RE: Tell Me I'm Wrong: VW Golf R32 (Mk4)
Discussion
aka_kerrly said:
My last point is for me why the R32 is good, a amateur or a experienced driver can jump in one and feel confident to push on, the E36 or E46 with similar power needs to be treated with a bit more respect.
For plenty though that is why the R32 isn't good, because it doesn't ask much of the driver to give most of it's potential, so there is no challenge to get good at it basically.Sure, some cars can do both, but I don't think the R32 is one so much. All shades of grey but it's not a 'challenge' kinda car.
Dave
L646 XTC said:
Twincharged said:
It appears that you're new here, so let me give you a handy hint...
PH is (generally) quite a friendly forum, so it's best to get your point across in a polite manner, as if you are having a friendly chat with the person you've quoted. Accusing people of talking excrement doesn't really add much to your overall argument, and comes across as a bit childish/aggressive, so it's probably best left out.
It would also be a good idea to use full sentences and proper punctuation in your posts, as it will make them read less like a telegram.
Hope this helps.
Do you like fruit? I have a couple of ripe plums here you can have a suck on if you want lolPH is (generally) quite a friendly forum, so it's best to get your point across in a polite manner, as if you are having a friendly chat with the person you've quoted. Accusing people of talking excrement doesn't really add much to your overall argument, and comes across as a bit childish/aggressive, so it's probably best left out.
It would also be a good idea to use full sentences and proper punctuation in your posts, as it will make them read less like a telegram.
Hope this helps.
Again I find myself agreeing. The R32, not least the Mk4, is just like the B5 RS4. The owners of them seem to think they have something incredibly special but when I drive them I simply fail to see what all the fuss is about. I've had many B5 RS4 owners suggest its better than the B7 RS4 and having owned the latter for 4 years and driven the former a few times I am lost to see where this comes from. The R32 Mk5 v GTi Mk5 is another example. I bought the latter and drove the former a few times, once at length in a very short time and I preferred the GTi due to it being sharper, more suited the the engine and more willing to be spanked hard over and over.
It's all subjective of course, but I too fail to get the R32 love. Doesn't make them bad, for they are not, but don't get the love and the same is true for the B5 RS4 once you ignore the fact you can get 500000000bhp from one with a pair of tweezers and some UHU.
It's all subjective of course, but I too fail to get the R32 love. Doesn't make them bad, for they are not, but don't get the love and the same is true for the B5 RS4 once you ignore the fact you can get 500000000bhp from one with a pair of tweezers and some UHU.
I have a love for the mk4 r32 . It was my first fast car, my first new car, it looked the part, had the kudos to those that new, sounded amazing, and although not actually that fast felt it due to a very reactive throttle. Dynamically it wasn't great, a Clio sport could run rings round it - but the r32 was far cooler!
doogz said:
R32UK said:
Great deflection from my link 
Im not here to argue with you pal, but calling me slow. trying to insult my intelligence by telling an audi a3 is exactly the same as a golf. Then trying to suggest vw didnt have an alternative to your audi..I think you should just give it a rest.
I have extensively driven the mk4 r32 owned a mk5 r32 and spend 10,000 miles in an audi a3. I dont like audis... its an educated opinion. nothing personal.
Ah yes, where you posted a 4x4 as a direct alternative to an estate car. Im not here to argue with you pal, but calling me slow. trying to insult my intelligence by telling an audi a3 is exactly the same as a golf. Then trying to suggest vw didnt have an alternative to your audi..I think you should just give it a rest.
I have extensively driven the mk4 r32 owned a mk5 r32 and spend 10,000 miles in an audi a3. I dont like audis... its an educated opinion. nothing personal.
LotusOmega375D said:
" it begins in November 1991, lurking at the back of a GCSE German lesson, with a copy of Car magazine nicely sheltered behind my grammar text book. 'BMW beaten' screamed the front cover"
I thought the Golf VR6 was the infamous "Lemon" car that was featured on the front cover of Car Magazine?
