R32 or an R?

[FordyX72]

Hi all, forgot my login details as been away for a while, so technically this is my first post. Been a VW person all my life. Own a mk1 campaign, which is dry stored most of the time, but more importantly want to get rid of my CC for a more fun and compact car. Looking for a second hand R32 or an R with dsg as I like that box on the CC, but really can't make my mind up between the 2 so any recommendations, preferences or words of warning would be appreciated. :-)

[stigscousin]

a mk7 golf r? I can't comment on the r32 (other than its a good looking car) but Ive a golf r and its an awesome car. relaxing to drive in traffic, brilliant when the road clears.

the r will be a better car its up to you to judge if its worth the extra cash. go test drive some examples.

[kent_phil]

Not driven the new R but used to have an Mk5 R32 a few years ago.

Fantastic car, well put together and solid as a rock not missing a beat in our ownership - sounded great, looked great and could get to 35mpg on a long run.

But it was never fast, didn't feel it and really wasn't.

Sold it when it had about 20k miles on it so no experience of out of warranty / high miles.

Cheers,

Phil

[DUMBO100]

The R with a DSG is a great car, you really need to drive one..

[FordyX72]

Thanks guys, i'll go and get a test in an R then and will report back

[xjay1337]

Driven both

R is far better.

The only thing it lacks is noise but noise alone is not a reason to buy the significantly worse car.
R32s are lovely cars but compared to an R it's a no brainer.

And with an intake and exhaust they sound very fruity indeed.

[SuperchargedVR6]

kent_phil said:

Fantastic car, well put together and solid as a rock not missing a beat in our ownership - sounded great, looked great and could get to 35mpg on a long run.

But it was never fast, didn't feel it and really wasn't.

Sums it up quite nicely, although I never got more than 26mpg from mine. It always felt 50hp short of it's claimed power to me, but it defo made the numbers on the dyno. It's just got a really weird power delivery. Tries to snap your neck below 3000rpm and bugger all past that.

The R in both MK6 & MK7 flavours is a lot faster (as they should be being turbo engines) but the R32 has far fewer causes for concern under the bonnet, just to add some balance.

[xjay1337]

Also, try the Mk6 R and the 7R.

I think the Mk6 R will be worth more in 3 years from now. If you are interested in modifying there are far more bolt on parts for the Mk6 than the Mk7. The Mk6R can reach 380-390bhp for not much money at all.

Since decent Mk6 R's are still hovering around the 17-18k mark and the Mk7R are dipping into the £21k now.

[Blown2CV]

R32 if you really really value the 6cyl sound over everything else as that's what you get. R is better in every single way apart from that... faster, lighter, grippier, less thirsty etc. Oh R32 is cheaper clearly as it's older but i am presuming this isn't part of the decision hence the question!

[zeDuffMan]

I had a Mk5 R32. As above really, sounds nice and built well but not all that fast.

I was thinking of the Mk7 R when they first came out but went for an RS3 instead. Would you be interested in that? Quicker (in a straight line) with oodles of torque low down, a decent sounding engine, and much rarer.

[Blown2CV]

zeDuffMan said:

I had a Mk5 R32. As above really, sounds nice and built well but not all that fast.

I was thinking of the Mk7 R when they first came out but went for an RS3 instead. Would you be interested in that? Quicker (in a straight line) with oodles of torque low down, a decent sounding engine, and much rarer.

I drove one as a potential replacement for the R, and whilst it definitely feels a bit more premium and a bit faster (and sounds better) it just cost so much more than i didn't find it really to be a competitor. That said I did get an S8

[Belle427]

I've always had a big soft spot for the R32, it's a great looking car but the comments regarding its performance etc would put me off it.
I'd still love to own one but wouldn't sell my other car to fund it.

[mikeyscott]

Had an R32 for 10 months. Itch scratched, but that's about it.

Lovely engine nice traction, that I miss.

Shocking.VW for an AUC car, so no plans to buy another VW

[Riskins]

xjay1337 said:

Also, try the Mk6 R and the 7R.

I think the Mk6 R will be worth more in 3 years from now. If you are interested in modifying there are far more bolt on parts for the Mk6 than the Mk7. The Mk6R can reach 380-390bhp for not much money at all.

Since decent Mk6 R's are still hovering around the 17-18k mark and the Mk7R are dipping into the £21k now.

Have to slightly disagree there, all the same levels of tune available for the Mk7R with similar cost;

Stage 1 re-map (no hardware) is circa 350-360bhp (£500-600)
Stage 2 with Intake/Downpipe/Intercooler (opt) seem to be making between 380-400bhp, which is comparable to a Stage 2+ on the Mk6 car (£1000-1500)
Stage 3 - Hybrid turbos and engine work are over 500bhp - few of these cars starting to appear now albeit you are in for a lot more money as would be expected (£5000+)

Personally I can't see how the Mk6 will hold it's value better than the Mk7 when you factor in that its both heavier and has an inferior chassis to the newer model. I can't see that the Mk6 has enough of a cult following or particularly special party trick above and beyond the MK7's capabilities.

Time will tell I suppose