GTI Performance MK7.5 VS MK7 R
Discussion
I know, the title makes this decision sound silly.
But my plans for if I were to get a 7R would be to retrofit headlights/taillights (pre-coded, non-genuine for hassle sake) and the radio (£900 all inc, genuine parts). Is it worth just getting the 7.5 GTI Performance and losing the 4WD for the digital cockpit/upgrades? A MK7.5 R is just too much money atm with DSG variants going for ~£26k the 7.5 GTI Performance DSG is high 22's/low 23's so I'm saving 3-4k (which will pay insurance/aftermarket wheels etc).
What are your guys' opinions? I've found a nice 7R which I'd be interested in for comparison:
£21,494 currently.
With lights, radio and fitting I'd be looking around £23,000 all inc. (Price of GTI Performance)
But my plans for if I were to get a 7R would be to retrofit headlights/taillights (pre-coded, non-genuine for hassle sake) and the radio (£900 all inc, genuine parts). Is it worth just getting the 7.5 GTI Performance and losing the 4WD for the digital cockpit/upgrades? A MK7.5 R is just too much money atm with DSG variants going for ~£26k the 7.5 GTI Performance DSG is high 22's/low 23's so I'm saving 3-4k (which will pay insurance/aftermarket wheels etc).
What are your guys' opinions? I've found a nice 7R which I'd be interested in for comparison:
£21,494 currently.
With lights, radio and fitting I'd be looking around £23,000 all inc. (Price of GTI Performance)
I wouldn’t bother fitting the newer updates really. You can fit the lights but the bumpers are different on the 7.5 so it would look a little odd.
Also the updated stereo doesn’t have a huge amount of extra functions over the 7 apart from the glass panel and larger screen.
The only big thing really is virtual cockpit but in my opinion it’s a bit of a willy waver as nice as it looks.
Also the updated stereo doesn’t have a huge amount of extra functions over the 7 apart from the glass panel and larger screen.
The only big thing really is virtual cockpit but in my opinion it’s a bit of a willy waver as nice as it looks.
SteBrown91 said:
I wouldn’t bother fitting the newer updates really. You can fit the lights but the bumpers are different on the 7.5 so it would look a little odd.
Also the updated stereo doesn’t have a huge amount of extra functions over the 7 apart from the glass panel and larger screen.
The only big thing really is virtual cockpit but in my opinion it’s a bit of a willy waver as nice as it looks.
Hi Ste,Also the updated stereo doesn’t have a huge amount of extra functions over the 7 apart from the glass panel and larger screen.
The only big thing really is virtual cockpit but in my opinion it’s a bit of a willy waver as nice as it looks.
That's the main reason why I was inclined to go for it was the virtual cockpit.
Probably not gonna go about purchasing a car until June/July time anyways so if the 7.5R comes down a bit I might take the plunge and spend that bit more but 21,500 for a high spec 7R isn't half bad either imo
It's a tough one the Mk7.5 GTI Performance Pack will be newer, has 245bhp, lighter (1370kg*), has a LSD and the newer tech, less miles, better mpg (43mpg combined) cheaper to tax and insure.
The Mk7 R has 296bhp is AWD and heavier (1495kg*). You should get one with Nav at that price. The combined mpg is 39mpg.
For daily use the GTI PP will be 99%.
The other option would be a GTI Clubsport with 261bhp which longer term will do well being the Limited Edition 40th Anniversy model.
On a left field the Audi S3 (8V) starts to look good value from the low 20's.
Or a Skoda Octavia vRS offers more value and space if space is a consideration (being the same engines as the Golf GTI Mk7).
The Mk7 R has 296bhp is AWD and heavier (1495kg*). You should get one with Nav at that price. The combined mpg is 39mpg.
For daily use the GTI PP will be 99%.
The other option would be a GTI Clubsport with 261bhp which longer term will do well being the Limited Edition 40th Anniversy model.
On a left field the Audi S3 (8V) starts to look good value from the low 20's.
Or a Skoda Octavia vRS offers more value and space if space is a consideration (being the same engines as the Golf GTI Mk7).
- Updated weights as those on VW approved used were incorrect.
Edited by g7jhp on Saturday 2nd March 22:38
I’ve had a MK7 R and a MK7.5 R and I think the active info display, particularly the current version, is a novelty I could live without. The newer Audi, BMW and Mercedes systems all look considerably nicer, which makes the VW offering look quite dated IMO.
As for changing the lights, I just wouldn’t bother. The pre-facelift lights are more distinctive and without changing to the new bumpers and side skirts you’ll just end up with a weird mish mash of the two cars.
