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Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: JamesT on 19 May 2008, 19:20

Title: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: JamesT on 19 May 2008, 19:20
Hello all,

I currently have a Mk5 GTI  in Black. I bought it exactly 1 year ago. I love the car so much however theres something inside of me that NEEDS the R32.

Has anyone made the jump from GTI to R32 and any regrets? I have found a few around 20K. What do you think i would get for my GTI in trade-in?

Please help me make this decision! lol

Thanks

James :laugh:
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: 182_blue on 19 May 2008, 19:22
i had the option when i got the ED30, and i bought the ED30  :smiley: , things that put me off the R32 was fuel and road tax, and i dont really like the front end , and the ED30 could be mapped to achieve quite good results  :evil:
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: R32UK on 19 May 2008, 20:41
This should help...

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?PHPSESSID=21806f7dcb5ff582643d69f4d2f03b0b&topic=30686.40
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: Phil mcavity on 19 May 2008, 20:41
ill 2nd what 182 blue says, ive had 2 normal GTi's, get the ed30 or at least try one. R32's are goona be priced ff the road big time. your choice of course if you can live with the running costs. Soundtracks nice ,but to be honest thats all in my book.
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: R32UK on 19 May 2008, 20:53
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?PHPSESSID=21806f7dcb5ff582643d69f4d2f03b0b&topic=30686.40
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: 182_blue on 19 May 2008, 20:54
both are nice mate, you wont be disappointed with either
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: maxamus on 19 May 2008, 23:56
Theres a 07 plate R32 in my local VW dealer going for £21,000 which i thought was dirt cheap. I must admit i am tempted  :evil:
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: Manu_R32 on 20 May 2008, 00:12
I made the jump ands it deffinatley something i do not regret! If fuel prices and road tax doesnt really bother u...go for it. Ofcourse try out the ED30 as most people on this forum would say but also try out the R32....have a look at www.r32oc.com if you want more convincing towards the R32  :grin:
What colour would you be considering??  :cool:

(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l304/clio_gib/DSC00382.jpg)

 :cool:
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: nmr1h on 20 May 2008, 01:02
I have just gone the other way, from a MkV R32 to a MkV GTi for the tax and depreciation reasons.

There were two MkV R32's in the house, figured that we would hang on to one as they are fantastic cars, but we couldn't justify the depreciation risk from two of them.

I must say that I am very happy with the GTi, but then again it has a Revo Stage 1 remap, so is putting out roughly the same HP as the R32 with less weight to carry around, but it doesn't have the 4 wheel drive safety blanket.

As the others have said try both and go with the one that suits you best, but do take into consideration the potential steep depreciation of the R32 over the next couple of years.

Brian
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: joesgti on 20 May 2008, 03:05
instead of the R:. why not go with an S3  :cool: 300BHP easy after a remap and 4x4  :drool: my next car!!
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: R32UK on 20 May 2008, 08:20
The fact is that the Gti and the R32 are totally different cars to drive. So try them both and you will soon find out if you should make the switch. For me there was simply no contest but its something you will have to try figure out for yourself.
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: JamesT on 20 May 2008, 17:11
Ok so im still deciding on wether or not to make the jump.

How much do you think i will get for my GTI? Its 05, Black, Standard Spec with Parking sensors. Anybody? :p  :laugh:

 :grin:
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: topher on 20 May 2008, 17:17
Probably around 12 grand p-ex from a dealer (although i know someone recently offered 10.5) , or 14k private.

You really need to get yourself behind the wheel of one and give it a thrashing to make your mind up.
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: JamesT on 20 May 2008, 17:24
Thanks for your reply.

I'm not sure if they will allow me to test drive the R32 because i am only a named driver on insurance. I dont have my own insurance :(

Is it possible to drive it with only a policy as a named driver?  :laugh:
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: topher on 20 May 2008, 17:27
A lot of places don't allow test drives on R32's until you put a deposit down and sign on the dotted line. Where abouts are you? If you're local I can take you for a blast in mine.. passenger ride though obviously :tongue:
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: RedRobin on 20 May 2008, 17:40
....I have a great relationship with my VW dealer and so they lent me a new R32 for half a day with only 250 miles on the clock.

