RE: BMW M235i v VW Golf R: Delivery miles
Discussion
tim milne said:
I got a Golf R a couple of months back and, coming from a RenaultSport Clio 200, found it to be quite soulless and rather detached. Some of that feeling has worn off, but I think that's just me getting used to it — it actually is detached.
It's a very capable car and, as other people here have pointed out, if you have to have one car, a Golf R — or any Golf — is hard to beat.
Specific, unexpected niggles are:
– the gearbox is notchy and not at all silky or nicely mechanical
– the artificial noise is becoming increasingly annoying, if only because it's the wrong noise (Subaru)
– I'm not convinced by the alleged VW build quality. Sure, the doors make a nice thunk, but the paint is wearing off in the door jambs because they don't line up properly and it's beginning to rattle inside. My Renault — not known for screwing their interiors together very tightly — was rock solid in the 3.5 years I had it.
Sure, it's fast, but it feels like once you've blasted it down a few motorway ramps, you know all its tricks.
Maybe I'm being harsh, and I know some people are wildly enthusiastic, but it doesn't feel like a driver's car. It's lacking emotion.
Renaultsports, IIRC, are all assembled in their own factory in Dieppe and far more care is taken over them. I'm glad I'm not alone in that opinion of the Golf R. I dared mention the same points when I test drove one last summer and was flamed by all the people that had ordered one. It's a very nice car. I just didn't think "nice" was good enough and wondered what the fuss was about. Then again, I bought an Alfa instead so I'm probably mad! But it made me smile and the Golf didn't.It's a very capable car and, as other people here have pointed out, if you have to have one car, a Golf R — or any Golf — is hard to beat.
Specific, unexpected niggles are:
– the gearbox is notchy and not at all silky or nicely mechanical
– the artificial noise is becoming increasingly annoying, if only because it's the wrong noise (Subaru)
– I'm not convinced by the alleged VW build quality. Sure, the doors make a nice thunk, but the paint is wearing off in the door jambs because they don't line up properly and it's beginning to rattle inside. My Renault — not known for screwing their interiors together very tightly — was rock solid in the 3.5 years I had it.
Sure, it's fast, but it feels like once you've blasted it down a few motorway ramps, you know all its tricks.
Maybe I'm being harsh, and I know some people are wildly enthusiastic, but it doesn't feel like a driver's car. It's lacking emotion.
MattHall91 said:
My dads got a 235 and I have driven it and the Golf.
No comparison, the BMW by far the better car. Nicer sound, 2 extra cylinders, more fun, better steering etc etc etc
Auto box is a dream too. Although that's probably the one benefit of the Golf - you get 2 clutches.
Did you drive both on Forza?No comparison, the BMW by far the better car. Nicer sound, 2 extra cylinders, more fun, better steering etc etc etc
Auto box is a dream too. Although that's probably the one benefit of the Golf - you get 2 clutches.
St John Smythe said:
MattHall91 said:
My dads got a 235 and I have driven it and the Golf.
No comparison, the BMW by far the better car. Nicer sound, 2 extra cylinders, more fun, better steering etc etc etc
Auto box is a dream too. Although that's probably the one benefit of the Golf - you get 2 clutches.
Did you drive both on Forza?No comparison, the BMW by far the better car. Nicer sound, 2 extra cylinders, more fun, better steering etc etc etc
Auto box is a dream too. Although that's probably the one benefit of the Golf - you get 2 clutches.
My wife has had her golf R since last August and actually preferred her 2007 gti DSG she had before as R is just too busy and noisy so not great to live with.
So today I have disconnected the soundaktor and without the phoney noises and rattles its a different car being much more relaxed and easy to live with even though actual performance is same. She likes her car now and can just leave it in race mode and no silly noises. Easy upgrade - less is more.
I agree that apart from rear view earlier golfs looked better - new R is very box shaped and wish that had specified the Pretoria wheels.
So today I have disconnected the soundaktor and without the phoney noises and rattles its a different car being much more relaxed and easy to live with even though actual performance is same. She likes her car now and can just leave it in race mode and no silly noises. Easy upgrade - less is more.
I agree that apart from rear view earlier golfs looked better - new R is very box shaped and wish that had specified the Pretoria wheels.
Edited by GT3hopeful on Saturday 7th February 19:49
Well this thread has set the cat amongst the pigeons over on VWROC.com....
http://www.vwroc.com/forums/topic/8592-pistonheads...
http://www.vwroc.com/forums/topic/8592-pistonheads...
I agree, the contrast is even more striking in the flesh. What's also striking is the size of the Golf's front overhang. Your point still stands though, not fair, just due to lack of better material. No need to bite your tongue, all sensible views are welcome ;-).
Edited by nickfrog on Sunday 4th October 13:39
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