GTI vs R

[mjh_056]

I've always been of the opinion that I'd choose a GTI over the R, mainly because I've owned several pervious generation GTIs and I prefer the looks of the MK7 GTI over the R. I'm also not a 4-wheel-drive convert, preferring the agility of a front wheel drive set up.

However today I was lucky enough to drive a friends MK7 R and my word that car is fast, seriously fast. I've spent a decent amount of time in a non-PP GTI and in comparison the R absolutely monsters it. The steering weight in Race is lovely, reminds me of my old MK5 GTI, and the sound is awesome. There is no getting away from the fact it is slightly artificial, but nonetheless is makes a superb noise for a 4-pot.

I guess the only question for me would be whether it is in fact too fast...

The one thing do personally miss from my previous 2 cars is the 4WD in the wet as you just pull away and then had feeling of rock solid stability through the drive.

That is not to say the GTD/GTI does not handle brilliantly, as it does but I really do not enjoy the tramping that sometimes have to endure in wet even under quite normal accelleration to merge into traffic

If did not have to think of boring things like fuel consumption and could just pick a car I would have the R over the GTI. 90% of my driving and journeys would be no different experience wise due to roads and traffic condition but just knowing what is on tap and the 10% time get to use it would bring a constant feeling of smug satisfaction. 

[andrewparker]

I had similar practical considerations to make, and chose a GTD too. Having owned a GTI I was happy the GTD was 90% of that car in terms of driver enjoyment, but far more sensible as a "real world" daily driver in terms of running costs. Having driven an R (I had to order my car before they became available to test drive in the UK) I'm almost positive I would have forgot all about fuel consumption. I actual regret driving one today, because a spirited drive home in the GTD tonight revealed it to be 50% the car the R is.

[corgi]

Shock... Horror...

The GTI forum prefers the GTI and the R forum prefers the R 

[CraigW]

Shock... Horror...

The GTI forum prefers the GTI and the R forum prefers the R 

I'm sure there are some on here that would prefer to have the R, me included, but for some of the R community to come out and say the GTI is sh!t is a load of pish. 

[mjh_056]

Shock... Horror...

The GTI forum prefers the GTI and the R forum prefers the R 

I'm sure there are some on here that would prefer to have the R, me included, but for some of the R community to come out and say the GTI is sh!t is a load of pish. 

The car itself, be it GTD, GTI or R are near identical for 90-95% of the time particularly if you specify DCC in the R to soften the basic ride.

Look at BHP and then there is the difference, hardly rocket science, and then in R case add in the 4WD for instant pull away in wet and there is a little more difference. So for 5-10% of time each model has more performance over next one.

But this is at base the same car we talking about and under normal driving conditions none of us are going to have much difference in experience over another so there is no case in being able to run amother model down except in banter and jest.

And given the R has only small periods where you can let it loose over a GTI then there is good argument the GTI with better styling is a better proposition.

Asked my wife who is not that naive but not really in tune with any details as to what is the better car between the GTI and R and she said without hesitation the GTI and if it was a stupid question, because its sportier and the best Golf was her reasoning and thinking the R was a lesser model.

So on road imagtine perception is much same for the vast majority of road users. GTI is the marquee name.

That said swaying between GTI and R for next car in 2016 but in full knowledge they very close and mainly for the 4WD and small amount of time can go to race mode as does sound pretty immense

[Exonian]

Shock... Horror...

The GTI forum prefers the GTI and the R forum prefers the R 

I'm sure there are some on here that would prefer to have the R, me included, but for some of the R community to come out and say the GTI is sh!t is a load of pish. 

I'd have to agree, I'm not sure whether I'd actually prefer the R as a GTI or GTD with some very minor enhancements makes a very good case for itself as an all-rounder, but for those moments where the technology of the R comes into its own it's quite a special car - you can't argue with the figures.

But don't take to heart what some people say on internet forums, it's just wild opinions and perspective in many cases and there are always people in life who have a superiority complex(!!!)
I think for most of us, we can see the advantages and disadvantages of every model of Golf - even the small engined TDI's TSI's make a good case for themselves as brilliant bits of engineering and excellent road cars.

[dirvy]

Hoping edition 40 will trump both

[wigit]

drove a & GTI non PP manual in the aid of research against another manufacturers offering, my group had 2 megane RS owners and trust me the GTI & R clans need to stitch to together, these two owners didn't have a f*cking clue on what made a quick road car, power, torque and thought DCC and DSG was with craft let alone 4wd

the GTI was just a sublime car on the route, engine, suspension just made it a compliant car, the RS boys prefer a crashy ride and they think that is sporty

comparing the R with a remap was not fair as it just goes and goes, the R would not be what it is if it wasn't for the GTI, simples, Andrew Parker does some it up quite well, swift progress in the GTI was a joy, the R is the same just with the wick turned up

chatting with about 5-6 guys at Revo who have spent time in theirs it is fairly unanimous that we al thought the R would be a bit remote in feel, but all are surprised actually how good a car it is and then threw in DSG to the mix to get the best out of it

[wigit]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsMwbwspLKk

Welcome to my world 

[ffrank]

You may need to repaste as a normal link, but I copied the url to open youtube and...



Crazy fast, what bhp is the map then - or haven't they revealed this yet?