Golf R... Why buy a Golf GTI?

[Raffe]

Previously owned a MK6 GTi, wanted a Golf with DSG & 4wd as the car will be modified and FWD/Manual just doesn't cut it as I found out with the MK6 once it was running Revo Stage 2.

Very pleased at nearly 3 months ownership and no regrets not getting another Gti

[The ANT]

Even in the winter, after driving, your tyres will normally feel warm to touch. The softer compound used in winter tyres is there to improve grip due to the roads generally beeg slippery when it s cooler due to water or snow/ice not because of the temperature itself, normally.

[Daz Auto]

Even in the winter, after driving, your tyres will normally feel warm to touch. The softer compound used in winter tyres is there to improve grip due to the roads generally beeg slippery when it s cooler due to water or snow/ice not because of the temperature itself, normally.

I'm not sure what you are trying to say there.

According to everything I have read - winter tyres will perform better below 7C than summer tyres. They are even supposed to wear better below that temperature.

Below 3C there is a significant improvement in stopping distances with winter tyres. Below 3C the compound in summer tyres will not warm up enough to provide the grip that is usually available.

Then there is the advantage provided by all the extra sipes which allow the tyre to grip the road surface much better at lower temperatures.

There are plenty of articles on the internet on the subject.

[monkeyhanger]

I don't think we've had enough cold weather over the last few winters for me to justify the outlay of Winter tyres - there were just 16 days last winter where the temp dipped below 5C for me in the North East.

I did change my tyres from Bridgestone RE050A to Michelin PSS after my R's back end went a little doing 20mph around a medium sized roundabout at 9C dampened only with the morning dew.

If you care at all about grip and have Bridgestones, you need to get those swapped out - whether you have 4wd or 2wd. sh!te tyres won't be saved by 4wd, although it will stop you tramping.

[mjh_056]

What do the MY17 performance Golfs get trodden with? surely not the Bridgestone still?

I would have no choice but to stay with the tyres it comes with, so if still Bridgestone then pretty glad got the R as would hate to have t live with them again on a GTI/GTD till first change over, the tramping definitely tainted the experience until better tyres softened the impact if not removed issue entirely.

[matchboy]

Getting out of your icy road is purely a matter of traction. AWD is naturally better at that and it'd take a fool to disagree. But my post was about grip/handling/hard cornering and that AWD, contrary to what some still believe today, is not helping any of those more than FWD. So I don't see how your traction related experience qualifies as a reply to grip/handling debates like the one you quoted in your initial reply. Hope it's clearer now.

The rainy conditions AWD drive needs further clarification. Yes you'll accelerate quicker/smoother if you are somewhat hard on the throttle but you won't brake or corner faster than your tyres allow. The later is a common (and dangerous) feeling several AWD drivers have, especially when driving lower than the car's grip limits, not realizing it is just this fact that keeps them on the road and not the 2 additional driven wheels.

By the way, the difference winter tyres make is indeed huge. If you ever get the chance to try a car with them on you'll see what everyone is about.

Fair enough, I probably didn't read your post correctly    I was only referring to my own experience of different cars getting out of my own road.

I certainly think driving style has a lot to do with it - every winter I see t0ssers hacking round cause they're in an AWD car thinking they're safe, and you're correct to say they're not when driving at speeds when its icy.

[matchboy]

Slightly off topic but Matchboy, why the change from Cayman to TTS ?

Various reasons really.  Cayman S is the best car I've ever had & driven, its brill and the sound is out of this world.  But...I've found myself only driving it to and from work, as at the weekend with only 2 seats its not practical.  Additionally, its a challenge to drive in the wet (you just can't use the power how you'd like) and also its very expensive to run (2 rear tyres were £600 odd and the service was £600+) with 23-24 mpg average.  Finally, and this is a game changer for me - the interior is just a mess...sat nav is awful, and the whole infotainment system is very dated - the VW one is a million miles better for eg.  And as you spend all your time in the cockpit, I like my creature comforts and ease of use!  It's a brilliant drivers car - but as a daily drive, after a year, certain things start to grate.

I will miss it I'm sure, but I've had a cracking year with it and the weather has been kind so had a lot of fun.  I'm glad I got it, has been a amazing car and I've had an awesome time in it, but with winter just around the corner I fancied something a little safer to drive (I'm no racing driver at the end of the day), with 2 rear (albeit small!) seats and slightly better economy.  And something with a better infotainment - so can't wait to have a go with the Audi virtual cockpit!

Also, its quicker than the Porsche 

Edit: I actually was going to go back to an R as its so good at everything, and you just can't beat a VW - but I got offered this TTS and its the same platform as the R, so I'm expecting big things!

[scanesare]

What do the MY17 performance Golfs get trodden with? surely not the Bridgestone still?

I would have no choice but to stay with the tyres it comes with, so if still Bridgestone then pretty glad got the R as would hate to have t live with them again on a GTI/GTD till first change over, the tramping definitely tainted the experience until better tyres softened the impact if not removed issue entirely.

That's one of the best reasons (although not making sense economically  ) to go with the R:  The bloody Bridgestones even the Clubsports come with.  MPSS soon to be on order with just 500km on the Bridgestones but I don't care, they don't allow the car's great handling abilities to be fully enjoyed.

[CraigW]

Slightly off topic but Matchboy, why the change from Cayman to TTS ?

Various reasons really.  Cayman S is the best car I've ever had & driven, its brill and the sound is out of this world.  But...I've found myself only driving it to and from work, as at the weekend with only 2 seats its not practical.  Additionally, its a challenge to drive in the wet (you just can't use the power how you'd like) and also its very expensive to run (2 rear tyres were £600 odd and the service was £600+) with 23-24 mpg average.  Finally, and this is a game changer for me - the interior is just a mess...sat nav is awful, and the whole infotainment system is very dated - the VW one is a million miles better for eg.  And as you spend all your time in the cockpit, I like my creature comforts and ease of use!  It's a brilliant drivers car - but as a daily drive, after a year, certain things start to grate.

I will miss it I'm sure, but I've had a cracking year with it and the weather has been kind so had a lot of fun.  I'm glad I got it, has been a amazing car and I've had an awesome time in it, but with winter just around the corner I fancied something a little safer to drive (I'm no racing driver at the end of the day), with 2 rear (albeit small!) seats and slightly better economy.  And something with a better infotainment - so can't wait to have a go with the Audi virtual cockpit!

Also, its quicker than the Porsche 

Edit: I actually was going to go back to an R as its so good at everything, and you just can't beat a VW - but I got offered this TTS and its the same platform as the R, so I'm expecting big things!

I must have missed this Mark. Have you ordered a new TTS?

[matchboy]

I must have missed this Mark. Have you ordered a new TTS?

I have mate!  Well, I've piggy backed on a car they already have in their system (saved me a wait!) - it's just about to go on the boat, so should have it in 2-3 weeks 

Have to say, can't wait to get it!

Managed to get 13% discount too...you've got to be tempted surely?!