My GTI v R32 v Scirocco v The World??

[Wh|t3R@bb|t]

Nice open title to get you going....so here goes...

In the current climate with car prices taking a bit of a hit, dealers offering great prices to entice buyers and various petrol price drops...I've been thinking long and hard about my car and whether to change it?

I bought my 07 GTI DSG at the end of May, after part-ex'ing my MkI 3.2 TT DSG.  Although I enjoyed my TT it had a few niggles which put me off being able to really fall in love with the car.  The engine, handling and sound track being the few things I do miss about it.

However I jumped into my MkV and fell in love instantly.  I love the GTI mark, have wanted one since I was a boy and ever since watching the Top Gear with Clarkson loving this particular incarnation knew I would love to have one.  TT on the way out....shiny GTI here I come.  Haven't looked back and do genuinely believe its a brilliant car.  Practicality coupled with real world useable Performance and imho stunning looks. 

But...I do really like R32's (I did drive one before the GTI and it was fun...but was an awful example...been chavved up) and with the prices being what they are am very tempted to change up/down. Who has swapped from GTI to R32?  Key differences (fuel eco included)...Performance wise?

Also, before the GTI I did consider keeping the TT for longer to pre-order a Scirocco but having sat in one the other day it felt bland compared to my GTI so am glad I saved my money.  Has anyone swapped their GTI for a Scirocco (like for like if poss, i.e DSG for DSG etc)?  Are you glad you did?  Do you miss anything?

Do you think they will release a GTI version of the Scirocco, and if so when?

I am not longing to get rid of my GTI, I really love it and have fallen for the VW badge (my best mate being a master tech helps too).  But you know, the grass is always greener and with some money sitting in the bank burning a whole...what option is best?

[bobotheclown]

go for the R32. it's an ideal time to buy, ask ilyun. 

[illyun]

go for the R32. it's an ideal time to buy, ask ilyun. 

I considered a new Scirocco before getting the R32, but then thought there's no point as its got the old GTI engine in it, not practical and has a rear that IMHO is as ugly as the front is beautiful.  Its just a GTI in disguise and although its got mixed reviews when compared to the GTI, the only real advantage it has is the adjustable suspension.  If fuel costs are too important and you're prepared to pay an exhorbiant tax then go for the R32 - you won't regret it - lets face it, you'ill end up paying extra through another insidious tax if Labour don't get their hands on your money through car tax.

[R32UK]

GET THE R32!!!

I also secretly heard somewhere that if you pay the £400 tax then there is a special law that allows you to drive a little faster and get special treatment at busy junctions. And because your a fully paid up member of the green gang they will line the streets with non gm rose petals. Just a rumour... but I thnk its true

[Wh|t3R@bb|t]

Thanks illyun and R32uk....similar train of thought to me.

I had a 3.2 TT (not sure how the engines compare directly) but as I do a lot of motorway was getting a higher MPG than I do on my GTI to be honest.  I would average 33mpg on a longer trip, but often struggle to hit 30/31 on the GTI.  As for town driving...well hey....never gonna break any records for economy.  I get between 18-25 in the GTI which again is very comparable to my TT.

Performance wise (having never driven an R32 as spiritedly as my GTI) whats the main differences you notice?  What about upgrade options such as Revo or APR for the R32?  do people update the Haldex controller like the TT's or is it fundamentally different?

I do really like the Scirocco's (Candy White with all the extras) but I know its "different".  I like the fact that the GTi's and R32's stand out in a golf crowded world and look fab but if I get a scirocco, its not "special".  If they did a GTI Scirocco, I'd buy one tomorrow.  (Is this me being weird and liking the sportier marks too much??)

[illyun]

Thanks illyun and R32uk....similar train of thought to me.

I had a 3.2 TT (not sure how the engines compare directly) but as I do a lot of motorway was getting a higher MPG than I do on my GTI to be honest.  I would average 33mpg on a longer trip, but often struggle to hit 30/31 on the GTI.  As for town driving...well hey....never gonna break any records for economy.  I get between 18-25 in the GTI which again is very comparable to my TT.

Performance wise (having never driven an R32 as spiritedly as my GTI) whats the main differences you notice?  What about upgrade options such as Revo or APR for the R32?  do people update the Haldex controller like the TT's or is it fundamentally different?

I do really like the Scirocco's (Candy White with all the extras) but I know its "different".  I like the fact that the GTi's and R32's stand out in a golf crowded world and look fab but if I get a scirocco, its not "special".  If they did a GTI Scirocco, I'd buy one tomorrow.  (Is this me being weird and liking the sportier marks too much??)

Yes, I can't tell the difference between the non GT Scirocco and the GT one... your GTI seems to be recording a very low mpg for town driving though, unless you're standing still for long periods...

[R32UK]

Thanks illyun and R32uk....similar train of thought to me.