This one:
I've not read the whole 28 page thread, but as a long time CAR reader it was interesting when they had the chance to drive the exact same car again some few years and 80,000 miles or so later. They admitted the 'Lemon' label was harsh, the teething problems were long sorted and the poor quality OE dampers had been replaced with Konis.I thought the Golf VR6 was the infamous "Lemon" car that was featured on the front cover of Car Magazine?
This one:
Edited by LotusOmega375D on Tuesday 30th October 10:45
My VR6 story; I found a low mileage one owner VR6. It was clear though, that the dampers were utterly and completely shot; it wallowed like a fat lass on a waterbed; the only ever time I have ever have felt sick in a car was when I was driving it home. I had the dampers replaced immediately with OE Boges and was staggered to find no noticeable difference. They came off and a Bilstein B12 kit went on which transformed the car.
Steering was still too slow though.
SS7
doogz said:
R32UK said:
Pretty sure you asked for a AWD, Estate, 3.0l petrol car that VW made in 2003. Doesnt really matter does it. This is not about how poor audis are. Its about the R32 of which Im pretty sure you havent really had much input towards. So lets just leave it at that.
So you posted a link that I couldn't get to work, but believe it was for a 3.2L 4x4? Not really the same thing, is it?And this thread is about the MK4 Golf R32, which I've made a fair few comments about. Whereas you seem intent on telling us how super your Mk5 was. so yeah, leave it.
Urban Sports said:
Changedmyname said:
I watch these treads and can't help noticing there are a lot of MK4 18T golf haters on here.
I have never driven the the MK4 R32 or the MK5 so I feel I can't reply.
I personally have loads of experience of the MK4 1.8T GTI in standard 150 & anniversary 180 trim, the 150 is a dull dull car the anniversary was quite an entertaining machine IMO.I have never driven the the MK4 R32 or the MK5 so I feel I can't reply.
That engine is wasted at 150bhp.
The naturally aspirated 20V 1.8 only served up 125hp. 8psi from a cotton reel sized turbo isn't really going to bring a whole lot more to the party I'm afraid.
I don't think there are that many haters. In all fairness, it is a pretty unremarkable engine. It's coarse, has annoying power band and has a very bland tone.
Even something like Alfa's 2.0 engine from the same era, with it's twin balancer shafts, made the same 150hp but was near butter smooth by comparison, was just as quick and sounded a whole lot more exciting.
Anyway, I like the MK4 R32 for what it could have been, but hate it for what it turned out to be.
St John Smythe said:
doogz said:
R32UK said:
Pretty sure you asked for a AWD, Estate, 3.0l petrol car that VW made in 2003. Doesnt really matter does it. This is not about how poor audis are. Its about the R32 of which Im pretty sure you havent really had much input towards. So lets just leave it at that.
So you posted a link that I couldn't get to work, but believe it was for a 3.2L 4x4? Not really the same thing, is it?And this thread is about the MK4 Golf R32, which I've made a fair few comments about. Whereas you seem intent on telling us how super your Mk5 was. so yeah, leave it.
For the last time... I DONT have an R32 MK5 or MK4. Try reading whats been written rather that jumping on a band wagon
The R32 is a dud.
As a sporty car it really is a POS which is why they were never raced by anyone, anywhere ever! Not even by VW. The car is not up to the task.
Heres a thought however,
WHO demands that a "SPORTS" hatch/car has "percieved" value/comfort, rediculous armchairs, 5000kg of useless toys and bushings designed for refinement and not for handling/dynamics?
I would suggest an utter c**t does, we already have execu-barges for all of those things.
In my opinion VWAG designs too many cars aimed at this fast growing "sector".
Still doesnt make them good cars though.
As clearly shown by the R32.
As a sporty car it really is a POS which is why they were never raced by anyone, anywhere ever! Not even by VW. The car is not up to the task.
Heres a thought however,
WHO demands that a "SPORTS" hatch/car has "percieved" value/comfort, rediculous armchairs, 5000kg of useless toys and bushings designed for refinement and not for handling/dynamics?
I would suggest an utter c**t does, we already have execu-barges for all of those things.
