VW Golf R vs GTI: Is the Golf R Worth $15k More?

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[thomass]

I like the way the front of Golf looks more however the Golf has better tires than the Golf but ultimately if I had to make a decision I would definitely choose the Golf.

[johnschellhase]

As a Golf R owner, there are a few nit picky things I would like to point out:
1) The Mk7.5 R has a 7 speed DSG vs. the 6 speed for the pre-facelift.
2) the fake sound on the interior is actually made my vibrating the windshield not by the speakers. Called the soundaktor, or sound actuator.
3) The “15k difference” is not fair. The Golf R has so many more standard features. A fair comparison is an Autobahn GTI vs a Golf R. that is only about a $5k difference which I think it well worth it.
4) realistic gas mileage is much better for the Golf R. (at least mine, even with a neuspeed chip). Average is about 28 with consistently highway and city driving. On purely city driving, it gets around 31-32 at about 70-75.
5) With performance of DSG vs manual, the time gap is much smaller than stated.

Also PS: this isn’t me trying to be rude this is just things I noticed that are small that I wanted to point out or explain!

As usual I enjoyed the video and I like seeing these comparisons. I upgraded from a mk6 GTI to the mk7 R and love it. There are days I wish I had the DSG due to the raw power of the R but the manual is still so enjoyable. I live in a winter climate too, so having the awd helps a ton.

[kevink]

I’ve owned a 2007 GTI and a 2013 GTI Wolfsburg before getting my 2018 Golf R and all I can say is Golf R all the way!!! (All have been/are manuals)

[stephenhendricks]

MIke, good comparison. I think you're spot on in a number of points; I'd quibble with a few.

First, price. I faced exactly this choice about 4 months ago in the Seattle area. Comparing six dealers in the area I found only one willing to offer the "R" at the $42, 000+ MSRP and that was for a single example that another customer had ordered but then refused on delivery. Every other dealer added a second sticker of $2000-$4000 to the MSRP price for "R's" on their lots. In contrast I was able to purchase a fully loaded GTI Autobahn/DSG edition in the color I wanted for $32, 043 + TTL. That's a much closer apples to apples comparison between the two new vehicles than a lower trim GTI vs an "R". So the real world price difference, at least here in Seattle for similar trims, was a minimum of $10, 000, or so, rather than $15, 000. Still, it was a much greater difference than the oft-cited "few thousand dollar" difference between MSRP's. And if I had been willing to pay a "market adjustment" for the R the difference would have approached the $15, 000 you noted.

Second, build quality in Germany versus Mexico. I had a 2013 MK6 GTI, the last model built in Germany. Overall, I've found the 2018 GTI assembled in Mexico to be tighter, stronger, and overall a better built vehicle. I attribute that to the MQB-based architecture in the MK7.x version of the Golf. Over the first 6000 miles in my GTI I've had literally no rattles or fit/finish issues. I'm sure the R is just as solidly built but I can't imagine how it would be better. In short, Mexican robots are just as capable as German robots.

Third, AWD vs FWD. If I lived in Minnesota rather than the Pacific NW this would be a bigger issue. And I'd readily admit that the "R" feels more "planted" than the GTI. But as you noted, VW's 4Motion AWD is a front wheel biased system. The rear wheels come into play only when the car detects front wheel slip. And for that AWD you pay a penalty of about 300 lbs, the weight of an NFL lineman sitting in the back seat of a GTI. No wonder the R feels more "planted" in normal driving. Furthermore, the weight penalty in the R comes into play in braking. The two cars have the same brakes (as of 2018). With identical tires, it's only logical that the GTI has an advantage in stopping distance and that advantage is also felt in handling on twisty roads. The GTI is simply more nimble in most driving situations.

Fourth, tune-ability issues. Stock vs stock there's no question that the GTI is at a serious disadvantage. But a Stage One (APR) tune in the GTI provides essentially the same HP and torque as a stock R. Of course, an R can be tuned, as well, and the results are fairly amazing. But apart from performance at a dragstrip and bragging rights over beers, I simply don't see the point of a 400 HP Golf. And for less than $1000 an ECU flash and improved intake is a very inexpensive performance improvement and one I could use every day. YMMV, of course.

Tune-ability also has consequences in terms of a DSG vs MT choices. When I added a Stage One tune to my MK6 GTI, the shop owner asked if I had a DSG or a manual transmission. When I told him it was a DSG he replied, "OK. Well we won't have to the 'talk' about replacing your clutch on a regular basis." He was right. Over 20K miles, I never encountered a problem with my transmission after the tune, from what I've seen among other owners, that's a common experience not shared by those with manual transmissions.

Fifth, other GTI features vs R features. The "R's" digital cockpit is attractive eye candy. I wish my GTI had it. But, for me, it's not a big deal and from what I've seen, that difference will disappear with the 2019 model year. The "R" has a seven speed DSG vs the GTI's six speed unit. Whether that's an advantage is debatable, I think. Personally, I drive my GTI in manual mode most of the time and the six speed unit is easier to manage and more than adequate. The seven speed unit may improve the R's fuel efficiency a bit but otherwise I'm skeptical. Again, YMMV.

