Golf GTi VS Golf R32

[NicFromLA]

how do you mean special? is it one of those undefinable things?
it felt less focused to me, is all.

GTi felt like a Golf (Rabbit) with an upgraded suspension and a peppy engine (CERTAINLY not a bad thing). The R32 with it's AWD, ungraded breaks, powerful engine and DSG transmission felt unlike anything else I've ever driven.

To be fair I only gave the GTi a spirited jolt around LA, while I got the chance to drive the R32 like hell around Northern Italy.

[Ferrer]

best sounding V6 in recent memory, for sure.

There's also the glorious Alfa Romeo V6.

GTi felt like a Golf (Rabbit) with an upgraded suspension and a peppy engine (CERTAINLY not a bad thing). The R32 with it's AWD, ungraded breaks, powerful engine and DSG transmission felt unlike anything else I've ever driven.

To be fair I only gave the GTi a spirited jolt around LA, while I got the chance to drive the R32 like hell around Northern Italy.

Then what you want is the country, not the car...

[Wouter Melissen]

To be fair I only gave the GTi a spirited jolt around LA, while I got the chance to drive the R32 like hell around Northern Italy.

I seem to remember that, chasing a blue V12 Ferrari along lake Como.

[m&m-bravo]

There's also the glorious Alfa Romeo V6.

I agree! ..best sounding V6 is probably one of the GTA models of Alfa!

back to topic:

I'm also not a big fan of Golf's, but if I have to choose between these to, I'd take the GTI. Even if it's just a FWD, but the AWD System of Volkswagen isn't the best either... (in handling) The GTI is lighter, especially at the front and of this reason it does less understeer. Yes, the R32 would have more power, but it loses also some through it's AWD.

[LeonOfTheDead]

What he said.

Except that the R32 has possibly one of the best sounding sixes ever.

Alfa's V6.
otherwise, agree.
I would take the GTI

[Soloracer]

As a current owner of the MKIV R32, and MK1V GTI previously I feel I might be able to make an opinion. The GTI was fun but lacked the throaty exhaust, the handling and the 15 inch front rotors. Also, I've taken the R32 up to 168 from stock, I'd like to see a GTI do that. The weight difference is really not that big or noticeable and in every way the R32 is superior except maybe gas mileage. One other thing should be understood though, the MKIV IS better than the MKV for enthusiasts purposes.

[Rasmus]

I agree, the mk.IV R32 was far superior to anything else in the mk.IV lineup. That said, in my book before the mk.V GTI came around the last real Golf GTI was the (pre-cat) mk.II 16v GTI. Me choosing the mk.V GTI over the mk.V R32 is mainly a reflection of this.

Of course, this is just my opinion but the mk.III's were a bit flabby around the mid section, and the mk.IV's never quite did it for me - although I did come close to buying a 330'ish fwhp mk.IV GTI 1.8T once.

Congratulations, the mk.IV R32 is a splendid car! One I definitely wouldn't mind as a daily driver.

[Soloracer]

thanks, maybe i'll take more pictures this weekend.

[Quiggs]

the MKIV IS better than the MKV for enthusiasts purposes.

Only because it's been around for longer. The 2.0T is a better base to start with than the 1.8T. The VR is a pain in the ass to mod, on top of being expensive. In two or three years, Mk4 and Mk5 parts will be similarly priced. The manufacturers are still recooping their R&D.

[Soloracer]

Only because it's been around for longer. The 2.0T is a better base to start with than the 1.8T. The VR is a pain in the ass to mod, on top of being expensive. In two or three years, Mk4 and Mk5 parts will be similarly priced. The manufacturers are still recooping their R&D.

yeah i was referring to the r32s though. the MKIV R32 IS superior to the MKV R32 in terms of enthusiast needs.... in terms of GTI's also, its negotiable. Theres no right or wrong answer but the key to the GTI is weight and the newer they are, the heavier so mods aside, they're already less "enthusiast."

[Ferrer]

yeah i was referring to the r32s though. the MKIV R32 IS superior to the MKV R32 in terms of enthusiast needs.... in terms of GTI's also, its negotiable. Theres no right or wrong answer but the key to the GTI is weight and the newer they are, the heavier so mods aside, they're already less "enthusiast."

Well the Mk IV GTI has been ackonwledged to be completely shit and the Mk V GTI isn't, by most of the motoring press.

[Quiggs]

yeah i was referring to the r32s though. the MKIV R32 IS superior to the MKV R32 in terms of enthusiast needs.... in terms of GTI's also, its negotiable. Theres no right or wrong answer but the key to the GTI is weight and the newer they are, the heavier so mods aside, they're already less "enthusiast."

Again, I think a lot of it is from how new the Mk5 is. It's been on our shores less than a year. Give HPA, GIAC, and Kinetics another 18 months and you'll start seeing some big stuff.

[Soloracer]

Well the Mk IV GTI has been ackonwledged to be completely shit and the Mk V GTI isn't, by most of the motoring press.

Well just so long as the R32 was good, I couldn't care less about the GTIs...

[Ferrer]

Well just so long as the R32 was good, I couldn't care less about the GTIs...

And you've got that noise.

[Soloracer]

And you've got that noise.

agreed