MK7 Golf R vs MK6 Golf R/8P S3
Discussion
Morning Chums,
After a quick bit of input if anyone has any experience with this, I have an acquaintance who persistently states that there is 'nothing in it' between a MK7 and MK6 R. 1 car length at a maximum for straight line performance is their feedback under all conditions - roll on, launch, bends. I am yet to see or verify these unofficial results but what are peoples thoughts on this, is it accurate? Both cars are DSG.
- 8P S3 has 90kg extra weight
- 35+ hp in MK7R
- Latest Haldex on MK7R
- Why would anyone buy a MK7R if they can have 90% of the performance in a MK6R or 8P S3.
Let the debate begin. Cheers! AD
After a quick bit of input if anyone has any experience with this, I have an acquaintance who persistently states that there is 'nothing in it' between a MK7 and MK6 R. 1 car length at a maximum for straight line performance is their feedback under all conditions - roll on, launch, bends. I am yet to see or verify these unofficial results but what are peoples thoughts on this, is it accurate? Both cars are DSG.
- 8P S3 has 90kg extra weight
- 35+ hp in MK7R
- Latest Haldex on MK7R
- Why would anyone buy a MK7R if they can have 90% of the performance in a MK6R or 8P S3.
Let the debate begin. Cheers! AD
Bit more power
Bit less weight
New tech gadgets
Manufacturers Warranty
Because new car
Will always be an argument that a previous Mk is the better buy because its depreciated, but if you can afford it then buy new.
If its a same price, new high mileage, vs older low mileage, then the argument gets more difficult.
Bit less weight
New tech gadgets
Manufacturers Warranty
Because new car
Will always be an argument that a previous Mk is the better buy because its depreciated, but if you can afford it then buy new.
If its a same price, new high mileage, vs older low mileage, then the argument gets more difficult.
Gen 4 Haldex (MK6 R) and Gen 5 Haldex (MK7 R) are very similar. Pretty much just a change in pumping pressure (up 10 bar in Gen 5) and how the Haldex ECU reacts to the sensor inputs, I.e. a bit more proactively.
The MK7 gets it's XDS diff locks turned up a few notches too. Pretty sure it's speed limited on the MK6.
You can also see on paper the 7R is a lot quicker.
7R - 280lbft from 1800rpm
6R - 266lbft from 2500rpm
I would say your friend is wrong. Assuming equal driver skill and road conditions, a MK7 R with the adaptive dampers would comprehensively leave a 6R behind on the B roads.
The 7R still has all the advantages when remapped too. 6R is done by 360ish hp and it needs uprated fuel pumps and other bits to get there. 7R does 380hp with just software.
The MK7 gets it's XDS diff locks turned up a few notches too. Pretty sure it's speed limited on the MK6.
You can also see on paper the 7R is a lot quicker.
7R - 280lbft from 1800rpm
6R - 266lbft from 2500rpm
I would say your friend is wrong. Assuming equal driver skill and road conditions, a MK7 R with the adaptive dampers would comprehensively leave a 6R behind on the B roads.
The 7R still has all the advantages when remapped too. 6R is done by 360ish hp and it needs uprated fuel pumps and other bits to get there. 7R does 380hp with just software.
Edited by SuperchargedVR6 on Monday 6th February 16:21
I doubt there is a huge difference in numbers between the two. But, there are massive differences in the delivery and chassis response, both of which are far improved. I was ready to buy the Mk6 when it came out, but I found the chassis very wooden, the damping too hard, vague, remote steering and a turbo that ran out of puff too early. Didn’t like anything about it. The Mk7 is a revelation in comparison. The chassis is a delight, with responsive and feelsome (relatively) steering, quality damping, and good turn in. The power delivery is very linear, and feels most naturally aspirated with constant shove all the way to the red line. It’s an absolute blast to drive, and I was instantly hooked when I had my test drive. Very different cars IMHO. 
Thanks for the comments!
My thinking was its not going to be night and day difference in terms of performance, but certainly a fair distance between a MK6 and MK7 in a straight line race and even more so on a track. I remember seeing an EVO video of the MK7R beating an 8P RS3 around the track so to say that an is comparable is not really adding up.
My thinking was its not going to be night and day difference in terms of performance, but certainly a fair distance between a MK6 and MK7 in a straight line race and even more so on a track. I remember seeing an EVO video of the MK7R beating an 8P RS3 around the track so to say that an is comparable is not really adding up.
At that level, nothing is night/day quicker in a straight line unless you double the power (at least) over your opponent.
That is hardly surprising because the 8P S3's underpinnings date back to 2004. The MQB platform has moved on considerably since then. The only good thing about the RS3 was it's engine.
That is hardly surprising because the 8P S3's underpinnings date back to 2004. The MQB platform has moved on considerably since then. The only good thing about the RS3 was it's engine.
Captain Caveman said:
I doubt there is a huge difference in numbers between the two. But, there are massive differences in the delivery and chassis response, both of which are far improved. I was ready to buy the Mk6 when it came out, but I found the chassis very wooden, the damping too hard, vague, remote steering and a turbo that ran out of puff too early. Didn’t like anything about it. The Mk7 is a revelation in comparison. The chassis is a delight, with responsive and feelsome (relatively) steering, quality damping, and good turn in. The power delivery is very linear, and feels most naturally aspirated with constant shove all the way to the red line. It’s an absolute blast to drive, and I was instantly hooked when I had my test drive. Very different cars IMHO.
Interesting, I would say that steering feel has declined from the MK5 and the MK7 has the least feel of them all.Gassing Station | Audi, Seat, Skoda & VW | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff