My humble opinion - stated on various other posts at length - is that:
1. The GTI handles better and is more nimble than the R32, but only by a small amount.
2. The GTI has a better history and iconic status than the R32 so long term the Ed30 may well hold its value better than an R32.
3. You can easily and cheaply tune the GTI - not so the R32
Which car do I prefer?
Hands down the R32
1. The sound alone makes it worth buying.
2. It may not be photogenic, but in the flesh it is awesome and has presence - esp the Deep Blue Pearlescent one
3. The V6 engine does not at all feel strained at any point unlike the 2.0 TFSI
4. It feels special when you drive it compared to the GTI
5. Its 4WD so who cares about ice or rain
So why didn't I keep my R32? Simply for reasons 2 and 3 above (from the first set of points) - oh and the fuel economy
which isn't too bad for a 3.2 engine but with petrol prices at an all time high and tax rising to £400 it just did not make sense for me
However, I intend on buying a second hand one in the next 12 months - while keeping the Ed30 in the garage - and driving it for 6-12 months just to hear that V6 growl for one last time