Volkswagen Golf R vs Golf GTI Performance 2018 review | Head2Head

Volkswagen has just updated the Golf R with a few design tweaks, an increase in power to 310hp and a raft of new performance options. However, it's also upgraded the GTI Performance pack too so that now has 245hp. The price difference between the two is a little over £3,000. So is it worth upgrading to the R or is the GTI Performance all the hot hatch you could ever need? I test both cars, time their 0-60mph times, check their in gear acceleration and generally have a blast trying to find out...

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[unknown]

the golf is faster but the golf is better looking so its the golf for me

[DeltaWhiskeyy]

I’ve owned my Mk7.5 R for over 2 years now. And in that time I have driven a Mk7.5 GTI (both cars are DSG). As much as I love the performance on the R, I would prefer to keep the GTI. For everyday use the R is just like any other golf, but you put your foot down and you’re busting speed limits before you know it. I rather have slightly less power and to be able to enjoy it more. Taking around country roads the R really comes into its own when pulling through and out of corners, but the actual handling feels dull and boring. You just get the feeling that it’s doing everything too well and there’s no thrill (for some people this might be exactly what they want). It’s a more than capable car (more capable than my abilities for sure) I just don’t find it an involving drive at all. Having said that, using launch control with family and friends is always a nice little party trick, it always leaves everyone smiling. And it is nice to have that power on tap if you do need it to shoot off the line. If you are looking at a performance golf, I would recommend the GTI for everyday use and something to have a little fun with. I got the R purely to scratch an itch, I know if I had gone for the GTI I would have always wondered “what if..”. If you do decide the R is what you want I would thoroughly recommend trying to find one with adaptive suspension (mine is fixed and it can be exceedingly uncomfortable for everyday use) and the upgraded sound system (this is applicable to any golf). I hope this helps :)

[marknagy]

Had the 2015 GTI, enjoyed it immensely. It was in for service and my sales guy offered the R for a test drive while I waited. Needless to say, I now have 2016 R in the driveway. Couldn't be happier - best car I've ever owed. It just puts a smile on my face every time I start the engine. It has all the practicalness of a GTI, but that engine, exhaust and drivetrain puts it over the top.

Great review Matt. Being an owner of both cars, you didn't miss a thing in your comparison.

[berkinerengurman]

I think gti is enough for performance driving and more colorful than R so my choice is GTI <3

[anesusean]

I found the GTI to give a better tingle. Especially when it’s tuned. The wheel spin gives a thrill

[MrVoayer]

All results and all numbers were astonishing. For both GTI and R. With 65BHPs more it is no surprise that R is much quicker. But as our roads are not racing tracks GTI should suffice.

[katlegophosa]

I prefer the GTI over the golf R. ( big fan from South Africa)

[richardmcfarlane-cen]

I think the Golf R is better looking. Very slight understatement is never a bad thing.

[JMNTN]

0:55 they have more swirl marks than my 5 year old mk6 with 117000 kilometers

[MrArchie]

I really like this chap's reviews, no bullshit and useful info done quickly without much waffle, and man what a great job you have!

[tan]

Hatchback 0-60 in 4.2 wow!
Can't wait to get this

[RobWeb_]

That Golf R is immense. 4.2 seconds to 60... wow. thats nearly supercar quick

[KingSadim]

4.2 seconds from the factory, wow. Good review Matt.

[kendrickchase]

Just got a Golf R yesterday 2016, cant wait till its been delivered <3

[sinanmuhsin]

I have 2015 GTI Manual with Lighting Package for over 3 years and the car is amazingly fun and with a JB4 ECU tuning, this thing is a little beast! I also own a MK II Audi TTS 2-Seat Convertible with APR Stage I and it's similar to the AWD Golf R performance with huge turbo and Rapid Acceleration with Lightening fast DSG Shifting! The TTS is faster than the GTI and faster than the Golf R, but guess what, I still miss the manual in the light GTI that gives me that smile always!

[alecsavory]

The Golf R is a fantastic road car in any conditions it just grips and goes and can handle anything. Plus the Lapiz blue looks great.

[javali]

I just switched from Golf GTI Performance pack to Golf R
GTI much more nimble and better on fuel boot is bigger
R gets the power down very well and is very rapid however steering is heavier and you definitely feel it, its thirsty and you sacrifice mpg
Both are great motors the Gti looks way better

[ClubMicrobio]

That red lide line in grid and front lights makes the gti a pimp car.

[ccie.master]

Golf R is my favorite dream car since I am little boy (R32 MK4)

[paulzapodeanu]

These modern turbo engines really are special. Back in the early noughties you'd need a 911 turbo or a Viper to get a sub 4s 0 to 60. Now a hot hatch can almost do it. Granted the double clutch box is also better than any human could ever be.