On the GTI side, the standard sunroof was more than a minor deal for me. When you live in Seattle you can use all the light in the cabin you can get. The fact that the R doesn't offer it, even as an option, wasn't a deal breaker but it was a disappointment. Otherwise, differences in the features of the GTI Autobahn edition and the R amount to badging and whether you prefer a frown or a smile on the front fascia.

So for me, at least, the $10, 000+ difference in price between the GTI and the R was simply too much to ignore. But I wouldn't criticize anyone who makes the opposite choice. As noted above YMMV.

[andrewlizotte]

I have MK7 Golf R stage 1+ ECU and TCU tune. Unitronic says it has 375 hp.. I could care less what it actually has. The thing drives like a monster when I want it to. I daily drive it and it's been reliable for 40k miles already the past 2 years! Wouldn't have wanted the $100 less a month car payment for the GTI.. if you have the money it's totally worth it. If your unable to spend the little extra a month then yes the GTI is also a great car. My car did awesome in Connecticut during heavy snow with snow tires and also ran a 12.2 quarter mile down in Florida on a very hot night. Roasted a corvette! With an intercooler down pipe and stage 2+.. probably even more of an amazing car.. soon.. LOVE THE DSG!

[jmj]

Michael that was a great review. Let's see how many thumbs up we can give Michael for that incredible weight loss you look awesome buddy.

[MarcJentzsch]

One word can resolve this debate: PLAID.
Thank you. That is all.

[johni]

Owned a Golf R for 2 years, great car, super fun to drive, yes it’s a lot of money but there is a lot of performance. I like that it doesn’t stand out, total sleeper. Fit and finish in the car is very good. Stock with the DSG it’s 4.5 seconds 0-60. Tuned it’s down below 4 seconds, it is seriously fast and can seat 4 without a problem

[t]

I’ve had both. I regret upgrading to the R. My wife now has the GTI, and I’ve moved on from the R to a Kia Stinger GT. But at the end of the day, the R (this was the 6 year DSG, so this may have changed) is tunes to require much more throttle than the GTI before it’s starts moving beyond snail’s pace. Sure once you squeeze that accelerator it’s insanely fast. But that speed just feels a lot less accessible unless you’re in Sports mode all day long. The GTI is just more fun even though its not as quick. Obviously this is purely one persons opinion. But I regret ever deciding to get the R.

[justordinaryeverydaylife]

Great review! I had the 08 GTi in the R32 days and every time I would see them I used to wish the Bosch ME9 2.0t came on them because that would have been a dream. You know for the AWD feature. The Golf R is a dream!! I will hope to own one, one day.

[Kiss__Kiss]

Mike, your content in this video was somewhat subjective, but the overall directive was spot on. Very mature in your approach, and delivery. Keep it up, young man. You are an asset to the TFL lineup, as I'm sure you've already heard. 🤓👍

[MichaelBacon]

I enjoyed this video a lot. But for almost 16k more, that's a lot of performance upgrades you can put into that GTI.

[patrickbroaders]

Girlfriend and I asked ourselves this exact question last month while shopping for a new "fun" daily for her and we walked into VW with intentions of purchasing a Golf R. After spending time in both the Golf R and GTI & before price even came into consideration, the GTI surprisingly became the clear winner. The GTI has a much more responsive and nimble/direct feel while zipping around during common daily driving scenarios. Cliche adjectives aside, It simply just felt more fun. The red stripe on the grill, red brake callipers and iconic GTI badge adds to the car's "fun factor" and lets people know that it is not just a normal Golf. Price was then added to the equation and to make a long story short, a DSG GTI now sits in our driveway.

[flopkin]

I own a GTI, I wish I could afford the R lol

[koston]

People say 300lb difference is not much. But if you think about it, its 10% of over all weight or having a 300lb NFL linebacker with you all the time.

[Newbyrock]

I absolutely love my Mk7 GTI. The DSG is so underrated it’s not even funny. I’ve always been a standard guy, but I was blown away by the DSG. Practical, sporty, fun, what’s not to love about the and did I mention how tunable they are?

[AnEvilBigfoot]

The GTI’s looks get even better when you have the lighting package and performance package, also with performance package you get R brakes so that’s a plus too. Another bonus is that you can get a sun roof with the GTI, and you can still get the black leather option as well

[ferrarienzokl]

The Golf R is already being discounted by a lot of dealers. Some sell them for 36k when MSRP is 41-42k.

[fxst]

I just purchased a 2019 “R”. I sold my Hot hatch Ferrari FF because I wanted a more mature hatchback with a third aluminum pedal. Money was not a consideration when intrinsic values are applied. Thanks for sharing.

[tactical_potato]

Really enjoyed this video man. It seems you and I both share a lot of points and counterpoints with both of these cars. I look forward to seeing some more of your independent videos like this man. Hopefully in the near future we can see some other actual live performance comparisons as well