In my opinion VWAG designs too many cars aimed at this fast growing "sector".
Still doesnt make them good cars though.
As clearly shown by the R32.
L646 XTC said:
my mr2 turbo was dynoed at 260 bhp at the flywheel an in all aspects whether it be a standing drag or motorway speeds or a b road my mate could never keep up in his r32 that had full exhaust n de cat and a star performance remap.he topped out on a private test track ;-) at 157 gps proven.i got 163 in my mr2.thats with 5 gears n he had 6.oh an my mr2 cost the same as his exhaust an remap lol he sold up soon after and got....... a mark 5 gti thats hes got up to just over 350 bhp.now that is a beast.only r32 worth bothering about is a skyline
Safe blood, check yo self.2 seat lightweight, cheap old turbo sports car, vs a heavy N/A hot hatch.
XTC FTW.
Pistonwot said:
The R32 is a dud.
As a sporty car it really is a POS which is why they were never raced by anyone, anywhere ever! Not even by VW. The car is not up to the task.
Heres a thought however,
WHO demands that a "SPORTS" hatch/car has "percieved" value/comfort, rediculous armchairs, 5000kg of useless toys and bushings designed for refinement and not for handling/dynamics?
I would suggest an utter c**t does, we already have execu-barges for all of those things.
In my opinion VWAG designs too many cars aimed at this fast growing "sector".
Still doesnt make them good cars though.
As clearly shown by the R32.
It's rare for me to say anything of this nature but you really do come across as a total tAs a sporty car it really is a POS which is why they were never raced by anyone, anywhere ever! Not even by VW. The car is not up to the task.
Heres a thought however,
WHO demands that a "SPORTS" hatch/car has "percieved" value/comfort, rediculous armchairs, 5000kg of useless toys and bushings designed for refinement and not for handling/dynamics?
I would suggest an utter c**t does, we already have execu-barges for all of those things.
In my opinion VWAG designs too many cars aimed at this fast growing "sector".
Still doesnt make them good cars though.
As clearly shown by the R32.
t and not a petrolhead in the slightest...No one has ever raced a R32 - what a bold claim and completely utterly wrong.
Have a look at the VW racing cup and how AMD technic won the championship in 2003 and 2006 in a R32. Team Superchips also ran a golf R32 and guess what, that won the 2004 season to. Maybe also read up on Tony Gilham racings R32s and how they have also won championships all with Mk4 R32s.
Suffice to say that it is quite easy to demonstrate that you have no idea what you are on about.
30 pages and a few insults later where are we in this debate?
I just wanted to chip in my 2p worth. I've never driven an R32 but I've always liked the look of them. I'm surprised by some comments saying that the handling could be dangerous. I also never knew that it had part time 4wd.
I think this sums up what I'ld expect of the R32, having never driven it I could be wrong
If you're after a performance bargain, the Volkswagen Golf R32 is not it. A £6,000 Subaru Impreza STi would easily be able to leave it for dead on a twisty road. What the R32 does represent is a refined and surprisingly good fun sports hatch that packs a sledgehammer overtaking punch and all-weather capabilities. It still feels indestructibly well built and makes a very covetable ownership proposition. As good as the latest Golf 2.0T GTi is, it never feels quite as naughty as the old R32. This could be one to lay down for future consumption. As good as the latest Golf 2.0T GTi is, it never feels quite as naughty as the old R32. This could be one to lay down for future consumption.
Quote from BuyaCar.
I just wanted to chip in my 2p worth. I've never driven an R32 but I've always liked the look of them. I'm surprised by some comments saying that the handling could be dangerous. I also never knew that it had part time 4wd.
I think this sums up what I'ld expect of the R32, having never driven it I could be wrong
If you're after a performance bargain, the Volkswagen Golf R32 is not it. A £6,000 Subaru Impreza STi would easily be able to leave it for dead on a twisty road. What the R32 does represent is a refined and surprisingly good fun sports hatch that packs a sledgehammer overtaking punch and all-weather capabilities. It still feels indestructibly well built and makes a very covetable ownership proposition. As good as the latest Golf 2.0T GTi is, it never feels quite as naughty as the old R32. This could be one to lay down for future consumption. As good as the latest Golf 2.0T GTi is, it never feels quite as naughty as the old R32. This could be one to lay down for future consumption.
