R32 / GTI

[warnster]

I currently drive a jag S Type R but due to work commitments am going to be crunching about 120 miles per day which in the current wheels will literally burn holes in my pocket as my average mpg is about 23 tops.

I am considering the newer shape golf GTI but a friend who already drives a R32 say they are far more superior. I have driven the R32 but not the GTI, can anyone give me the low down as i have read plenty of reviews which seem to have mixed reports in favour of both.


Cheers.

[Maverick73]

Not an authority on the subject but I test drove both recently. R32 felt quicker (obviously!) but the GTi much more involving and just felt more fun and pleasant to drive. No idea how that would translate to long commutes though. I also felt the GTi represented much better value for money.

[wrighty78]

If this thread is much to go by, you won't save any money on fuel with the R32...:

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...

[warnster]

cheers - i pretty much new the answer to that i suppose, the gti is looking like a better option, does the r32 and gti use the same engines as th A3 and TT?

[118118]

is a r32 really going to get more than your jags 23mpg ?

J

[warnster]

To be honest i'm more interested in the direct differences in driving the gti against the r32, if the r32 is SO much better then i can deal with the small improvement in mpg.

I suppose the only real answer is to get a test drive in the gti.

[cuprabob]

The character of both cars is totally different.

The R32 with the V6 engine makes a lovely sound and is the ideal high speed cruiser. In the wet the AWD is a real benefit. I have one and get mid 20's mpg and can get over 30mpg on a long run.

The GTI is a great car, actually more fun to drive. It's lighter than the R32 and is based on an excellent 4 pot turbo.

The DSG box on both is brilliant.

Just test drive both and you'll be addicted to the burble of the V6. Some good deals around on R32s at the moment due to high fuel prices and road tax increases

[warnster]

Thanks for the reply, mid 20's to 30 certainly is an improvement on the jag.
I'm defintely leaning towards the R32 although have just organised a blast in both over the weekend so will have more to go on then.

[John 57]

Try an Edition 30 or Pirelli GTi as well if possible - 230bhp with a detuned Audi S3 engine gives it more bite than a 'std' GTi.

As a very rough guide I get 29-34mpg from my Edition 30 and got 21-24mpg from my old V6 4motion which probably gave similar figures with my driving to that which I would get with an R32.

FWIW I looked at an R32 or an Edition 30 but went with the latter due to the fuel consumption and road tax. The Edition 30 is effectively as quick in the dry as an R32 - but no way would it compete in the wet ! The 4wd system on the Golf is excellent .... and the sound of the V6 is superb - I just wanted a slightly more exciting driving experience than the totally sure footed R32 with it's very linear power delivery. The road tax and better fuel economy is a bonus - not that it would have bothered me if the R32 was what I wanted

[Mr.Meaner]

If you considering new, R32 will stop being made soon, infact i believe the models in the network are all thats left. GTI 30th edition has been replaced by the pirelli edition, only thing with these is you wont get full leather if you want it
For the same sort of money look at the new scirocco.

[5 wh]

cuprabob said:

The character of both cars is totally different.

The R32 with the V6 engine makes a lovely sound and is the ideal high speed cruiser. In the wet the AWD is a real benefit. I have one and get mid 20's mpg and can get over 30mpg on a long run.

The GTI is a great car, actually more fun to drive. It's lighter than the R32 and is based on an excellent 4 pot turbo.

The DSG box on both is brilliant.

Just test drive both and you'll be addicted to the burble of the V6. Some good deals around on R32s at the moment due to high fuel prices and road tax increases

I have experience of both cars and this is pretty much spot on.

[warnster]

Thanks for all your help, i didnt think about the pirelli or the edition 30 as not sure my funds will stretch but will certainly check this out at the weekend. If i remember correctly from an article on PH the pirelli edition has the like them or love them seats with the tyre-esque patterning, its a personal choice but i defintely like the checks as it reminds me of my old mk 1 gti.

i'll see what the weekend brings.

cheers.

[sparkyb999]

For the first time, i can say: I miss my GTI.

I had a MKV Laser blue DSG GTI for 2 years, but wanted something different, so i decided to buy a MKV R32, and have only had it 6 months and quite honestly i really wish i had kept my GTI.

The real only noticable day to day difference is the noise. I am no Track master so woulnt notice the way the car turns etc etc, from the daily trips to work.. i could be saving the 250 quid a month difference.

Conclusion, if i knew what i know now, then i would have kept the GTI.

I suppose it comes down to the difference in price to run and the monthly finance payments.

[Gazzab]

I understand that there have been a few drag tests and the Gti has outdragged the R32.

[paulm3]

My Mk4 R32 was getting between 22-24 mpg.. my old ///M3 (e46) was getting between 25-27 mpg. and thats a superior car in my eyes.
Thats on daily work runs.. My new S3 gets around 27-29 on work runs

On fun drives round the cotswolds/malvern roads where i live the R32 averedged 4-5 mpg theyre just so heavy!! if they could find a way of keeping the 4wds and loosing some of the fat it would be awesome. i nick named it the 'panzer tank' .. well my friends did. lol

[Juicetin1]

Just out of interest, if i drive my Mk5 Golf GTI hard it registers under 10mpg too! Over a prolonged period it averages about 32mpg but this plummets if driven hard.

[Gazzab]

I would like a GTi but I really WANT an R32. The Mk V R32 just looks and feels special whereas the GTi looks like a Golf with bigger wheels. I know there is more to it but at the emotive level the R32 stands out for me.

[sparkyb999]

Gazzab said:

I would like a GTi but I really WANT an R32. The Mk V R32 just looks and feels special whereas the GTi looks like a Golf with bigger wheels. I know there is more to it but at the emotive level the R32 stands out for me.

If you havent had a GTI and can afford the running costs without worry, then Definatley get the R32!!

My slight negativity is because the running costs over the GTI, nothing to do with the R32, its a great car to have!!

[John 57]

sparkyb999 said:

Gazzab said:

I would like a GTi but I really WANT an R32. The Mk V R32 just looks and feels special whereas the GTi looks like a Golf with bigger wheels. I know there is more to it but at the emotive level the R32 stands out for me.

If you havent had a GTI and can afford the running costs without worry, then Definatley get the R32!!

My slight negativity is because the running costs over the GTI, nothing to do with the R32, its a great car to have!!

I could afford the R32 but chose the GTi Ed 30 ..... not so much for the running costs - though that comes into it as I resent spending too much on fuel, tax, etc for a car with 250 bhp (might as well get one with 300bhp and have the same running costs!)

I was also thinking a bit further down the line as R32 prices are falling rapidly due to the tax/fuel issues. Lovely car though with a super 4wd system. My other fear is they are almost too easy to drive - if that makes sense

[catso]

Gazzab said:

I know there is more to it but at the emotive level the R32 stands out for me.

The R32 has a smooth 6 cyl engine, rather than a rough 4 pot and that is enough IMO.....