Thoughts on MK5 R32?
Discussion
The basic problem with it is that (imho) force induction engines have much better characteristics than N/A V6s. You can plod along off boost and its very fuel efficient, if you want to move you drop a couple of gears, boost comes in and with it a good slug of torque and you're off and you can feel it pulling you along.
V6s always seem lethargic to me, no particular urgency, you don't get that wave of torque, its just sort of there. I've never been in one, but judging from dyno graphs when you go forced induction with an R32 you get the characteristics, but the problem is you've got a less than ideal base for the engine (6 cyl, 3.2 litre). You can get the sam results from a 4 pot turbo, less weight, simpler, better efficiency etc.
I'd honestly take back my old astra vxr over an R32 all day long, it was far more fun to drive than an R32. But we're all different - I'm sure there are plenty of R32 owners who wouldn't give up their cars for anything.
V6s always seem lethargic to me, no particular urgency, you don't get that wave of torque, its just sort of there. I've never been in one, but judging from dyno graphs when you go forced induction with an R32 you get the characteristics, but the problem is you've got a less than ideal base for the engine (6 cyl, 3.2 litre). You can get the sam results from a 4 pot turbo, less weight, simpler, better efficiency etc.
I'd honestly take back my old astra vxr over an R32 all day long, it was far more fun to drive than an R32. But we're all different - I'm sure there are plenty of R32 owners who wouldn't give up their cars for anything.
It's swings and roundabouts really and you have to look at the overall driving experience, and decide if enough boxes are ticked.
For example, I could trundle along in traffic at crawling pace in 3rd gear in my old R32. It loved it. Torque in abundance down there, just off idle.
In my Edition 30, I need to swap between 1st and 2nd all the time because it's utterly gutless from idle to 2000rpm.
Instant get away grunt always was one of the R32's party pieces. It murders all FWD Golfs off the line, even tuned ones.
But out on the open road is where some boxes were unticked for me. Hustling the R32 along at a decent lick on B roads, you're constanly aware of it's weight and how floaty it starts to feel when pushed.
The GTI on the other hand, never feels anything other than sure footed and in control. It's the better car of the two to attack a B road with, imo. Well, also applies to any half decent 4 cyl hatch I suppose.
Instead, perhaps the R32 should have been marketed like the Golf / Bora 4Motion? A GT cruiser with walnut, leather and comfy suspension.
For example, I could trundle along in traffic at crawling pace in 3rd gear in my old R32. It loved it. Torque in abundance down there, just off idle.
In my Edition 30, I need to swap between 1st and 2nd all the time because it's utterly gutless from idle to 2000rpm.
Instant get away grunt always was one of the R32's party pieces. It murders all FWD Golfs off the line, even tuned ones.
But out on the open road is where some boxes were unticked for me. Hustling the R32 along at a decent lick on B roads, you're constanly aware of it's weight and how floaty it starts to feel when pushed.
The GTI on the other hand, never feels anything other than sure footed and in control. It's the better car of the two to attack a B road with, imo. Well, also applies to any half decent 4 cyl hatch I suppose.
Instead, perhaps the R32 should have been marketed like the Golf / Bora 4Motion? A GT cruiser with walnut, leather and comfy suspension.
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