MkV Golf GTI/R32
Discussion
Hi all,
Thinking of getting the missus a car - she initialy wanted a Mini but as I have to drive it once in a while, and wouldn't be seen dead in one, I mentioned to her the Golf and she seems to be happy with that.
I've heard that the GTI is the better car to drive but the R32 has a stunning engine.
Could anyone with experience elaborate on the differences and pros & cons.
Thanks in advance.
Thinking of getting the missus a car - she initialy wanted a Mini but as I have to drive it once in a while, and wouldn't be seen dead in one, I mentioned to her the Golf and she seems to be happy with that.
I've heard that the GTI is the better car to drive but the R32 has a stunning engine.
Could anyone with experience elaborate on the differences and pros & cons.
Thanks in advance.
Bonjour,
It depends if we are talking MK4 or MK5?
MK4 GTI - Dont expect any performance, but a an round solid car. GT TDI's are well worth a look, especially the TDI 150. They make an anniversay version of the petrol which is 180bhp and probably the best of the GTI Bunch. Generally pretty reliable and average running costs.
MK4 R32 - Completely different car in terms of performance, high spec too, obviously a higher insurance group, and you will struggle to see above 25mpg with mixed driving.
MK5 GTI - Awesome car - picked up on the performance what the MK4 lacked.
MK5 R32 - Bit nippier version of the old R32, better handling. I prefer the GTI
Good luck with your purchase.
It depends if we are talking MK4 or MK5?
MK4 GTI - Dont expect any performance, but a an round solid car. GT TDI's are well worth a look, especially the TDI 150. They make an anniversay version of the petrol which is 180bhp and probably the best of the GTI Bunch. Generally pretty reliable and average running costs.
MK4 R32 - Completely different car in terms of performance, high spec too, obviously a higher insurance group, and you will struggle to see above 25mpg with mixed driving.
MK5 GTI - Awesome car - picked up on the performance what the MK4 lacked.
MK5 R32 - Bit nippier version of the old R32, better handling. I prefer the GTI
Good luck with your purchase.
JCW_Matt said:
Bonjour,
It depends if we are talking MK4 or MK5?
MK4 GTI - Dont expect any performance, but a an round solid car. GT TDI's are well worth a look, especially the TDI 150. They make an anniversay version of the petrol which is 180bhp and probably the best of the GTI Bunch. Generally pretty reliable and average running costs.
MK4 R32 - Completely different car in terms of performance, high spec too, obviously a higher insurance group, and you will struggle to see above 25mpg with mixed driving.
MK5 GTI - Awesome car - picked up on the performance what the MK4 lacked.
MK5 R32 - Bit nippier version of the old R32, better handling. I prefer the GTI
Good luck with your purchase.
Thanks Matt - MkV - probably buy new or nearly new.It depends if we are talking MK4 or MK5?
MK4 GTI - Dont expect any performance, but a an round solid car. GT TDI's are well worth a look, especially the TDI 150. They make an anniversay version of the petrol which is 180bhp and probably the best of the GTI Bunch. Generally pretty reliable and average running costs.
MK4 R32 - Completely different car in terms of performance, high spec too, obviously a higher insurance group, and you will struggle to see above 25mpg with mixed driving.
MK5 GTI - Awesome car - picked up on the performance what the MK4 lacked.
MK5 R32 - Bit nippier version of the old R32, better handling. I prefer the GTI
Good luck with your purchase.
Insurance fixed as a % of the car so not an issue nor is MPG as 98ron is 28p a litre here
Want a DSG as well as the missus will only drive it Auto.
Feck me, 28 p/l!
I'd still go for the GTI if what she really wanted was a Mini.
The GTI is much more nippy for zooming about town.
The R32 is a much heavier beast but much more stable for having Haldex based AWD.
Try both if you can. The DSG box suits both engines nicely but does take some getting used to.
I'd still go for the GTI if what she really wanted was a Mini.
The GTI is much more nippy for zooming about town.
The R32 is a much heavier beast but much more stable for having Haldex based AWD.
Try both if you can. The DSG box suits both engines nicely but does take some getting used to.
I've got the GTi and I'm due to change it pretty soon. The only problem is that for the first time in history, I have no idea what to replace it with, so that tells you all you need to know I guess! It's been brilliant - fun when you want it and capable of hauling camping gear and mountain bikes all over the country when called for as well. Its also been reasonably cheap to run (at least I think it's been good value).
However, my neighbour had an R32 for a few weeks and it sounded excellent - every time I heard it start up I kept thinking "I wonder if I could afford it....?"
So. I've been no help to you whatsoever as far as I can see. Sorry
However, my neighbour had an R32 for a few weeks and it sounded excellent - every time I heard it start up I kept thinking "I wonder if I could afford it....?"
So. I've been no help to you whatsoever as far as I can see. Sorry
I owned one of the 1st Mark V R32 - kept it for 5 months and sold it. Much prefered the standard GTi.
Mark V R32 was incredibly noisey inside. It got to the point were my local VW garage seriously thought there was a design error as at between 60-70 mph the reverberation within the cabin didn't make it a pleasant journey - I used it every day on motorways sitting at between 60-70 mph and never arrived relaxed!
It was pretty thirsty, but good fun. Also the there is not much chance of getting 4 adults in due to the size of the front seats and with the 4 wheel drive system the boot was pretty small as well.
I would go for the GTi or do what I did and get a B5 RS4 Avant - some pretty good deals on those at tne moment!!!!
Mark V R32 was incredibly noisey inside. It got to the point were my local VW garage seriously thought there was a design error as at between 60-70 mph the reverberation within the cabin didn't make it a pleasant journey - I used it every day on motorways sitting at between 60-70 mph and never arrived relaxed!
It was pretty thirsty, but good fun. Also the there is not much chance of getting 4 adults in due to the size of the front seats and with the 4 wheel drive system the boot was pretty small as well.
I would go for the GTi or do what I did and get a B5 RS4 Avant - some pretty good deals on those at tne moment!!!!
Ive only driven the Golf GTI Mk5 and its a fine car, very good looking & has an air of quality about it/"I'm doing all right Jack" - without shouting about it.
MPG seems to be exceptional i.e. 42mpg++ while on the Mway.
Handling very good, kit levels good.
R32 - never driven but its heavier due to 4wd & bigger engine so apart from off the line its going to be not that much quicker & much thirstier & much more on VED.
Also ignoring the MPG aspect does your Mrs like refueling? If not then it has to be the GTi.
In fact does she need any more than 200bhp? If so remap the GTi and you'll have circa 240bhp thus trumping the R32 which cannot be remapped as its N/A.
MPG seems to be exceptional i.e. 42mpg++ while on the Mway.
Handling very good, kit levels good.
R32 - never driven but its heavier due to 4wd & bigger engine so apart from off the line its going to be not that much quicker & much thirstier & much more on VED.
Also ignoring the MPG aspect does your Mrs like refueling? If not then it has to be the GTi.
In fact does she need any more than 200bhp? If so remap the GTi and you'll have circa 240bhp thus trumping the R32 which cannot be remapped as its N/A.
Welshbeef said:
If so remap the GTi and you'll have circa 240bhp thus trumping the R32 which cannot be remapped as its N/A.
Not entirely correct - any car with an ECU can be remapped. Ok, so a naturally aspirated engine means less potential power gains when compared to a forced induction one. Remaps for the 3.2 V6 will give 10 - 20 bhp alone but will give plenty more torque and improve throttle response.240 bhp in a front wheel drive makes the GTI a very lairy beast wheras 265 bhp in an R32 just makes you smile and want to find a tunnel somewhere....
brisel said:
Welshbeef said:
If so remap the GTi and you'll have circa 240bhp thus trumping the R32 which cannot be remapped as its N/A.
Not entirely correct - any car with an ECU can be remapped. Ok, so a naturally aspirated engine means less potential power gains when compared to a forced induction one. Remaps for the 3.2 V6 will give 10 - 20 bhp alone but will give plenty more torque and improve throttle response.240 bhp in a front wheel drive makes the GTI a very lairy beast wheras 265 bhp in an R32 just makes you smile and want to find a tunnel somewhere....
Tea Pot One said:
brisel said:
Welshbeef said:
If so remap the GTi and you'll have circa 240bhp thus trumping the R32 which cannot be remapped as its N/A.
Not entirely correct - any car with an ECU can be remapped. Ok, so a naturally aspirated engine means less potential power gains when compared to a forced induction one. Remaps for the 3.2 V6 will give 10 - 20 bhp alone but will give plenty more torque and improve throttle response.240 bhp in a front wheel drive makes the GTI a very lairy beast wheras 265 bhp in an R32 just makes you smile and want to find a tunnel somewhere....
Right enough that I was considering sheeling out my hard earned on the map anyway!
We've recently got the wife a MkV GTi, manual 'box. On the few occasions I've been allowed to drive it (! She's rather posessive of her new toy!), it's felt:-
- Bland and 'damped' on M-ways and when plodding along - like there's a layer of cotton wool between you and the controls (compared to 306 GTi-6, ITR, and S2000).
- Tauter, more focused, nicely poised/balanced when you press-on and actually make the car start to work.
It's never going to be as lairy or 'pure' as a 90s-era hot-hatch, but for a modern car it's a great compromise, and if you get the leather seats it feels a quality place to be inside. Becs loves it.
vs R32? Tricky one - Becs really liked the R32, but AIUI real-world there's no difference in pace and the R32 is heavier so will feel less agile. And they're quite a bit more £££.
She's rather posessive of her new toy!), it's felt:-- Bland and 'damped' on M-ways and when plodding along - like there's a layer of cotton wool between you and the controls (compared to 306 GTi-6, ITR, and S2000).
- Tauter, more focused, nicely poised/balanced when you press-on and actually make the car start to work.
It's never going to be as lairy or 'pure' as a 90s-era hot-hatch, but for a modern car it's a great compromise, and if you get the leather seats it feels a quality place to be inside. Becs loves it.
vs R32? Tricky one - Becs really liked the R32, but AIUI real-world there's no difference in pace and the R32 is heavier so will feel less agile. And they're quite a bit more £££.
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