GolfGTIforum.co.uk

My posts can usually waffle on for pages without really saying much so I’ll keep it brief, mostly because it’s lunchtime and I need food!

GTI pros: much better looks, lighter feeling chassis, compliant ride, better on fuel, turbo spools at usefully lower revs preventing the DSG being caught in an off boost hole more often when driving maturely.

GTI cons: as previously mentioned, it’s a lovely torquey motor but can run out of puff like a GTD, however the DSG can offset that more than a manual as the former will change up and hit you with another slug of boost.
Wheelspin on occasion when driving less maturely.


R pros: much more revvy engine encouraging you to drive less maturely. The propshaft running between the axles gives the bodyshell a more rigid feel. Traction, obviously. Understated looks preferred by some.

R cons: every dual motor Tesla taxi driver wants to annihilate you at the traffic lights.
Looks a bit boring, especially inside.
30% worse on fuel than a GTD.
Engine can be caught off boost when driving maturely.


Conclusion: the R will feel more of a step up from a GTD



Lunchtime for me…

If I get another Golf to go with the GTI, it will be an R with a manual gearbox and a clutch upgrade done.

I prefer manuals to auto and dual clutch as they are more engaging IMO.

Hi all,

Just thought I'd ask the question and gauge the response for the acceptable price of a second hand Helix system.

They are currently around £700-£800 new online, you can get them cheaper from Germany on eBay but they don't seem to offer postage to the UK anymore.

So what would you pay/is an acceptable price to you in 2024?

Thanks,
K

Unfortunately I have now become a carer for my mum so given up my job and cant work on my Mk2 Gti. There are so many forums out there and so many 'experts'.. where is it best to go and get my 1987 Gti 8v valued.

Many thanks.

Had a 66 plate MK 7 R for 3 years, then a 69 Plate TCR for 3 years, and our second car is now a MK 7.5 2019 R and can safely say from that experience, that they are all just different flavours of very good, with no decision for any being wrong.

The original R had the 6 speed DSG, the facelift has the 7 speed DSG, which seem to allow better ratio for Race, and so was more drivable on local roads in that setting (MK 7 hung onto gears too long) Aside from that, the drive of early and facelift R is pretty comparable. The Facelift R has the digital display and upgraded media and is overall better package than the MK 7, but its not a chasm, and anyone would be pretty much equally happy in a MK 7/7.5

The TCR has 290 BHP, so you get all the grunt of the R, it does not run out of puff as was mentioned, it just keeps pulling, and though there is some slippage at extreme pull aways, the TCR brilliantly handles that extra power, and its a fast, agile experience from being FWD and lighter overall. Mine had the performance pack with the DCC, and comfort was too soft, it pretty much stayed in normal. TCR is a great car to drive, and if the prices were not so premium I would have one in a heartbeat when my own BMW 128Ti goes back next year.

However, for £4-5k less, you can get a similarly specced, mileage Golf R and with the extra power, and AWD, you are really getting more of a car.

As stated, its different flavours of great, the lighter more agile TCR with a little bit of liveliness on front end, or the rapid, assured, on rails experience R gives you. Shame cannot have both, and switch on mood (if enough ££'s are available, I might be in that position)

At time, my heart would say, get the TCR, you know you loved it, my logic will say, save a few thousand and get the ultimate Golf experience of an R (Likely look for 3 door to be different to what already have)