As for changing the lights, I just wouldn’t bother. The pre-facelift lights are more distinctive and without changing to the new bumpers and side skirts you’ll just end up with a weird mish mash of the two cars.
g7jhp said:
It's a tough one the Mk7.5 GTI Performance Pack will be newer, has 245bhp, lighter (1860kg), has a LSD and the newer tech, less miles, better mpg (43mpg combined) cheaper to tax and insure.
The Mk7 R has 296bhp is AWD and heavier (1960kg). You should get one with Nav at that price. The combined mpg is 39mpg.
For daily use the GTI PP will be 99%.
The other option would be a GTI Clubsport with 261bhp which longer term will do well being the Limited Edition 40th Anniversy model.
On a left field the Audi S3 (8V) starts to look good value from the low 20's.
Or a Skoda Octavia vRS offers more value and space if space is a consideration (being the same engines as the Golf GTI Mk7).
Wow those golfs are fat !! And 39 mpg for an r hahahaha
The Mk7 R has 296bhp is AWD and heavier (1960kg). You should get one with Nav at that price. The combined mpg is 39mpg.
For daily use the GTI PP will be 99%.
The other option would be a GTI Clubsport with 261bhp which longer term will do well being the Limited Edition 40th Anniversy model.
On a left field the Audi S3 (8V) starts to look good value from the low 20's.
Or a Skoda Octavia vRS offers more value and space if space is a consideration (being the same engines as the Golf GTI Mk7).
Wow those golfs are fat !! And 39 mpg for an r hahahaha
Edited by g7jhp on Saturday 2nd March 09:44
g7jhp said:
It's a tough one the Mk7.5 GTI Performance Pack will be newer, has 245bhp, lighter (1860kg), has a LSD and the newer tech, less miles, better mpg (43mpg combined) cheaper to tax and insure.
The Mk7 R has 296bhp is AWD and heavier (1960kg). You should get one with Nav at that price. The combined mpg is 39mpg.
For daily use the GTI PP will be 99%.
The other option would be a GTI Clubsport with 261bhp which longer term will do well being the Limited Edition 40th Anniversy model.
On a left field the Audi S3 (8V) starts to look good value from the low 20's.
Or a Skoda Octavia vRS offers more value and space if space is a consideration (being the same engines as the Golf GTI Mk7).
Mk7.5 GTi isn't 1860kg and the Mk7 R isn't 1960kg. Not unless they have at least 5 adults inside The Mk7 R has 296bhp is AWD and heavier (1960kg). You should get one with Nav at that price. The combined mpg is 39mpg.
For daily use the GTI PP will be 99%.
The other option would be a GTI Clubsport with 261bhp which longer term will do well being the Limited Edition 40th Anniversy model.
On a left field the Audi S3 (8V) starts to look good value from the low 20's.
Or a Skoda Octavia vRS offers more value and space if space is a consideration (being the same engines as the Golf GTI Mk7).
Edited by g7jhp on Saturday 2nd March 09:44
MDMA . said:
g7jhp said:
It's a tough one the Mk7.5 GTI Performance Pack will be newer, has 245bhp, lighter (1860kg), has a LSD and the newer tech, less miles, better mpg (43mpg combined) cheaper to tax and insure.
The Mk7 R has 296bhp is AWD and heavier (1960kg). You should get one with Nav at that price. The combined mpg is 39mpg.
For daily use the GTI PP will be 99%.
The other option would be a GTI Clubsport with 261bhp which longer term will do well being the Limited Edition 40th Anniversy model.
On a left field the Audi S3 (8V) starts to look good value from the low 20's.
Or a Skoda Octavia vRS offers more value and space if space is a consideration (being the same engines as the Golf GTI Mk7).
Mk7.5 GTi isn't 1860kg and the Mk7 R isn't 1960kg. Not unless they have at least 5 adults inside The Mk7 R has 296bhp is AWD and heavier (1960kg). You should get one with Nav at that price. The combined mpg is 39mpg.
For daily use the GTI PP will be 99%.
The other option would be a GTI Clubsport with 261bhp which longer term will do well being the Limited Edition 40th Anniversy model.
On a left field the Audi S3 (8V) starts to look good value from the low 20's.
Or a Skoda Octavia vRS offers more value and space if space is a consideration (being the same engines as the Golf GTI Mk7).
Edited by g7jhp on Saturday 2nd March 09:44
Other sources say circa:
GTI 1370kg
R 1495kg
g7jhp said:
Other sources say circa:
GTI 1370kg
R 1495kg
Yep, the only real difference to the weight on the R is Haldex which adds approx 130kg to a car. 1495kg is what I've seen quoted before for a DSG equipped R. (DSG vs manual is approx an extra 20kg IIRC. 3-door would likely be a few kg lighter than a 5 door too.)GTI 1370kg
R 1495kg
As an R owner, I would say that the overall weight is one of the few drawbacks. For a mid sized sporty car it's damn heavy even though the 300bhp and AWD makes it swift off the mark. It does make the ride feel very solid and assured though.
