Having driven both Mk6 GTI and R, I think for 95% of applications, the GTI is the better all round bet, not to mention the $10k extra in my pocket. Hence why Motor mag put it ahead in 2010 for the performance car of the year.
If your MkV has a tune, a std R wouldn't keep up with it (unless on a track).
If my R had a tune my stock MKV would be a slug and would still be a slug if tuned (ie pointless comparison)
Also the MKV is very different to the MKVI
The R (if you can afford it), offers a much better overall package.
Looks a lot better too if that floats your boat
However, if you are counting coins, the MKV GTI is a good compromise
I still can't believe how much more out R offers over our MKV GTI.
I think the money arguement makes sense in the UK. Not here.
I think the R v GTI conversation has been flogged. They have different attributes and both will offer you a great driving experience. If you think the MKV ownership was great then all will agree an MKVI step is well worth the journey.
Personally my attraction to the R was the AWD and the DSG primarily, then all the options that come standard which define it as the Golf's top of line model. For that you carry a 10K premium which in my mind was value form money given what the differences are to the GTI.
If you were to go the GTI MKVI then you will be very happy if the MKV was floating your boat. The R is a level beyond ( please note the word beyond not above)
The OP could also consider a Scirocco R, or GTI ED35 if there are any floating around. Both run the R's EA113 motor with larger K04 turbo, but don't suffer the weight penalty of AWD.
Depending on where this topic goes I'll probably merge it with the Golf R vs Golf GTI thread.
Has the same smell about it..
But the OP isn't debating between buying the MkVI GTi and R
He/she has a MkV GTi and is wondering whether to go through with the update/upgrade to the R at all - I haven't seen him/her mention buying the MkVI Gti as an option.
Correct! I'm not trying to decide between a MKVI GTI and MKVI R.
I wouldn't consider changing my GTI with another GTI. The draw for me was the R was different, the additional cost is no consideration, just felt the GTI was getting on with it nearing 100K and thought I'd move it on and get something a bit different....... but sort of the same..... if you know what I mean.
It's probably worth noting that I have a dedicated Weekend/Track car also so have no real intention (at this stage anyway) of modifying the R. I'll never take it to the track, and I'll not get caught up in needing to prove how fast it is on the street. Mind you I love a quick blast through the mountains.
So my GTI is very much a pure daily drive as will be the R.
It's manual cos I love the drive, and it's the way that when you feel like it, the GTI just rips through the low RPM shifts without a sweat when you don't feel like making her scream.
I love the look of the R, but still love the look of the GTI also, but I still drive it and wonder if the R will be the same sort of fun. After all the test drives, only one in a manual as they seem to be few and far between, I'm still not certain.
But I appreciate all the comments guys, that's great feedback. I know everyone has an opinion, and they'll all be coming from a different place. But it's still good to get some of these as a guide.
Again, as a daily, the agility may be an issue, the turning circle may be an issue, but the AWD would be brilliant as my track car is also, and it's Great.
Only reason this is a thought is because I often simply drive down the street, and say to myself "damn this little thing is brilliance!" So just hoping the R gives me the same inspiration.
Never know until I try I suppose.
Thanks again for your feedback. Great to see you guys are all open to offering your thoughts.
I'm doing the shift.
Mk6 GTI to MK6 R, after 2 years ownership. Both DSG.
I have a subaru background, with a wrx (heavily modified), STI (again, modified), Forester, and also a family outback hack.
Once you experience AWD there is no secure sensation and take off motion of "one-ness". if you've experienced it, you know what I mean...
the "agility" argument doesnt hold for me. If I wanted to take an agile car to work, I'd take the NA MX5 that's sitting in the garage.
Indeed. As it stands at the moment I try to take that to work as much as possible, compared to the GTI. Perhaps the XDL in the GTI is too clinical and spoils the fun? not sure. The MX5 is so much more a fun car to drive, with about half the power of the GTI.
Besides, given you're currently on order for a 12 R, the ESP will be fully switchable. 4wd drifting is so much fun!
But, then again I can say that.. i have had my order switched for a car currently on the production line, after wallowing in "still not scheduled for production" since late November...
+1 .. hard to explain to those who havn't been expose to AWD.. it is just rightQuote:
Originally Posted by entice