GTI to an R... worth it?

[Exonian]

I guess the main question is do you really want/need 4WD? The other main question is are you definitely going to mod it e.g stage 2? If the answer is yes then R is the answer (just look at the performance of Hurdy's R) if not keep your GTI or buy an ED35 (has same engine as the R so feels faster than a GTI due to K04) until the MK7 is out and there are mod options.

Having driven an R on an extended two day test drive over the weekend and comparing with the ED30 which I had at the time the R was the better car but was really only fractionally faster, therefore not worth the extra if keeping it std.

Thanks.
The GTI might be put to stage 2 at a later date if I can pick up the hardware cheaply but if I got an R it'd only be put to stage 1 I reckon, maybe I'd get carried away and go stage 2 but certainly not as far as changing intercoolers and fuel pumps at stage 2 +

[sundaydriver]

What I want to know is the feel of the car in long term use, does the bigger turbo blunt the low end response, does the 4WD system make the car feel heavier to drive etc.

For me low end it's a lot more laggy where the gti has a silky smooth power delivery and yes the 4wd system does make it feel more heavier than the gti BUT after 1300miles i'm starting to open it up more and it's a lot of fun.

The ride is harsher than the gti but it is lower than the gti and i'm running 19's also so it's not going to be as nice as a gti on 18's.

Like i've said before the gti is a great car, the R is a great car. Both have different good points and both have different bad points it depends what you want in the car. If you do a few miles be prepared for more trips to the petrol station though, i don't mind as it only comes out on sundays!

[Hurdy]

I guess the main question is do you really want/need 4WD? The other main question is are you definitely going to mod it e.g stage 2? If the answer is yes then R is the answer (just look at the performance of Hurdy's R) if not keep your GTI or buy an ED35 (has same engine as the R so feels faster than a GTI due to K04) until the MK7 is out and there are mod options.

Having driven an R on an extended two day test drive over the weekend and comparing with the ED30 which I had at the time the R was the better car but was really only fractionally faster, therefore not worth the extra if keeping it std.

The GTI might be put to stage 2 at a later date if I can pick up the hardware cheaply but if I got an R it'd only be put to stage 1 I reckon, maybe I'd get carried away and go stage 2 but certainly not as far as changing intercoolers and fuel pumps at stage 2 +

Stage 2+ doesn't require the Intercooler. Remember it already has an S3 Intercooler. Just the intake, exhaust and hpfp are all that are needed for 2+. 

So basically for under £300 you can go from stage 2 to 2+.
Thanks.

[MAW73]

I would go for the R Andy. As you use the Seat Ibiza as your daily the R's fuel costs aren't so much of an issue which would be my main gripe.

Also if you keep the R say 3-4 years the mk7 special edition models would likely be out by by then if they take your fancy.

I say if the 'man maths' stacks up, then go for it! 

 

[Raffe]

As the kids would say YOLO

[Ess_Three]

You'd need to drive an R to know.
In my short drive, they feel heavier and more reluctant to change direction - to be expected with 4WD.
No doubt that if your sense of 'fun' is going from A to B in all weathers as fast as possible, then an R will deliver...once you get used to how best to drive it...the problem I felt was that it didn't feel 'fun'.
It was very good...if anything, too good. To efficient...too well sorted, too easy...which meant the 'fun' came right at the edge of the grip envelope.

The last thing I want is something that pushes the speeds and limits even higher.

In my opinion, and it is purely an opinion, you have more fun at modest speeds in a GTI because it's not so good at putting the power down etc. You have to work at it, put some effort it...the R was uber quick and easy with minimum effort once you get used to the way to drive it to get the best from it (same as an S3/R32)

I think the final call will come down to how you want your fun delivered and what's important. 

[KennyGTI]

I guess the main question is do you really want/need 4WD? The other main question is are you definitely going to mod it e.g stage 2? If the answer is yes then R is the answer (just look at the performance of Hurdy's R) if not keep your GTI or buy an ED35 (has same engine as the R so feels faster than a GTI due to K04) until the MK7 is out and there are mod options.

Having driven an R on an extended two day test drive over the weekend and comparing with the ED30 which I had at the time the R was the better car but was really only fractionally faster, therefore not worth the extra if keeping it std.

The GTI might be put to stage 2 at a later date if I can pick up the hardware cheaply but if I got an R it'd only be put to stage 1 I reckon, maybe I'd get carried away and go stage 2 but certainly not as far as changing intercoolers and fuel pumps at stage 2 +

Stage 2+ doesn't require the Intercooler. Remember it already has an S3 Intercooler. Just the intake, exhaust and hpfp are all that are needed for 2+. 

So basically for under £300 you can go from stage 2 to 2+.
Thanks.

Are you sure it uses the same intercooler? I think it uses the same intercooler as the GTI

[MAW73]

The other consideration is do you wait for the mk7 gti? You say looking at the pictures so far your underwhelmed by it, but this is always the case when a newer model car comes out.

I can pretty much guarantee once it comes out and its been seen in the flesh a few times your all be angling for one

[labbetts]

I've just come from an 2010 X5 3.0d (surprisingly quick) to a Mk6 Gti (my 6th Gti). Looked at S3's, R's, etc etc but more power and more expense doesn't necessarily mean more fun, sometimes quite the opposite. For me, the Gti has pretty much all the power i need and seems far quicker than the figures suggest, in short it was great fun and had a spark that the S3 didn't. I liked the .:R but couldn't justify the extra expense, and In any case, I just like the whole GTi brand - has history to me.

The only other car i really toiled with was a 125i MSport, but the GTi was 10k less and easily as quick and as much fun. If i was spending £30k and craved more power, then i'd go for a total change of scenery and get a 135i MSport (minimal spec). I think those cars will be very sought after and have great residuals. iDrive is fantastic now too - puts the VW system to shame.

For now i'm having great fun in my Gti and it's costing me pretty much feck all to run.

[MAW73]

, and In any case, I just like the whole GTi brand - has history to me.

That's a great point and one thing that I will definitely miss with the BMW.