RE: Tell Me I'm Wrong: VW Golf R32 (Mk4)
Discussion
mharvey735 said:
Surely it's not a car to compete with the 4cyl turbo's with their punchy delivery and better handling, it's a step closer to a GT car than a hot hatch but most importantly I think the R32 is all about the sense of ocassion when you drive it.
Makes me think of the Clio 172 that I own vs the Clio V6, 99% of people would be able to hustle the 172 round most roads/tracks quicker, it's easier to live with, in fact is almost better than a v6 in everyway...I still want a V6 though, I want one so badly, it's that sense of ocassion again.
When I give my 172 a thrash it's brilliant but most of the time I drive from A to B it's like my girlfriends 1.2 only more uncomfortable, with the V6 it's an adventure just making it to the top of the road?
Tell me I'M wrong
I'm telling you your right lol, i completely agree, and the plus as i stated earlier is if you want the R32 can drive everywhere without changing gear apart from at junctions, and with most peoples talent an R32 is plenty quick enough down the B roads, i think that most people have missed that it was released with a close ratio box to try to hide its weight under acceleration but stops about 140mph, quick question how many people do more than 140mph on standard roads anyway????? and it was never sold as a track weapon that was the Cupra R's role :-DMakes me think of the Clio 172 that I own vs the Clio V6, 99% of people would be able to hustle the 172 round most roads/tracks quicker, it's easier to live with, in fact is almost better than a v6 in everyway...I still want a V6 though, I want one so badly, it's that sense of ocassion again.
When I give my 172 a thrash it's brilliant but most of the time I drive from A to B it's like my girlfriends 1.2 only more uncomfortable, with the V6 it's an adventure just making it to the top of the road?
Tell me I'M wrong
Urban Sports said:
I remember thinking at the time that it had nowhere near 240bhp
They always make the claimed numbers on the dyno. Sometimes more. It's not a BMW S50B32 engine that makes the wrong side of 300ps instead of the claimed 320.The problem is the engine's power delivery. It delivers far too much in the lower rpm, making you think it's going to be a rocket ship out on the open road, but the remaining 85% throttle opening apparently does nothing to the acceleration. It's a bit too linear.
The car's ridiculous weight (for a hatch) and traction doesn't help matters. There's just no drama.
Has power from idle, I was astonished.StottyZr said:
doogz said:
And I'd have a straight 6 BMW over one any day of the week.
You'd take an e46 325i over a Mk4 R32? I don't believe you.I can't think of a measureable way in which I'd prefer the BMW.
I agree with Chris. The R32s are boring to drive and not very fast (and feel even less fast than they are!). Ill admit they make a nice sound though.
RobCrezz said:
StottyZr said:
doogz said:
And I'd have a straight 6 BMW over one any day of the week.
You'd take an e46 325i over a Mk4 R32? I don't believe you.I can't think of a measureable way in which I'd prefer the BMW.
I agree with Chris. The R32s are boring to drive and not very fast (and feel even less fast than they are!). Ill admit they make a nice sound though.
The mk5 R32 is quicker than people suggest. As much as I hate internet racing, its performed well on every measured list I've seen. While Top Gears powerlaps are nowhere near gospel, its interestingly placed 
. Also remember it setting a decent ring time.
I think it seems slow as there is no drama. Its a cruiser. But its kept a few of my mate's "more interesting" cars humble.
When I first got mine, it struck me as the grown up golf. You didnt feel the need to boy racer it everywhere to enjoy it.
. Also remember it setting a decent ring time.I think it seems slow as there is no drama. Its a cruiser. But its kept a few of my mate's "more interesting" cars humble.
When I first got mine, it struck me as the grown up golf. You didnt feel the need to boy racer it everywhere to enjoy it.
RobCrezz said:
I would as well.
I agree with Chris. The R32s are boring to drive and not very fast (and feel even less fast than they are!). Ill admit they make a nice sound though.
I think you would be surprised by taking a Mk4 R32 down a 5 mile B road and then a BMW 325i down the same stretch and see which was quickest the R32 can cover ground very quickly, but it does mute the experience some what, the brakes are huge it has terrific traction and so will motor along at a great speed without ever really feeling like your going as quick as you are, this appeals to some people. The vag group has a car for every market sector and the MK4 R32 is the grown up hatchback for a premium customer thats all, i agree its no 205 GTI but within the VW stable they have that hole covered too :-D. I agree with Chris. The R32s are boring to drive and not very fast (and feel even less fast than they are!). Ill admit they make a nice sound though.
I'd agree on the Mk4 being a bit of a disappointment, purely as the Mk4 golf chassis was soo s
te to begin with, but the MK5 R32 is a far far better car than the Gti imho.
Ive owned a Gti Ed30, which suffered from an engine that sounded like a dishwasher, terminal understeer at the slightly whiff of damp and/or power, rubbish brakes and a distinct lack of soul. The R32 solves all of these issues in one foul swoop.
Yes, the mpg is fairly dire, but unlike my previous e46 M3, i can drive it hard, whilst listening to the lovely rasp, but not be doing the wrong side of 120 all the time. With this in mind, sometimes it is quite useful to have a car that sounds great, but isnt bonkers fast. It also does everything well, i do have a 5dr version though, so its a perfectly good all rounder.
