edition 30 vs R32

[Hurdy]

tbh i drove the ed30 for about 500 metres and instantly took a dislike to it compared to r32, it just doesn't have the same feeling of sheer power

maybe it does higher up the revs but i want it all the way through that's all i'm saying

and those seats 

and the gear stick 

everything else is great and the alloys are 

The seats and gearknob are aquired tastes, but they go with the ethos and heritage of the cars lineage and for me that is one of the key elements that makes it more special than the R32.

[TagnuT]

I prefer the DSG selector than the gear stick design.

[Peskarik]

Sheer power of R32?  20hp more and 200 kg heavier. It's just 4x4 that makes the difference, nothing else. 

Seats are fabulous! ESPECIALLY in CLASSIC GTI color.
Gear stick is fabulous! Golfball is CLASSIC GTI form of the stick.

Golfgirl 

[DannyBoyR32]

Sheer power of R32?  20hp more and 200 kg heavier. It's just 4x4 that makes the difference, nothing else. 

Seats are fabulous! ESPECIALLY in CLASSIC GTI color.
Gear stick is fabulous! Golfball is CLASSIC GTI form of the stick.

Golfgirl 

i disagree
the pulling power is a lot weaker in feel than 20bhp when you drive it
if it was a v6 then i would agree it's 20bhp different
it's a lot more hollow
i tell you what, i'll do a long test drive in it and i'll come back to you 

[gazbutmk5gti]

I had a bit of fun with an R32 the other night, it was wet and from the lights I couldn't live with him, I just couldn't get the power down no matter what I tried, but once up and running and up onto the motorway I could catch him no problem but we got held up by other traffic, I even stayed on the motorway for 2 extra junctions to try a get a free run. It would be interesting in the dry!

[Peskarik]

Sheer power of R32?  20hp more and 200 kg heavier. It's just 4x4 that makes the difference, nothing else. 

Seats are fabulous! ESPECIALLY in CLASSIC GTI color.
Gear stick is fabulous! Golfball is CLASSIC GTI form of the stick.

Golfgirl 

i disagree
the pulling power is a lot weaker in feel than 20bhp when you drive it
if it was a v6 then i would agree it's 20bhp different
it's a lot more hollow
i tell you what, i'll do a long test drive in it and i'll come back to you 

whaaat? 20hp and 20Nm more do you get from your V6 than I get from my TFSI. And you are heavier 200kg. The "SHEER power" difference is not so sheer.  On the go you will not get away from E30, dude. It's basic math, however you look at it. It has nothing to do with V6 or 4cyl, it's all about ps and Nm. 
yeah, I've already done my drive today. Got looks from passers-by and drivers-by. Two families with kinderwagens walking together stopped to look at me pass by, and showed their acknowledgment with their hands. 

[R32UK]

Seeing as we are comparing the ED30 to the R32 does anyone have anything constuctive to say about the two cars without talking about the straightline speed?? Surely if thats all that concerns people then your probbly more suited to the VXR's and MAzda Sports of the world.

My main point would be the ability of the R32 to just pull so well through the entire rev range... amazing the amount of speed your car can quickly reach without going over 3.5k revs.

[maxamus]

well as most of the forum members are ED30 owners it isnt hard to see why they tend to put that ahead of the R32.
The R32 in my opinion is the better car and the best of the VW Golf range. As always this is my personal opinion.

Yes i know most would agree that the front isnt the best but it doesnt look that bad in the flesh. R32's look really nice in the flesh!

Straight line speeds dont mean sh1t. If you want straight line speeds than get a VXR or an S3. The R32 interms of the full package, is better than the GTI and the ED30. And if i had money to burn i would choose the R32 all day long. Why you ask? Well, because VW engineers should have made the GTI and the ED30 rear wheel drive which they didnt and thats its flaw!

[TagnuT]

I like the sound of the V6.
But the R32 is front wheel drive for, what, 90% of the time. As it only transfers to 4 wheels when the front looses grip.
They are two different models you makes your choice and pays your money. 

[Peskarik]

My New Year resolution: I will never ever again get drawn into any kind of car comparison topics, which are the most meaningless waste of time.