Aesthetically the lights look better on the MK7 than they do on the MK7.5. Functionally it's the other way round.
You won't get the MK7.5 headlights in a MK7 as the front bumpers are different, but you can change the rears if you want but you will need some harnesses that cost extra.
If you want the virtual dash and don't have the MIB2 in the glovebox, you need to change that as well as the clocks = expensive.
Personally I would go R, the difference in running costs will be so small it'll take ages for the GTI to make any meaningful saving. The R is the better car by far.
If however you were comparing MK7 and MK7.5 R's I'd probably say go 7.5R as it's a better all round upgrade over a MK7R.
You'll find all performance Golfs holding their value well right now, mainly because WLTP held up loads of orders which meant limited supply. They are starting to filter through now so prices should soften. For example, I bought a Golf R with lots of options in March 2017. It was 1 owner with 13,000 miles and it cost me £25,000. They're still around there to buy today.
You won't get the MK7.5 headlights in a MK7 as the front bumpers are different, but you can change the rears if you want but you will need some harnesses that cost extra.
If you want the virtual dash and don't have the MIB2 in the glovebox, you need to change that as well as the clocks = expensive.
Personally I would go R, the difference in running costs will be so small it'll take ages for the GTI to make any meaningful saving. The R is the better car by far.
If however you were comparing MK7 and MK7.5 R's I'd probably say go 7.5R as it's a better all round upgrade over a MK7R.
You'll find all performance Golfs holding their value well right now, mainly because WLTP held up loads of orders which meant limited supply. They are starting to filter through now so prices should soften. For example, I bought a Golf R with lots of options in March 2017. It was 1 owner with 13,000 miles and it cost me £25,000. They're still around there to buy today.
the-photographer said:
Dont forget about the Seat Cupra
Yep, that would seem the answer here! But failing that I'd go for the newest Mk7 R possibible. The mildly updated 2016 cars are nice and coming down in price. Wouldn't bother trying to retrofit newer lights etc as that will just make it impossible to ever sell on, as people will assume it was accident damaged.
Tbh the virtual dash in the R and GTI isn't all that, could easily live without it!
It looks crap compared to other brands, and when the 8 R / GTI / Golf comes out will feel dated.
The seat version is far better tbh, the audi version is the stand out winner imho.
Once you get use to the speed of the R its quite dull tbh, taskes everything in its stride, but then I am strange as I like my cars with a little torque steer etc, the r you just plant your foot and go - no skill required.
It looks crap compared to other brands, and when the 8 R / GTI / Golf comes out will feel dated.
The seat version is far better tbh, the audi version is the stand out winner imho.
Once you get use to the speed of the R its quite dull tbh, taskes everything in its stride, but then I am strange as I like my cars with a little torque steer etc, the r you just plant your foot and go - no skill required.
Classing a digital dash as 'dated' has all the relevance of comparing this years smartphones vs last years.
The vast majority of cars on the road today still use analogue dials.
The only changes I would make to a Golf R would be external ones to make it look like a TDI. The R is nothing special to look at anyway, and thieving f'cks don't break into peoples houses for a diesel Golf.
The vast majority of cars on the road today still use analogue dials.
The only changes I would make to a Golf R would be external ones to make it look like a TDI. The R is nothing special to look at anyway, and thieving f'cks don't break into peoples houses for a diesel Golf.
Everybody's talking about digital dashes and headlights, but OP if you are looking at a DSG there is one fundamental difference to consider. The 7.5 GTI Performance (and 7.5 R) comes with the infinity better 7speed box, as opposed to the old 6sp found in all the 7's(GTI's and R)..
The boxes are night and day (both physically and implemented). Given the choice in your situation, I'd go GTI, the 7.5 adopted a lot of upgraded bits from the 7R (brakes etc), is lighter, has less of a negative 'image'. Also the subtle updates of the 7.5 (lights, bumpers, nav system) make it a much better proposition to own.
Personally, I picked a 7.5 GTI over a 7.5R, so I'd have no hesitation taking a 7.5GTI over a 7R... cue gratuitous shot of my 7.5 Performance which I picked up a couple of months ago...
The boxes are night and day (both physically and implemented). Given the choice in your situation, I'd go GTI, the 7.5 adopted a lot of upgraded bits from the 7R (brakes etc), is lighter, has less of a negative 'image'. Also the subtle updates of the 7.5 (lights, bumpers, nav system) make it a much better proposition to own.
Personally, I picked a 7.5 GTI over a 7.5R, so I'd have no hesitation taking a 7.5GTI over a 7R... cue gratuitous shot of my 7.5 Performance which I picked up a couple of months ago...
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