Here goes ....
I have owned a MK 7.5 GTI and currently a MK 7.5 GTI PP
I took a 7.5 R out for a test drive today. I experienced it on wet dual carriageways and twisty roads. I then drove the same roads in the same conditions on the way home from the dealership in my GTI PP.
Wow
What a difference. Obviously the traction is in a different league. I could plant the throttle in 1st in the rain and off it went, no slipping no wheelspin. My GTI PP on the same road on the way home just refused to let me use any power.
I immediately noticed the difference in weight. The GTI is definitely lighter on its feet. There is more 'roll' in the body of the GTI when taking a corner in a spirited manner. The R didn't have the body roll, it just felt planted. Almost cornered flat. The R didnt feel like it was throwing more weight around in the twisties, it just stuck to the tarmac like glue.
The power. It is 100% quicker then the GTI PP. I did a mix of rolling starts and using the power in the twisties. No doubt about it, on a damp day like today, the R would leave a GTI PP on any road. In the bone dry, maybe not as much, but it was raining and damp so thats all I can go on.
I would like to add the R did have the akrapovic exhaust which was just
The pops and bangs were awesome.
Anyway, thats my 2 cents on the debate.
If it means anything, Im about to complete the deal tomorrow morning on a new 7.5 R for 1st March 2019 collection