I worked out a route which included all types of roads and then tested the R32 with my GTI back-to-back. I loved the V6 sound and that was just standard (no Milltek). I also enjoyed the grip but the car felt much heavier overall. Also my test drive was extremely thirsty! I decided to keep my GTI and have no regrets.
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: JamesT on 20 May 2008, 18:45
A lot of places don't allow test drives on R32's until you put a deposit down and sign on the dotted line. Where abouts are you? If you're local I can take you for a blast in mine.. passenger ride though obviously :tongue:

I'm in Bristol. On the VW website they have a R32 available for test drive which you can book but i highly doubt they would let me drive it, even though i currently drive a GTI.
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: topher on 20 May 2008, 18:47
don't ask, don't get!
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: JamesT on 20 May 2008, 19:01
Bah :( Phoned about 15 min ago before close and they say i cant drive it unless (as someone said) i put down deposit. :( Hmm. Decisions!!
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: carl1 on 20 May 2008, 19:08
ive had mkv gti then mkv r32 then back to gti but ed30.im very tempted to go back to r32,the only thing stopping me is the mk6 will be out next year.imo the r32 feels a lot more special also looks more expensive(and is of course brand new). its not all about speed we have all read the gti/ed30 v r32 and the gti may be cheaper and nearly as fast but the r32 just pips it for me.
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: RedRobin on 20 May 2008, 19:19
....To each their own of course, but I don't think you'll be seeing a Mk6 GTI as soon as 2009.
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: Hurdy on 20 May 2008, 19:26
Personally I'd choose the Edition 30 over an R32 everytime. I'd choose DSG over manual everytime.

The ED30 simply makes more sense as a personal mode of transport and modified still remains a pussy to drive but a tiger when roused :smug:
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: RedRobin on 20 May 2008, 19:32
....If the Ed30 had been available in May 2005 when I ordered my GTI, I would definitely have ordered one! :smiley:
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: carl1 on 20 May 2008, 19:36
....To each their own of course, but I don't think you'll be seeing a Mk6 GTI as soon as 2009.
yes i know may not see a gti/r32 till 2010 if r32 at all.i would be straight down the dealers if r36 was being released in mkv form tho :grin:

Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: Phil mcavity on 20 May 2008, 19:56
ed30 over R32 for me, way to expensive to justify forking out for one. The mark 6 in the R will have the 3.6, as vw have just announched the launch of the r36 in the passat, if the engines available, then sure they will fit it. 3.2 engine is gota be nearly 20 years old and very dated now,  with all these emisions hikes,  im sure it will be a limited build and be abit of a collecters item im sure when its released in 18 months or so's time.
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: R32UK on 20 May 2008, 20:04
There is no doubt the R32 is the Daddy.. but you might want to take Tophers offer if your near him, or your more than welcome to a spin in mine also.

Just a note that although the Ed30 can be remapped quite easily.. and put out big Bhp.. how many times are you going to do a straight drag race?? the R32 can Handle like only a AWD can, but remains a useable fwd when cruising along.

There is only one king of the TG track and that remains the R32! :grin: :cool:

no offence to gti/ed30 owners of course
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: Phil mcavity on 20 May 2008, 20:18
im sure the GTi or ed30 would do very well against the R even though its only front wheel drive. look what the NEW suburu imprezza wrx tried against the gti in fifth gear. 230 bhp, 4 wheel haldex style system, and still the GTi was way way out infront.

R carrys far too much weight upfront, drove one and thought it felt underpowered.Sorry, the only thing the R has going for it is the soundtrack, no question, the best noise on the road today imo.

R needs a 3.6 and 300hp to be a real "must have" in my books.
Ok its fast in the wet, but would you seriously wanna rag it round the roundabout in the wet and hope technology saves your arse from wrapping your pride and joy round a lamp post or in a ditch??.
Its getting to a point know even fuel costs are going up n up, and WILL hit £1.50 a litre this summer. Tax is gonna go upwards to £440 a year.
Even makes me flench thinking about running my ed30, its painfull enough putting in £200 a month on fuel at the moment. im trying not to think about it, maybe my next car should be a toyota Prius  :cry:
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: R32UK on 20 May 2008, 20:29
"technology from saving you a$$???"

