Considering cancelling the 'R' order and keeping the MKV GTI..

[jlgumby]

So I'd really like to hear from those who've either owned or spent a lot of time in a MkV GTI and moved to a Golf R.

Reason for this is that I've owned a GTI for the last 4 years and it is truly the most brilliant little machine I've ever experienced. Unquestionably.

I however have mentioned that it would be spot on if it had the same amount of go, but also had AWD grip. Well, enter the Golf R. So now I've placed an order on one, have been waiting for two months now and they still can't tell me when it will be here.

On top of this, everytime I drive the GTI (Manual BTW), I just think about how fantastic it is and often wonder if the R is really going to feel this good. It's so torquey and the clutch take up is perfect, it's just so drivable.

So I'm thinking about cancelling the order and keeping the GTI, would love to hear from anyone who has been through this and what you thought of the changeover. Cos I'm just not sure now.

Thoughts?

[SilvrFoxX]

CandyMan will tell you why you should stay the course and get the R

[anthony]

If you are not sure,keep your GTI...it will surely be the much cheaper option,and you can deceide what to do at a later stage...

[AdamD]

My parents drive Mk5 Golfs, and I have a Mk6 GTI. Not directly relevant, but I find the difference between the Mk5 and Mk6 alone to be huge in terms of refinement and interior design.

User gtimk5 has just sold his Mk5 and bought a Mk6 GTI... might be worth PMing him for his opinion. And of course there's the obligatory http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/foru...gti-45833.html thread (which, while often degenerating into a slinging match, does have some reasonable insights if you're prepared to wade through the rubbish).

Just remember, everyone's got an opinion...

[SilvrFoxX]

I do.. it just has to be RB

[Frazza]

I do.. it just has to be RB

Go the RB!!

Seriously but, i haven't owned a MK5 but i have driven a few many times and they are an awesome machine but the MK6 just steps it up another notch and you will love the bigger punch and AWD from the R, stick to your guns, get the R

[Candyman]

I moved from a MKV GTI (3 years/90,000km) to an R

The R is a massive jump in driving enjoyment but I do notice one failing

The R is less nimble on the road. At first it was only minor but I notice it more and more.

Other than that, the R sounds better, goes quicker, feels more solid, more driveable in all weather conditions and only uses a little more fuel.

I'd make the jump again.

[kaanage]

The R is less nimble on the road. At first it was only minor but I notice it more and more.

jlgumby, pm adzy (also currently owns a MkV Golf GTi) about this as he has just cancelled his R for the reason stated above after driving Fab_R's heavily tweaked R. He's looking at other options for his next car to keep the excitement/interest factor that the GTi has.

[Ideo]

jlgumby, pm adzy (also currently owns a MkV Golf GTi) about this as he has just cancelled his R for the reason stated above after driving Fab_R's heavily tweaked R. He's looking at other options for his next car to keep the excitement/interest factor that the GTi has.

The AWD does take away some of the nimble factor without a doubt. But I am happy with the AWD so it's a compromise you need to determine.

Test drove a Scirocco R, and for those in the not nimble enough camp it may be the way to go.

[Candyman]

I think it is more than AWD

Steering weight, suspension geometry, kerb weight

Pretty minor though and wouldn't stop me buying an R

My MKV GTI is dull in comparison

[Finance_Analyst]

Having driven both Mk6 GTI and R, I think for 95% of applications, the GTI is the better all round bet, not to mention the $10k extra in my pocket. Hence why Motor mag put it ahead in 2010 for the performance car of the year.

If your MkV has a tune, a std R wouldn't keep up with it (unless on a track).

[Candyman]

If my R had a tune my stock MKV would be a slug and would still be a slug if tuned (ie pointless comparison)

Also the MKV is very different to the MKVI

The R (if you can afford it), offers a much better overall package.

Looks a lot better too if that floats your boat

However, if you are counting coins, the MKV GTI is a good compromise

I still can't believe how much more out R offers over our MKV GTI.

[Ideo]

I think the money arguement makes sense in the UK. Not here.

[SilvrFoxX]

I think the R v GTI conversation has been flogged. They have different attributes and both will offer you a great driving experience. If you think the MKV ownership was great then all will agree an MKVI step is well worth the journey.

Personally my attraction to the R was the AWD and the DSG primarily, then all the options that come standard which define it as the Golf's top of line model. For that you carry a 10K premium which in my mind was value form money given what the differences are to the GTI.

If you were to go the GTI MKVI then you will be very happy if the MKV was floating your boat. The R is a level beyond ( please note the word beyond not above)

[AdamD]

The OP could also consider a Scirocco R, or GTI ED35 if there are any floating around. Both run the R's EA113 motor with larger K04 turbo, but don't suffer the weight penalty of AWD.

Depending on where this topic goes I'll probably merge it with the Golf R vs Golf GTI thread.