Golf gti performance vs Golf gti TCR

[carbonevo]

Hey guys,
apologies if this has been discussed here before, I could not find any results on a direct comparison between these two GTI models, therefore creating a new thread.

Not even a year back I got myself a golf gti performance for a brilliant deal in my country. However, ever since the TCR's price went down, I am finding myself speculating on whether I should sell my car and get the TCR. I hate the new MK8 GTI's look and not interested in owning it, which only fuels my speculation on getting the mk7 TCR.

I would love some inputs from those who owned both cars or had an opportunity to drive them both. In general what I am interested in; 

1-How's the power? On paper the 45hp might not seem like much, but reviews clearly state that the TCR is even faster than an R. In daily driving conditions is the TCR - much more powerful than the PP?

2-Does it really look much better than the PP? On videos it looks stunning, imho the best looking hot hatch after the AMG45s, I know that's subjective but the TCR's look is the main reason why I want to switch. In my country I would simply not find one for a test drive unless imported or directly ordered...

3-Does it feel much more sporty or different driving than the PP? In terms of steering, chasy, limited slip differential behavior? Daily driving dynamic, track does not interest me as I would not take my car there.

4-Would the switch be worth it?

Thanks in advance for any inputs/opinions.

Cheers!

[jv]

Look out for legendary wordsmith Exonian's posts

[Ryan90GTI]

Look out for legendary wordsmith Exonian's posts

Legendary wordsmith sums him up perfectly.

[fredgroves]

1. Yes its more powerful, 45 extra horses you will feel for sure.

2. Look better than a PP - absolutely. Its definitely the best looking Mk7 Golf made.

3. Probably not much in it. It is loaded with all of the late Mk7.5 toys though.

4. I'd say if you have a Mk7.5 PP.... probably not. No idea where you live, but the TCR is an expensive Golf - because of all of the bits on it. The exhaust in particular really bumps the price up - it wasn't included to start with, but all of the later to end TCR's had it as "standard" - but it wasn't free!! Which makes it a just under 40,000 GBP car, possibly more if you option even more things. Given that a GTI PP was probably 7000 cheaper, that's a lot more and basically for all of the options optioned. Great if you want them but...

You've still got a long time before you can see a Mk8 GTI in the flesh - something I read suggested not even being able to order a UK one until November 2020!

[Hertsman]

I came from a MK 7 R so there was lots to compel me to make the change - the MK 7.5 lifts, plus the add on for the TCR as well as the different feel in the drive from being 100 KG lighter but the retaining of the R pace with the 290 BHP - The styling, Akrapovic and the relative exclusivity are nice to have must admit

But, imagine the MK 7.5 GTI PP is not overly different from the TCR in terms of ride and more so in terms of cabin and so is that extra bit of pace and additional trim worth the extra ££? - Will caveat that comment as it as always depends on the deal you can strike for changeover?

I think I would personally have stuck with a MK 7.5 GTI PP if that was my present ride as I think even with some decent haggling it would be a few thousand ££ to make the change for not too much of a change in experience.

If was in a MK 7 GTI PP, then its likely that be looking to change anyway and not forcing one, and so with the MK 7.5 lifts in the TCR it would be far more justifiable.

[king monkey]

I saw my first TCR on the road today. It looked decidedly different to PP even at a distance. Very smart indeed. If I had a gti PP would I change? As others say, it depends on the deal.

[Toeman]

The 7.5 gti pp IMO is just as good looking   I know it doesn’t have the extra horses or the exhaust system upgrade but on daily driving it’s more than enough   If you have few extra spec upgrades as well it still a lovely space to sit

[mcmaddy]

I'm going from a 7 pp to a TCR and probably only being able to do it because of the 0% finance and the deal I got. Have had one test drive and new straight away I wanted one.

[Watts]

I can't help exactly as I had a MK7 PP rather than a 7.5 as I assume the OP means but do have a few comments that might help. One thing is that the OP hasn't stated what spec their current car is which would be useful such as gearbox and DCC. These aspects might assist with point 4.

One of the things that bothered me with the PP was the flattening of power when the IS20 turbo ran out of puff. In fairness it wasn't often given where I live not allowing for much in the way of spirited driving but it was a bit annoying. So far the TCR has been great in that respect although again, the opportunities to find out have been few and far between Just something to consider.

Looks wise, I think all the MK7/7.5 performance models look great but there is something a little special about the TCR. Even my OH who wouldn't normally make much comment said it had real presence. The Reifnitz wheels do look great and unless it is my imagination, seem to fill the arches better, possibly the extra little bit of lowering helps plus being a bit wider with 235 tyres. I also find the seat materials a nice upgrade with alcantara on the door cards too, the design on the seats is smart too and the steering wheel feels better with the perforated leather.

I'm very happy I changed however the cost to change is a personal choice which the OP can only answer.

[jf111]

This may or may not be helpful as I've not owned a GTI PP but have test driven several. From my limited experience of both cars the TCR rides a bit harder but it's very subtle. In comfort mode it's still great.

I picked my TCR up on 1st March and haven't regretted it for a moment. I'll post up more details when I can get a few pictures and have driven it a bit more.

I'm still running it in so haven't explored the performance fully but coming from a Fiesta ST - it's f**ing fast, even at half throttle!

The car is really lovely to look at - it really stands out with all the little details like the rear diffuser, side skirts, spoiler, akra exhaust, etc. Inside it's not that much different to a normal GTI but there are a few nice touches as mentioned by others. Mine is pure grey with the 18" wheels (i.e. not reifnitz or pretoria), which are way nicer in real life than in pics but I still might change them. I do not like the stickers on the side - they're coming off ASAP.

Overall I'm really happy, if a little skint!