Dont you drive a DSG phil :drool:

The truth is the R32 was still 2 sec quicker round the TG than the ED30 and will cock its back legs and piddle all over a Wrx so we really are not learning anything new here. Like I said if you cant get a test drive... I will happily scare the shizzel out of you i mean show you what the R32 can really do in capable hands :grin:
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: Phil mcavity on 20 May 2008, 20:44
we dont drive round top gears test track every day do we??????,  that makes no sense to me at all. Perhaps he should buy an R32 because it went round a track 2 seconds faster. all fool him i'd say.

Whats DSG gota do with Haldex??
i Could have a stick manual and it be just as dangerous. thats not linked to my right foot is it?? or am i missing something  :rolleyes:.

Ive stated the fact, the more often then not, ex R32 owners that have sold up, have moved on for ONE MAIN REASON!! and thats the running costs of it.
When you have family and kids in some cases to consider, you have to think before you splash the cash.
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: 182_blue on 20 May 2008, 20:49
we dont drive round top gears test track every day do we??????,  that makes no sense to me at all. Perhaps he should buy an R32 because it went round a track 2 seconds faster. all foul him i'd say.

Whats DSG gota do with Haldex??
i Could have a stick manual and it be just as dangerous. thats not linked to my right foot is it?? or am i missing something  :rolleyes:.

Ive stated the fact, the more often then not, ex R32 owners that have sold up, have moved on for ONE MAIN REASON!! and thats the running costs of it.
When you have family and kids in some cases to consider, you have to think before you splash the cash.

remapped ED30 around the topgear track would be interesting
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: JamesT on 20 May 2008, 21:18
Id love for someone to scare the shizzle out of me take me for a spin in a R32. Would be awesome. Where you guys from?
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: carl1 on 20 May 2008, 21:42
like i said before not just about speed else id have a evo mr.r32 wont cost you that much more a year if you dont do big miles(imo if you can afford 20k+ car extra £200 or whatever it is shouldnt put you off if thats the one you want).both great hatches whatever you choose you will enjoy
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: maxamus on 20 May 2008, 23:47
I think i need to step in.
The R32 is a better car for me because its totally different from the GTI. People should not bother with GTI ED30 vs R32 because they just get messy and all people compare is speeds and times which is naieve.

I would have the R32 over the GTI any day because the R32 just sounds so lush!

Shot some Monza II's on an black R32 and drool  :kiss:
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: RedRobin on 20 May 2008, 23:50
....I agree, maxamus - You can only say that a car is "better" for YOU personally. We are each different (Thank goodness!!).
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: JamesT on 21 May 2008, 00:04
I just came back from an hour drive in my GTI and it made me happy. Such a fun car to drive.

The things i dont like about the GTI is the brakes, i just dont feel safe! Is this a shared opinion or just me? Will the R32 be an improvement?

Also taking corners at speed didnt feel comfortable.

But the feeling of that Turbo kicking in and the torque is just IMMENSE.

Ive always wanted a car where by if you put your foot down, there is pure acceleration with no delay. With the GTI there is obviously some delay. Is there any delay with the R32?

I much prefer the look of the R32 over the GTI but i guess that is all personal opinionated(is that a word?). I wish i had DSG to experience the feeling and having flappy paddle is just a cool feature :D :D

Its all down to money of course. Its going to cost me about 8k for the upgrade and then the money for insurance and extra £200pa for tax and then petrol prices....it all adds up..

Bottom line is i should of bought the R32 to begin with!!!

Decisions Decisions Decisions.

I need to get behind the wheel of an R32 before i make my decision.
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: RedRobin on 21 May 2008, 00:22
....The GTI brakes are good but the pedal feedback is lousy compared with a good aftermarket setup. AP Racing Big Brake Kit is truly awesome but expensive!

If you want to become more at ease with any performance car and learn its limits so you can drive within them more safely, I strongly recommend a day course at CarLimits on North Weald airfield but be prepared to kill a set of tyres and do only 11 mpg!!

