Golf R -v- Golf GTI

[Tim]

Food for thought: Polo GTI is about 400kg lighter than the new Audi RS3.

Cheers
WJ

A mk1 golf is about 400kgs lighter than a Polo. I think thats what we should all be driving.

[MACCAA]

A mk1 golf is about 400kgs lighter than a Polo. I think thats what we should all be driving.

Yep,no ABS,side intrusion panels,airbags,ESP.
If you really believe that,go and rip all that stuff out of your current car....

[WhiteJames]

Torsion Beam -v- Multi-Link

Local review of the Polo GTI.

First Drive Volkswagen Polo GTI

I had reservations about the torsion beam (not-completely independent) rear suspension of both the Polo GTI and Megane RS250 not being able to cope with B-grade back-road bumps & thumbs versus the multi-link rear suspension in the Golf.

The Polo GTI's stiff, sporty suspension setup combined with its 17-inch alloys (the same as those on the Golf) proved a bit bumpy, with some road noise clearly evident. The front suspension coped better over bumps, while the torsion-beam rear suspension tended to thump, unable to deal with inconsistencies at each rear wheel.

Overall:

So while the Polo GTI may not be as quick or powerful, nor quite as refined around town as its elder sibling, the Golf, but its aggressive yet lovable character makes it a real contender in the pocket-rocket bang-for-buck arena. And, while it's no Golf GTI, the Polo GTI is truly deserving of wearing those three prized letters.

So far local reviews have not had the same criticism of the Megane RS250 Trophee's torsen-beam rear suspension on rougher B-grade outback roadways, which is surprising imo.

Cheers
WJ

[Tim]

Yep,no ABS,side intrusion panels,airbags,ESP.
If you really believe that,go and rip all that stuff out of your current car....

I wish I could whilst maintaining the cars legality Have you seen how much that crap weighs?

[G-rig]

A mk1 golf is about 400kgs lighter than a Polo. I think thats what we should all be driving.

Everyone should get one if they are so fun.

[WhiteJames]

Handling -v- Ride Comfort:

This statement made by drive.com.au COTY journos intrigues regarding the Renault Megane RS250: http://news.drive.com.au/drive/car-o...123-1853l.html

Performance Car Under $60,000. The Renault hot-hatch knocked off the only car to have won its category every year since the awards started five years ago, Volkswagen's Golf GTI. The Renault's sharper handling and slightly more compliant ride gave it the nod over the impressive VW. It also outperformed the Subaru WRX and Holden SS-V on the track and road, while it was thought by most judges to be more liveable than the red-hot Focus RS, which got three votes.

Could it be that a Renault RS250 both rides & handles better than the std non-DCC Golf GTI? I would of thought the Golf GTI would ride better & the Renault RS250 be the favourite for superior chassis control?

Cheers
WJ

[Tim]

Everyone should get one if they are so fun.

I think if they did the world would be a less grumpy place

[weewilly]

wondering how it would go along side the superior "R"?

[WhiteJames]

The Golf R was notable by its absence in the drive.com.au PCOTY<60K shootout. Haven't driven the Renault Megane RS250, but this link from autocar.co.uk provides an insight: Golf R v Focus RS v Megane 250 - Autocar.co.uk

Golf [R]versus the rest - In the real world, the Golf initially feels comprehensively outclassed for pure acceleration. The Megane drops the VW without trying very hard at all, and during an impromptu 20-100mph blast at the test track there is nothing between the Renault and Ford. Yet, out on normal roads, the more regular the circumstances the more the Golf R starts to make sense. It isn't trying to emulate the Focus or Megane, and the overall impression from the cabin is that this is a high-quality, not especially thrusting kind of car.When you pull away, the gap grows wider. The Golf R has a smoother, better ride quality than the RS, and its smaller tyres generate less road rumble. The same is true of the Renault, whose ride is calmer but noisier than the Ford's, but nowhere near as soothing as the VW's.

Figures do not convey the whole storey. Apparently the Renault Megane RS250 has to change from 2nd to 3rd for a 0-100kph timed acceleration run, slowing it down several tens. The Autocar article indicates that point to point Megane can be a very sharp instrument.
Cheers
WJ

[dave_r]

The polo is pretty girly, you can get enough stick for having a golf.

LOL seriously do you read what you type before hitting post? Other than being a small car, what makes it "girly" (and is being a small car even justification for being girly?)

I mean I saw a chick driving an Audi R8... so they must be a chicks car? (Yes it was love at first sight )

I think this sums up the entire thread perfectly:

If there's one thing this thread does demonstrate, it's that value is a very personal thing that everyone perceives differently depending on a combination of price, wants and needs.

Having driven a Polo often and various GTI and R's many times, I can find value in all of them. So in the end it came down to which one I wanted (and could afford).

[Converted]

Just read the latest CAR mag comparing the Megane 250, Golf GTI and Alfa's Giuletta Cloverleaf. To sum it up, GTI still th ebest all rounder (5/5), Megane best ummmph for handling and performance, and the Alfa Cloverleaf...well, as an Alfa hot hatch, it still sux (3/5).
Don't shoot the messenger Alfa fans.

[SilvrFoxX]

Just read the latest CAR mag comparing the Megane 250, Golf GTI and Alfa's Giuletta Cloverleaf. To sum it up, GTI still th ebest all rounder (5/5), Megane best ummmph for handling and performance, and the Alfa Cloverleaf...well, as an Alfa hot hatch, it still sux (3/5).
Don't shoot the messenger Alfa fans.

How are they going to shoot you when they are broken down on the side of the road somewhere

[sabloke]

At $46k drive away a RS 250 Cup is hard to beat for performance and handling. Drive awarded the Best PERFORMANCE Car under $60 to the Renault in a category where ride confort is not exactly the main criteria. The GTI is a great car no doubt, but can't compete with the RS 250 that is clearly a better drivers car. Don't dismiss any of the current Renault Sport propositions before taking one for a drive on a twisty road

[markwid]

At $46k drive away a RS 250 Cup is hard to beat for performance and handling. .... the RS 250 that is clearly a better drivers car.

Yep, probably spot on.

That said, I would be worried about the cons of Renault or French cars in Australia in general though, e.g. poor resale value.

[walbjj]

just makes the rs250 an even better buy in 2 years time.
truth be told, renaults r terrible when it comes to depreciation. take a look at 5yo renault clio sports. they never move on carsales and the prices r pretty good, and im sure u can offer a lower price and they would prob say yes