Quote from BuyaCar.
As an owner of a Mk4 R32 I'm probably a bit biased, but this is a great car. It's not a razor sharp hot hatch like a Civic Type R or Renault Sport Clio and to compare it with such is a mistake. Think of it more as a Nissan GTR hatch back and you are more in the right area. It is too heavy and the suspension is to firm. However, adapt your driving style so that you brake earlier for the corner to reduce the understeer, and then use the power/torque from the engine and grip from the chassie to fire it out of the corners and it is a lot of fun to drive.
I've driven lots of performance cars including Porsches, Ferraris, Aston Martins, Nissan GTR, Noble, TVR, Radical etc on both the road and track and race karts at club level, so I feel that I have a good level of experience when comparing cars. Before purchasing my R32 I looked at and drove the following cars but none of them hit the spot:
- Honda Civic Type R: Fast with a great engine, gear change and seats, but cheap interior and poor sterring really let it down
- Golf GTi Mk5: Having read so many great reviews I had high expectations, but it was just so boring to drive and didn't look that exciting. A safe choice and it felt just as quick as the R32 but it never felt special in any way
- Golf R32 Mk5: Probably a better car than my Mk4, but it just looked the same as the GTi. Ok, there was the bling front grill and centrally mounted twin exhausts, but compared to how bespoke the Mk4 R32 looks compared to the Mk4 GTi, this was a half hearted effort. The prices of Mk5s are around the same level as Mk4s which is a good indication of relative desirability
- Seat Cupra R: Good looking car that was more fun than the Mk5 GTi to drive if not as well built, a good value buy if you are on a budget
- Audi S3: Coming from the same time as the Mk4 R32 this was my second choice. It drives very well, its quick and the seats are even better than those in the R32. Styling is a bit bland/understated compared to the R32 and for the same price all the S3s I looked at had double the milage of the R32s
As someone else has already commented it feels like a tank and is massively over engineered and is relatively rare. Even today it looks great in a squat muscular kind of way. The bespoke front bumper, flared wheel arches and dual exhausts give it great presence and personality. Every time I look at or drive my car it puts a smile on my face, and that's important why it is so special to me.
James
I've driven lots of performance cars including Porsches, Ferraris, Aston Martins, Nissan GTR, Noble, TVR, Radical etc on both the road and track and race karts at club level, so I feel that I have a good level of experience when comparing cars. Before purchasing my R32 I looked at and drove the following cars but none of them hit the spot:
- Honda Civic Type R: Fast with a great engine, gear change and seats, but cheap interior and poor sterring really let it down
- Golf GTi Mk5: Having read so many great reviews I had high expectations, but it was just so boring to drive and didn't look that exciting. A safe choice and it felt just as quick as the R32 but it never felt special in any way
- Golf R32 Mk5: Probably a better car than my Mk4, but it just looked the same as the GTi. Ok, there was the bling front grill and centrally mounted twin exhausts, but compared to how bespoke the Mk4 R32 looks compared to the Mk4 GTi, this was a half hearted effort. The prices of Mk5s are around the same level as Mk4s which is a good indication of relative desirability
- Seat Cupra R: Good looking car that was more fun than the Mk5 GTi to drive if not as well built, a good value buy if you are on a budget
- Audi S3: Coming from the same time as the Mk4 R32 this was my second choice. It drives very well, its quick and the seats are even better than those in the R32. Styling is a bit bland/understated compared to the R32 and for the same price all the S3s I looked at had double the milage of the R32s
As someone else has already commented it feels like a tank and is massively over engineered and is relatively rare. Even today it looks great in a squat muscular kind of way. The bespoke front bumper, flared wheel arches and dual exhausts give it great presence and personality. Every time I look at or drive my car it puts a smile on my face, and that's important why it is so special to me.
James
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