There is no turbo lag or delay with the GTI if you drive it manually. (Well, none that I remember - Mine is so modified with stuff that improves throttle response!)
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: NewGolf on 21 May 2008, 07:50
No turbo lag at all on mine, and its done less than 1000 miles  :smug:
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: R32UK on 21 May 2008, 08:20
Id love for someone to scare the shizzle out of me take me for a spin in a R32. Would be awesome. Where you guys from?

I am in Leeds. but do travel down south fairly often..
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: R32UK on 21 May 2008, 08:43
we dont drive round top gears test track every day do we??????,  that makes no sense to me at all. Perhaps he should buy an R32 because it went round a track 2 seconds faster. all fool him i'd say.

Whats DSG gota do with Haldex??
i Could have a stick manual and it be just as dangerous. thats not linked to my right foot is it?? or am i missing something  :rolleyes:.

Ive stated the fact, the more often then not, ex R32 owners that have sold up, have moved on for ONE MAIN REASON!! and thats the running costs of it.
When you have family and kids in some cases to consider, you have to think before you splash the cash.

By stating the 2 sec quicker I was just refering to the fact that having 4wd does not hinder your performance but simply makes it better in any situation other than a drag. the fact is its the best handling golf out there, and anyone who starts to say the lump is too heavy needs to compare one to a Gti and then decide which one understeers.

My reference to DSG was just in comparison to yours about the Haldex.... "hope technology saves your ass". Its almost the same as me saying I will beat you in a drag unless the dsg steps in and changes gear for you. We all have technology in our cars... enough said.

Its true about running cost, yes they are expensive, but as Topher said and extra £8 per week is hardly alot. I find that I can make much quicker progress with the R32 as I dont have to get into the turbo range to hit high speeds. In fact I can usually leave most traffic behind without ever going over 3000rpm and this makes for some very easy driving. However after having owned mine now for a fair few months I would say the deciding factor is the types of miles you do. i.e. short frequent journeys are going to cost you a fair bit more. Longer journeys without stop starts i would say there will be very little difference between it and your Gti.
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: hotrod on 21 May 2008, 09:04
Hi Guys,

After 6+ years in a V6 4-Motion (soft R32), I must say how much I am still missing the gorgeous V6 howl, instant torque from idle and the reassurance of 4-wheel drive.

I’ve owned my ED30 for a couple of months now, but it still hasn’t quite gelled with me. The turbo rush is fun, the handling nimble and the looks killer in Candy White, but it still doesn’t feel like MY car. Hopefully in time it will.

I test drove the R32 and GTI back-to-back in both 2006 & 2008, in various manual and DSG guises. In the first scenario I loved the R32 and instantly put down a deposit... only to get cold feet a month later and cancelled (still in love with my 4-Mo). In 2008 I preferred the GTI due to its light & nimble handling, turbo rush and funky front end appearance and the availability of Candy White.

Also the impeding doom relating to road tax and fuel issues tempted me towards the ED30 which offered unlimited tuning potential, but at reasonable cost.

So forgive the ramblings, I’m missing my 4-Mo and this thread had me thinking... Hotrod
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: topher on 21 May 2008, 09:12
MINE DOES A MILLION MILES AN HOUR AND IS BETTER THAN ANY OTHER CAR EVER.

(Capitals make it more true.)
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: Phil mcavity on 21 May 2008, 10:19
 :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: RedRobin on 21 May 2008, 11:19
MINE DOES A MILLION MILES AN HOUR AND IS BETTER THAN ANY OTHER CAR EVER.

(Capitals make it more true.)

.... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: - Funny you should say that - The same has been said about the GTI on another performance car forum. It's often referred to as "The Fastest Car In The World" :grin:

My perfect Golf would be a V6 with 4WD but with the nimbleness and feel of the GTI/Ed30 (Actually I haven't driven an Ed30 yet) - An impossible dream but I'm more than happy with my modded GTI.

