Would the R be better or worse with the VAG 5 cyl turbo?

[drisser]

I knew my previous post on back to back GTi v R test drives would split opinion... However it did get me thinking one of the common gripes is the differentiation between the top model and the rest of the range, albeit everyone knows the R is a great drive.

Given they have access to the brilliant 5 cyl turbo from the TT RS in the group, I think that would make the R a more special car.  Of course we all know the reasons for sticking the uprated 4 cyl but when you compare the likes of the TT RS v S, Bmw m 135 v rest of the range, the biggest difference is the powerplant is much more sophisticated, not simply turned up version of the boggo engine.

When looking at a GTi v R decision I was thinking a 5 cyl, slightly derated 300 BHP engine would give the R more point of difference.  Like in the mark 5 golf you can choose the bigger engine v the GTi.  Yes emissions rules have killed a lot of the fun but the 5 cyl engine will live on.  No doubt VW wanted the base model to come in under £30k and all you ever get now are 4 cyl turbo hatches, but I would certainly pay a bit more for a more charismatic engine..  One thing for sure, you don't need artificial sound with a 5 cyl engine.

I def think it would create more difference between gti and R, andi would have liked to have seen a few more bespoke items like brembo brakes and a couple of interior tweaks..

[ajmoir36]

Will the 3.0 V6 Supercharged not fit from the Audi S4? Grrr..

[phope]

The 5 cylinder is a truly great engine with a lovely sound (and I miss my TTRS hugely), but even though it is distantly related to the old 2.5 litre 5 cylinder VW engine that powered last generation US market Jetta and Golf, there's no chance at all that Audi/Quattro GmbH would allow it to be used in anything other than a RS Audi, even in detuned form - it's a USP for the RS models of RS3, TTRS and RSQ3

[carl1]

Better for me, it would give it a bit of character. It sounds embarrassing when you rev it and look at the 4 exhausts, me and my mate was laughing at his R when we got out of it and listened to it, sounded good inside with the windows up.

[am1w]

The 4cyl engine is lighter than the 5cyl. With the latter the car will be more nose heavy a typical Audi trait. The 4cyl can be tuned to over 400bhp which is more than sufficient. I would rather have a much better handling car with a lighter engine in front than have a car which produces a slightly nicer noise with a heavier engine which would diminish the handling.

Therefore, 2 litre 4cyl Turbo for me all the way tuned to within an inch of its life!

[dubber36]

As if you're going to have yours tuned to 400+bhp Asker. 

[am1w]

As if you're going to have yours tuned to 400+bhp Asker. 

No, not me. Keep it stock. Good enough for me. 

[Poached]

5 cylinder all the way, would add some character to the engine but both L5 and V6 would add nose weight to the car.

[wigit]

i'd be happy for the 5 cylinder to be in a three door RS3 let alone a Golf R.

[Booth11]

^^

Yep, another vote for 5cyl.