Golf R. When I test drove a GTI I was impressed but it didn't make me want to purchase it on the spot. I thought this is a lot of moolah for a little hatch back and whilst it's nice there was also nothing really special about it.

On the other hand the Golf R just made me smile and want one instantly I seriously can't get enough of this car. The acceleration and it's power band is what makes it an exciting car to drive compared to the GTI and the AWD system is fantastic. Handling wise the car feels pretty neutral to me even when being pushed hard.

My car didn't come with ACC which I do regret not buying given it was only $1500 but I can't really fault the setup of the car even with 19" rims the ride quality is better than my honda euro luxury I just sold. I am dying to drive a car with ACC just to see the difference between the two.

I wouldn't go changing the sway bars as for the street it's the perfect setup, altering them is only going to impact on the handling where you drive the car the most. You can feel the car at the limit with the current setup without going for a slide and body roll is minimal, if you're after a go-kart then by all means change them.

If I was to find one fault with the R which a retune might help correct it's the lag on take off before the turbo kicks in which isn't experienced as much on the GTI. Personally this is what I like about the R but I can see how some people wouldn't.

With several options as standard in the Golf R and with minimal price difference spec for spec between the two I think you would be crazy to purchase a GTI over a Golf R, if I had just purchased a GTI would I upgrade... hell yes!

The Golf R is everything you could want it to be whilst the GTI just left me feeling like I wanted more out of the car for what I was spending.

Golf R score 9/10
GTI score 6/10

[Prodigy]

Great write up Jasonpb, sound's like you spent most of last night in the car.

It's fantastic to hear you are happy without the ACC, this was my biggest regret not adding it to my car but so far everyone has said they are still more than impressed with the standard ride.

I so can't wait to get mine...

[Jasonpb]

Great write up Jasonpb, sound's like you spent most of last night in the car.

It's fantastic to hear you are happy without the ACC, this was my biggest regret not adding it to my car but so far everyone has said they are still more than impressed with the standard ride.

I so can't wait to get mine...

The two and a bit week wait after it's landed is the killer part