GTI verus R32

[Omega]

The GTi is the better all rounder imo. The R32 is for the one's that always think biggest is best. A nice car in it's own right - but quite pointless when you consider what the GTi can give you.  When the R32 was released -  i can hardly remember a time it was involved in a 'head to head' or 'group test' in car magazines.

Most 'heads to heads' are comparative though i.e. hot hatch shoot out. The R32 is not a hot hatch, its a GT car, not made for the same purpose as a GTI, Leon cupra, CTR, ST etc etc.
Also i wouldnt agree with the better all rounder as such, it depends what your needs are. If you like quick accelerating from standstill, grip in the wet, low down torque, N/A engine and a great noise then the R32 would be a better all rounder. If you want FWD, nimbleness and a Turbo then the GTI is the better all rounder 
 

[rsreid2000]

Thanks for all your suggestions. I am looking to buy a GTI/R32 in the next couple of months. It is going to be my main car doing approx 11,000 miles a year. Trying to find out as much as I can about the models to help me make up my mind. The petrol costs are not an issue if the R32 would suit my needs better. On looking at cars for sale the R32 is coming out at around the same price as a GTI so I was just wondering what are the main differences.

[Omega]

Thanks for all your suggestions. I am looking to buy a GTI/R32 in the next couple of months. It is going to be my main car doing approx 11,000 miles a year. Trying to find out as much as I can about the models to help me make up my mind. The petrol costs are not an issue if the R32 would suit my needs better. On looking at cars for sale the R32 is coming out at around the same price as a GTI so I was just wondering what are the main differences.

3.2 V6 N/A, Haldex (4wd), better brakes, xenons as standard, silver interior strips, the recaros are much more common in the R32 than the GTI, smaller boot (slightly) R32 only paint color (DBP)

GTI is lighter, more nimble and so more fun on a blast, better mpg (on average), fwd, 2.0 turbo, easier to find candy white ones, more about so cheaper, cheaper to service with no haldex

Its easier to find better specced R32's as no one seemed to spec the GTI up as it pushed them close to the R32 (xenons were an expensive option on the GTI for example)

They are very different so its shouldnt be a hard choice as its usually one or the other for most people

[Egbutt Wash]

Test them both.  You won't go wrong with either.

[qureshia]

Owned both (mk5s, DSG, done 10k plus miles in each, during both summer and winter)

R32 has far more traction, none of the silly wheel spinning from every set of lights/ junctions.
Feel much more solid overall, more prestigious
Piles on speed much, MUCH quicker than a GTI over 80 MPH

When I owned one road tax was about £300 a year more

Fuel consumption 30 versus 24 (about £600 more a year in today’s money)

GTI handles better and on most roads (in dry conditions) would be much more fun and faster.
 
In a R32 the first turn in on a fast corner can cause a bit of understeer however on slow corners a bit of welly can give you some overseer fun!

Very different cars, r32 mk5 last of the v6 golfs - I would swap my GTI for a R32 (like for like)

[apple_man77]

Probably a little biased as i own a mk5 r32 but to me it was a much better all rounder. The only thing that really tempted me towards the Gti ed30 was the tuning potential. Just over £5000 should see the R pushing 350 bhp which it will happily handle with the haldex system compared to the fwd ed30.

[nick30]

Probably a little biased as i own a mk5 r32 but to me it was a much better all rounder. The only thing that really tempted me towards the Gti ed30 was the tuning potential. Just over £5000 should see the R pushing 350 bhp which it will happily handle with the haldex system compared to the fwd ed30.

surely you can go turbo and 500bhp on a R for 5k?? 

[R32UK]

Only one winner here.... R32 all day long