For me, the R32 just feels like a smaller, hatchback version of a 330i, but a little bit more fun. The ideal car for me i guess would be a 130i, but they just look soo bad!! The noise isnt as nice either.
te to begin with, but the MK5 R32 is a far far better car than the Gti imho.Ive owned a Gti Ed30, which suffered from an engine that sounded like a dishwasher, terminal understeer at the slightly whiff of damp and/or power, rubbish brakes and a distinct lack of soul. The R32 solves all of these issues in one foul swoop.
Yes, the mpg is fairly dire, but unlike my previous e46 M3, i can drive it hard, whilst listening to the lovely rasp, but not be doing the wrong side of 120 all the time. With this in mind, sometimes it is quite useful to have a car that sounds great, but isnt bonkers fast. It also does everything well, i do have a 5dr version though, so its a perfectly good all rounder.
For me, the R32 just feels like a smaller, hatchback version of a 330i, but a little bit more fun. The ideal car for me i guess would be a 130i, but they just look soo bad!! The noise isnt as nice either.
I had a Mk4 R32 few years back. Looked great but the novelty wears off and I swapped it for a 330ci Cab.
Had a Mk4 GTI 180 and I would say was as quick when chipped if not quicker.
Tiresome exhaust boom and really quite slow for what it was, felt like the clutch couldn't handle the 4wd powertrain.
On the + side the Leather Konig seats and the styling still looks good today.
Had a Mk4 GTI 180 and I would say was as quick when chipped if not quicker.
Tiresome exhaust boom and really quite slow for what it was, felt like the clutch couldn't handle the 4wd powertrain.
On the + side the Leather Konig seats and the styling still looks good today.
Hope I don't make a jackass of myself, as I'm sure I'm thinking if the same car, but I came across someone who installed a Haldex controller, so that the front/rear torque split could be altered.
He told me that it really transformed the car, but having said that he did admit to a set of coil-overs and a big brake kit being fitted as well.
I'd have thought that adjusting the torque split so that more went to the rear than the standard car (I'm not suggesting a rear bias, by the way) might go some way to making up for its (perceived) inadequacies????
As I say, I'm open to flak and being shot down in flames over my suggestion....
And despite not owning one, I think the current 5.83 score is a touch harsh!
He told me that it really transformed the car, but having said that he did admit to a set of coil-overs and a big brake kit being fitted as well.
I'd have thought that adjusting the torque split so that more went to the rear than the standard car (I'm not suggesting a rear bias, by the way) might go some way to making up for its (perceived) inadequacies????
As I say, I'm open to flak and being shot down in flames over my suggestion....
And despite not owning one, I think the current 5.83 score is a touch harsh!
Yes, the R32 always looked better on paper than in real life. They can turn heads for a mkIV Golf but the actual drive, what a let down.
I'd take a contemporary Audi S3. Even the 210bhp S3 would embarrass the R32 round any sort of road other than one going through a McDonald's car park.
I'd take a contemporary Audi S3. Even the 210bhp S3 would embarrass the R32 round any sort of road other than one going through a McDonald's car park.
I've had one since July (mk5 manual) and would agree with many of his points, but none of them matter. The power, handling and straight line speed are more than adequate - motorway driving is effortless due the low down torque though driving around town can be a bit of a chore. The engine and standard exhaust soundtrack is wonderful - its a perfect daily car if you can withstand the fuel and tax costs :-)
I found the GTI to be very capable on a test drive but very dull - just like every golf. The VR6 makes it that much more special, its not the car for everyone and perhaps there are better ways to spend money but I (along with many othet owners im sure) don't regret it one bit :-)
I found the GTI to be very capable on a test drive but very dull - just like every golf. The VR6 makes it that much more special, its not the car for everyone and perhaps there are better ways to spend money but I (along with many othet owners im sure) don't regret it one bit :-)
rtz62 said:
Hope I don't make a jackass of myself, as I'm sure I'm thinking if the same car, but I came across someone who installed a Haldex controller, so that the front/rear torque split could be altered.
He told me that it really transformed the car, but having said that he did admit to a set of coil-overs and a big brake kit being fitted as well.
I'd have thought that adjusting the torque split so that more went to the rear than the standard car (I'm not suggesting a rear bias, by the way) might go some way to making up for its (perceived) inadequacies????
As I say, I'm open to flak and being shot down in flames over my suggestion....
And despite not owning one, I think the current 5.83 score is a touch harsh!
Your quite correct its called a performance Haldex unit TSR would supply and fit them, they were derived for the touring car etc and really did make a huge difference i had one fitted to my Audi S3He told me that it really transformed the car, but having said that he did admit to a set of coil-overs and a big brake kit being fitted as well.
I'd have thought that adjusting the torque split so that more went to the rear than the standard car (I'm not suggesting a rear bias, by the way) might go some way to making up for its (perceived) inadequacies????
As I say, I'm open to flak and being shot down in flames over my suggestion....
And despite not owning one, I think the current 5.83 score is a touch harsh!
I had a Golf Mark IV 2.8 V6 4motion, and loved the way it pulled through corners, found a way through heavy traffic on the highway, flew smoothly on an empty highway. Build quality and comfort were outstanding - a really pleasant place to be. Climate control very clever (and infinitely better than Audi's - switched to a V8 S4 for extra space and it was "similar but more so" on all other parameters).
And I still think the Mk IV is the most attractive of all Golfs ever.
No, it was not a hot hatch.
And I still think the Mk IV is the most attractive of all Golfs ever.
No, it was not a hot hatch.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff