Golf Mk 4 R32 or mk 5 GTI?

[Liam79]

Which of the two would you think
is the better buy for circa 10k?
I really like both and would need the 5 door version. I love the blue colour on the r32 and the exclusivity over the gti, but how do these two compare in real life?
Mpg, servicing and general performance?

[Luke.]

Not sure you can get the Mk4 with 5 doors.

[rallycross]

Had both and the mk5 is such a leap forward that the 2.0t 2wd car is better car than the R32 (even though the R32 is 4wd with that lovely V6 engine) its still a Mk4 Golf, and therefore not very good and with current prices does not look very good value either compared to a GT T Fsi.

[andy665]

Dynamically the Mk5 is the better car in standard form, the Mk4 R32 can be made much sharper than standard with some decent suspension. Interior quality is better on the Mk4.

Suppose the biggest factor is 4 pot drone or 6 cylinder howl

Personally i'd plump for a nice Mk4 R32 but both cars have their strengths and weaknesses

[northandy]

I had a mk4 r32 for 12 months a few years ago, it was very unreliable, it had the front suspension replaced twice, new cooling fans, clear coat started to flake off. It was back in the dealers 11 times in 12 months.

[rickybouy]

Also had both mk5 gti much better as overall car, in terms of feel etc, it depends what exactly your after! performance wise prob not much n it although i think around a track mk5 prob just pip it! r32 of course sounds great but the turbo + dsg on mk5 in my eyes tips the balance.

[Welshbeef]

Ved is something to consider r32 will much more. Mpg will be less sound very nice but from what I've seen on ph by others owners is it never gets that fast you expect a lot more but it just never comes very linear and the gti real world nothing in it.

4x4 great in snow but really how often?

R32 rarer nicer front and side look rear is mk4 oddity.

[useyourdellusion]

Luke. said:

Not sure you can get the Mk4 with 5 doors.

I'm pretty sure they did a 5 door version. Somebody I know had a mk4 R32 (albeit a 3 dr), and found it a little frustrating in standard form.

He reckoned it had few flat spots in its power delivery. Had Miltek give it the once-over (exhaust and remap) and it was totally transformed apparently. Much, much better.

I don't think it's any match for the mk5 GTi regarding economy though.

[Liam79]

The r32 I test drove has the milltek exhaust and it did sound great and
went well. Had the feeling I wouldn't see many others on the
road.
The gti was fresher and nicer
inside, also was quick but just didn't get the same enjoyment although that may change if I had drove it a
bit longer.