I had a 3.2 TT (not sure how the engines compare directly) but as I do a lot of motorway was getting a higher MPG than I do on my GTI to be honest.  I would average 33mpg on a longer trip, but often struggle to hit 30/31 on the GTI.  As for town driving...well hey....never gonna break any records for economy.  I get between 18-25 in the GTI which again is very comparable to my TT.

Performance wise (having never driven an R32 as spiritedly as my GTI) whats the main differences you notice?  What about upgrade options such as Revo or APR for the R32?  do people update the Haldex controller like the TT's or is it fundamentally different?

I do really like the Scirocco's (Candy White with all the extras) but I know its "different".  I like the fact that the GTi's and R32's stand out in a golf crowded world and look fab but if I get a scirocco, its not "special".  If they did a GTI Scirocco, I'd buy one tomorrow.  (Is this me being weird and liking the sportier marks too much??)

The main diffenrence between the Gti and the R32 I would say is the handling. The R32 being heavier has a much more planted feel, meaning you can hit silly speeds without realising. No big turbo boost just smooth linear power all the way to the red line (oh and a nice exhaust note to match). no wheel spin, and great all weather performance. Im sure you have already done your research on the extras you get in the R32 over the GTi so wont bore you with those.

Many have gone for the Haldex race controller, but I havent (not yet anyway). So I would say its quite a common mod for those looking to improve on performance and handling.

There are re-maps available for the R32 from a number of tuners... which usually offer a 10-15bhp gain. Most tend to go for a miltek which offers about the same. I know Davefish posted a 265bhp from a stock R32... which was reduced after he had the miltek fitted???

As for the rocco... well I have seen a few in white and they do look  . But so do most new cars in gleaming white! The Gti and the R32 are classics despite their age and mk and will always be looked upon that way, and highly desirable

[JonnyG]

Who has swapped from GTI to R32?  Key differences (fuel eco included)...Performance wise?

I've just swapped a manual ED30 for a new DSG R32.  Only covered 300 miles in the R (and in freezing conditions) so a little early for a true comparison.  Nevertheless the most obvious differences are the four wheel drive and the engine (no real surprises there).  In the ED30 I was always conscious of the traction limits of FWD in 1st and 2nd gear, but in 3rd gear I used to love the punch and surge of acceleration the turbo gave. 

The R32 with DSG is completely different...it feels like it catapults away from a standstill or when exiting roudabouts compared to the Ed30...no drama,  no wheelspin and the DSG is particularly smooth on the R32.  At speed it feels less punchy than the Gti, but delivers it's torque right across the rev range...so it may be quicker than it actually feels.   On a long uphill straight on a dual carriageway the ED30 feels slightly quicker to me at the moment (once past 2nd gear!) although the R is'nt run in at all yet. 

The engines are like chalk and cheese and I'm sure you know the diffrences.  My ED30 did give a nice raspy sound though, particularly on Tesco 99 petrol     

Handling wise I agree with R32UK,  the GTi feels lighter and more "chuckable" around corners, the R32 feels heavier and more planted, but I hav'nt really explored the limits of the R yet   

Fuel consumption so far ... well on a comparable trip, with quite a lot of A1 driving (with peak hour queues and delays both ways), my Ed30 did 29.6mpg going down and the R32 did 26.4mpg coming back.  I'm expecting around 3-4 mpg less with the R32. 

Personally I love both cars and would be happy with either...the only reason I changed to the R32 was the current price reduction and the fact that I've driven MkV Gti's for nearly three years ... just wanted a change to AWD and a different soundtrack,  but stick with the Mk V     

[synnea]

The R32 it feels like it catapults away from a standstill or when exiting roudabouts compared to the Ed30...no drama,  no wheelspin and the DSG is particularly smooth on the R32.  At speed it feels less punchy than the Gti, but delivers it's torque right across the rev range...so it may be quicker than it actually feels. 

That statement you made there sums up a lot for me. I still have my GTI at the moment and am deciding whether or not the wife should get it  or else sell it and just keep the R32 rather than both. My GTI (remapped) can feel quicker when accelerating from higher speeds but its not in reality. At the moment the R32 grip is immence given the state of the roads at this time of year. Traction wise in 1st and 2nd gear there is no comparision. I fully agree that the GTI is indeed more 'chuckable' and on a dry day is more fun to drive.

I love both cars though which is why I am struggling to put my GTI up for sale 

oh, I saw the R32 v BMW 130i Top Gear on Dave the other day, cant get enough of watching that!

[R32UK]

I think the chuckable statement pretty much sums it up. I quite regularily drive my mates GTTDi and even that feels quicker than the R one off the mark. I just put it down to punch of the turbo... only problem is it doesnt last long and requires a quick fire gear change to stay in the "zone".

For those of you with a manual R32 you will soon realise how easy it is to plod along in 6th.... even taking round abouts without changing down. Try not to make a habit of it though