I hope you do get used to and enjoy your Ed30 more, hotrod. If FWD issues bother you, I wouldn't performance mod it!! The trouble with the V6 is that it encourages you to press the loud pedal more often  :evil:
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: T88OMM on 21 May 2008, 12:04
The truth of the matter is that the GTI/ED30 and R32 are all AWESOME cars!! I have driven each variant of the VAG hot hatches and there is nothing in them in terms of fun factor. Each car suits the individual persons needs, I liked the GTI but wanted more power, loved the R32 but I do galactic miles each year and tax etc put me off although it was a hard decision choosing between that and the ED30, after much thought the ED was the one for me. I must admit that V6 roar is simply immense, had a play on the motorway with a 32 the other day and when he pressed the loud pedal I could not stop smiling, it was enough to run to the VW dealers and trade mine in. However the R32 is not for me. My feeling is whatever VAG hot hatch you go for you will NOT be dissappointed  :smiley:
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: JamesT on 21 May 2008, 12:10
Maybe the lag is in my head or maybe i'm just making excuses to get the R32!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  :evil:

I do love driving the GTI it is sooo much fun. Maybe i should mod it instead of buying an R32? Hmm.  :laugh:
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: Manu_R32 on 21 May 2008, 12:24
Just go for the R32....you wont regret it....or ofcourse just go for the GTI...you wont regret that either  :grin:
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: maxamus on 21 May 2008, 12:59
Both cars are works of art.
You cant go wrong with either of them. You cant loose!
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: 08micsta on 21 May 2008, 13:29
Just my two cents.

I am always on the phone to VW and they say that the sales for the R32 have slowed down drastically in the last few months. The reason is the cost. People are selling R32's all over Cape Town and the values of the vehicles are dropping very quickly.

Personally I think the R32 looks like a Hatchback Jetta. It has presense but I see nothing special about it. (No offence meant)

I understand the extra power but if you are going the 4WD route get yourself a Audi.
Also understand that the R32 comes with 4 motion. Not 4 wheel drive.

Under normal driving the 4 wheel drive system is not engaged and only when you drive spiritly does the 4 wheel drive system kick in. So in normal day driving you gain nothing from the R32 except for the sound.

Please dont quote me because most of the information I have said comes off what I read on the net and wether it is true is debatable.

Mike
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: AlanD on 21 May 2008, 13:43
You are correct with the 4 motion comment. Im not going bother saying much as its all pretty been much said, diffrent cars for diffrent people with diffrent budgets and diffrent desires from a car. My sole reason for not wanting one is 1)I think the GTi looks nicer (belive it or not lol) and 2)cost.

Just thought I should add the they are BOTH brilliant cars.
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: topher on 21 May 2008, 13:52
Its actually a 90/10 split and the ecu sends power to the back more often than you might think, even during 'normal everyday driving'. Modern Audis use exactly the same haldex controller so I don't see why the 'get an audi' comment is relevant :huh:
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: 08micsta on 21 May 2008, 13:58
Toph.

I didnt realise that the Audi's use the Haldex controller, I was under the impression they used permenant 4 wheel drive?

The point Im making though is that normal driving in traffic or just in town you really are not using the 4 wheel drive.

Mike
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: hotrod on 21 May 2008, 13:59

[/quote]


My perfect Golf would be a V6 with 4WD but with the nimbleness and feel of the GTI/Ed30 (Actually I haven't driven an Ed30 yet) - An impossible dream but I'm more than happy with my modded GTI.

I hope you do get used to and enjoy your Ed30 more, hotrod. If FWD issues bother you, I wouldn't performance mod it!! The trouble with the V6 is that it encourages you to press the loud pedal more often  :evil:
[/quote]


cheers Robin... hopefully with time and more miles under my belt. It didn’t help that yesterday the guy who bought my 4-Mo rang for a chat... he’s so loving my car :sad:
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: JamesT on 21 May 2008, 14:19
I think ive decided. I will keep the GTI for another year and think about it again. Once the GTI is paid off and i have an extra year of no-claims(fingers crossed) i will think about upgrading the GTI.

Are there any pictures of the Mk6 lurking around the internet? Anyone have any opinions on the Mk6?
Title: Re: GTI to R32! Help!
Post by: 08micsta on 21 May 2008, 14:24
Lots of pics doing the rounds. But I think the MK6 will lose a lot of money to the Scirocco  :kiss: