GTi or R

[jv]

And BTW, the "got no idea" comment was directed at the forum contrarian McMaddy (pictured below):

[BobbyT]

I'm sure they do add something, I did loads of reading as I hated the throttle in my 2.0t CC with 6 speed DSG. It was terrible.

I was going to buy a box before I collected my R but held off. I've done 4k so far and I find the throttle night and day better than the CC. My R has the 7 speed which is also much better than the 6 I had before.

I did a fair amount of reading online and some 7 speed owners said the pedal box didn't add that much to the party. Now a few did so I guess some of that will be down to taste and what you're used to.

If I'd felt the throttle was the same as the CC's, I would of bought one in a flash! I'd love to try a 7 speed with the box but I'm not willing on spunking cash on something I may feel a little 'meh' about.

[Booth11]

I must have watched or read dozens of reviews of the GTI, GTI PP & R. I can't remember any of them saying that they needed a peddle box. I guess the reviewers must have had '..no idea'....

Even though, imo, the very accurately described “jumbo sponge in footwell”’ feel of the initial part of the throttle pedal travel is immediately apparent (in an R anyway), it’s really only when you’ve driven the car regularly and for any length of time, that’s it really manifests itself as an impediment to the enjoyment and function of the pedal,and that sponges first inch starts to becomes more and more irksome and takes away from the driving experience.  So unless it’s a long term review, it’s not surprising there’s no mention of this in the many reviews you read or watched. 

Maybe it’s not for everyone, but to me my R without a pedal box is a much poorer car.

[Booth11]

And to answer the OP’s original question......

R.

 

[Ryan90GTI]

I was in the same boat as you. I originally wanted a Golf R in manual but ended up with a DSG GTi. Like you said the GTi felt much more nimble and fun. You can always get a remap if you feel it's underpowered.

Either that or buy a Clubsport

[mcmaddy]

Is the purchase of pedal boxes mainly from dsg owners?? Could it be the throttle pedal is set up differently for dsg gearboxes?

[Ikura]

The point of my original post hasn't been wasted at all. I'll just say that things at home have changed somewhat and although we have signed up for a 24 month lease on a GTD, I am still looking at buying either a GTi or R, because I will need my own car.

I have still been reading the thread but have had other things to deal with but hope to contribute a bit more.

[trueblue_ips]

Surely depends entirely what you want from a car?
Just seen a head to head review from Harry's Garage and the GTI came out on top as the best all rounder.
If you want the greatest performance possible from a Golf then it's the R.
But for me, the GTI has far more style, is more practical and usable day-to-day, is more fun to drive on twisty roads and has enough performance in nearly all circumstances.
The GTI has been honed over 40 years to be the car it is.
I'm looking to test drive both but the GTI hits the sweet spot for me.

[king monkey]

Having driven both cars and currently owning an S3, I think that the gti makes more sense on a day to day basis. It seems more fun but maybe that depends on how much you buy into the gti heritage?

Fuel costs between an gti and S3 (understand it’s not an R) have been negligible.

[trueblue_ips]

Having driven both cars and currently owning an S3, I think that the gti makes more sense on a day to day basis. It seems more fun but maybe that depends on how much you buy into the gti heritage?

Fuel costs between an gti and S3 (understand it’s not an R) have been negligible.

Illustration of what different drivers are looking for (with the caveat all GTI drivers are different and not like me).
An R owner told me "Whatever, you must get the DCC." Me: "Why?" R Owner: "It makes the suspension so much stiffer on Sport mode". Me: "I'll rarely drive it in Sport mode. I'm thinking about getting the DCC because it makes the suspension softer and more luxurious in Comfort mode."
Then, R owner told me "The R sounds so much better than the GTI". Me: "Is it more refined then and quieter in the caabin? "R owner: "No, it's louder, check out those pops and crackles and overruns." 
R owner: "Great when you track it".
Me: "When I track it? WTF? I just want an affordable, relatively refined and comfortable car that isn't slow and I can have a bit of fun in."
As I say. For me, it depends entirely on your driving style and what you're looking for.