Is an R a upgrade to the GTi ?

[Steve30]

I think its going to be big changes, physically it make look similar but I think everything else will be big changes.

Also the used prices of the MK6 are going to drop like a stone.


Jim

What are the changes Jim ?

[The Danno]

Its a long wait. You wont have one until at least spring 2014!!

[wyliecoyote]

Think the most significant change must be the price. With the BMW M135i and A Class AMG mooted to be starting at £29k ish I don't think VW will be able to price the mk7 R north of £30k as the others will be more powerful at around 330-335bhp.

p.s. I own a mk6 R, so was one of the crazy ones.

[Radek]

Short answer - it is un upgrade.
The chassis tune is better and it feels better. The extra weight over GTI (150kg) is not a problem really. 18" vs 19" tyres make a huge difference for steering feel though.
And it is absolutely true it feels so much more stable than GTI above 120

4WD is more of a safety option on the road.  On the track day it behaves the same way as FWD but it makes the corner exit phase easier. It's not great fun as but I'm of the opinion only RWD really is.

I wouldn't go back to GTI.

As for the price - well, UK is not the main market. Germany is and the demand is high there so the price is aimed at that market. UK price will be just a simple exchange rate conversion plus some local taxes.
Mk7 GTI will not be here until 2014. S3 will be earlier so we should be able to see what's on the offer. New A3 (build using the new modular technology) is getting good reviews. True LSD will be worth more than 30bhp. I'm sure it will be more than £30k.

[JonnyG]

I reckon the R is a completely different car to drive than the GTi, so not really an upgrade IMHO

The GTi is lighter, more nimble, chuckable and probably more suited to slow tight bends on a track.

The R feels heavier but with a much more planted feel, and very rarely is traction a problem ... it will just catapult out of bends, even with steering lock on (compared to a GTi which would be scrabbling for grip).

Horses for courses and all that ... to own everyday on the road in all weather I much prefer the R ... but just to thrash around a track, I'm not so sure an R is worth the extra money.

Recorded track times do show the R is far faster than the R32, and faster than a GTi & ED35 too 

http://www.fastestlaps.com/cars/vw_golf_r.html

http://www.fastestlaps.com/cars/vw_golf_gti_mk_vi.html

http://www.fastestlaps.com/cars/vw_golf_gti_edition_35.html

[Steve30]

Great post Mr G above thanks ^^^^

[Edi35]

I reckon the R is a completely different car to drive than the GTi, so not really an upgrade IMHO

The GTi is lighter, more nimble, chuckable and probably more suited to slow tight bends on a track.

The R feels heavier but with a much more planted feel, and very rarely is traction a problem ... it will just catapult out of bends, even with steering lock on (compared to a GTi which would be scrabbling for grip).

Horses for courses and all that ... to own everyday on the road in all weather I much prefer the R ... but just to thrash around a track, I'm not so sure an R is worth the extra money.

Recorded track times do show the R is far faster than the R32, and faster than a GTi & ED35 too 

http://www.fastestlaps.com/cars/vw_golf_r.html

http://www.fastestlaps.com/cars/vw_golf_gti_mk_vi.html

http://www.fastestlaps.com/cars/vw_golf_gti_edition_35.html

I am with you on that, I have had 3 Aldi quattro's (UR and then a couple of V6 A4's) a few years ago and as you say very planted, incredible traction out or corners and roundabouts which is great for road driving especially when wet. The only problem with them (A4s only) was that you just had no sensation of speed so unless you were going for it they were ultimately a bit dull and needed way more power.

[Will@carbon]

I had an r32 manuel for nearly 3years which is. Lot for me and absolutely loved it. The 4x4 was fantastic made it a much more serous tool but was still great fun. It feel like a rear drive times.

Everybody told me the gti was a better all rounder but I never really got on with it and I think part of it was the lack of 4x4. (Mostly the noise though)

My point is don't be put off by the 4x4 its epic, just turn off all ESP/tc and you'll have great fun steering with the throttle and drifting with out dying.

Good luck.

[PenguinGTI]

Everybody told me the gti was a better all rounder but I never really got on with it

I'm taking from this that you've since parted ways with your GTI? What did you go for as a replacement?

[KennyGTI]

What about the APR Stage III package!  Shhhaaaaaawing!