2021 VW GOLF R MK8 vs MK7.5R - Comparison Test!

Some first impressions of driving both cars back to back on the same bit of road.
MK8 R Owner: / 11kbt
MK7.5R Owner: / marionvehiclespecialists
MK8 REVIEW I did: • The Most Expensive VW ...
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Instagram: @trhamza_
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[@TRHamza]

Apologies for being MIA for over 2 weeks, just needed some time to recharge the batteries. Have still been filming in the meantime though so expect another video in a couple days!

[@alexhodgkinson618]

Welcome back bro hope it’s been a decent few weeks mate! Looking forward to the incoming content as always 💪 Cheers

[@edwardfrancis9310]

What, of the Ex Plod T5?

[@gti_remus9691]

A 7.5 R with a stage 1 and a good exhaust is the sweet spot

[@MikelDog]

Great cars, very capable but boring imo!

[@gti_remus9691]

@@MikelDogi agree on the golf R its kinda a boring car but a gti is very fun to drive specially with a couple suspention mods snd good break

[@PapiAndrey]

I think stage 2 is better with the stock catback. A downpipe is all it really needs as far as the exhaust imo, the stock catback does a good job at getting rid of the unwanted sounds and leaving you with a good exhaust sound

[@MrRonan3]

Totally agree. Mine went into APR stage1 Plus carbon air intake and turbo elbow. Came out rapid!, then sold it and purchased a TCR. Better car to drive But i miss that launch,

[@gti_remus9691]

@Bry Zeer your comment is useless , im talking about driving pleasure and not gapping this or that

[@fusionlord2533]

Mk7.5 interior is way better than Mk8… The look also is 10/10… VW smashed it with the Mk7.5 and being behind the wheel just puts a smile on your face.

[@maxy8007]

Its a dinosaur

[@garyjinks7482]

@@maxy8007 Lame troll

[@Undisputed_King]

@@maxy8007 you're a dinosaur

[@JustMe-pq7je]

I aggree. Stage 1 and dsg tune its a monster with 370 hp 500nm

[@blam9346]

mk8 > mk7 boy.

[@mountainman6172]

I just love the shape of MK7.5 and the taillights (dynamic sequence indicator) is ageing really well.

[@stevenrussell5937]

the resale value is aging really well too!

[@JustMe-pq7je]

The 7.5 is the better looker

[@kazkhan3131]

Had a mk8r for 10months hit 15k miles and love it perfect daily hot hatch

[@SamAustin]

Great video as always Hamza! Your knowledge on these cars is better than anyone else out there 👍

[@richborough008]

Great video - this is one of the best summaries between Mk7.5 R and Mk8 R from a driving perspective. I'm in a Mk7.5 R Estate/Wagon and will be adding sway bars to liven up the handling with a stage 2 tune then after a few years probably move in to the Mk8.5 R

[@specops]

really enjoyed this video not many people have done a back to back 7.5 vs 8

[@I6N54]

And here I am still with my old MK5 GTI

[@johnfranklin6394]

I switched off the sound actor on my mk7.5 GTI PP using an OBD Eleven. Couldn't bear it. It filled the whole cabin with a harsh drone that appeared to come out of the windscreen. I have a BMW 128ti now, and the fake sound in that is much better, so I leave it on. Great video again Hamza. Cheers!

[@garyjohnson3751]

Just picked mine up last week absolutely love it

[@shaglioni]

Just a well done comparison vid, especially considering you, at this current time of my comment, have owned both model years and provide an honest, upfront perspective. I am hoping to get into an MK8R DSG sometime next year.

[@stephenhankey9684]

I’m not a vw/Audi fan boy but, I do enjoy your videos!!

[@Birmingham_racing]

I asked Faris which one is better but you're the better man for the job

[@clemsonguy99]

Thanks for the video! Just experienced my first ride in the MK8 and it’s definitely more fun than the 7.5.

[@DzekoTV401]

I bought a demo last year 2019Golf R Oettinger Sport and did few small upgrades so 320horses makes it a real nice hatch and its DSG!Gonna keep it for good 😌

[@purplepulser]

I had my 7.5 pre gpf mapped by MRC, Doug removed the auto upshift in manual mode. Throttle response is also better so you can get a mk7.5 to be comparable to the mk8 for those things. Since the remap, it's certainly a lot more fun to drive! The rear diff on the mk8, well that is always going to be an advantage, but the 7.5 still handles well, you just need to adapt your driving style a bit.

[@maxy8007]

Its a dinosaur

[@gaycha6589]

I have same witrh a Unicorn remap. It does not feel dated compared top Mk8 imo. I looked at the 8 and decoded that cost/benefit to change up just was not worth it - even after test drive The styling and touch dash combo did not win me over either. So I bought a Yaris GR instead, saving money and doubling fun. Ended up keeping the 7.5 for my daily and GR for weekend fun

[@fadinoufal1991]

I have stage 2 7.5 this exact spec with the akra backbox running 420 ps it’s best bang for buck and better looking than 8 r imo

[@downtimefun]

great video as always!! no Golf R in where I live... still! and I made do with a GTI Mk8, still super enjoyable! :D

[@deezyb858]

Great vid. Straight to the point.

[@mohsen9590]

Loving the classic Casio Hamza 😉

[@declanmceleney7429]

Very detailed overview 👍

[@MyKitchenMySpices]

Great content and thanks for sharing

[@Kali-Ikigai]

Aesthetically the Mk7.5 is the clear winner to me.

[@the_dark_ranger3740]

Lets go amazing bro 💥

[@Ikrissyx]

Please do the MK7.5 and MK8 GTI comparison

[@shahibshah5295]

Having owned brand new mk7 then mk7.5 an now the mk8 with performance pack. The mk8 is a better drive you can feel the back being a little ichy it's obviously more powerful. I would say the best thing is mk8 is rare especially with performance pack, all due to the chip shortage. An i agree if they do a facelift they should add a few buttons as touch screen can be distracting

[@marra132]

You need to try the facelifted renault megane R.S Trophy or the normal one,. It is a really great hot hatch :)

[@simbo52bn22]

'whatever THAT is' love it 😆

[@harunnasar6238]

I love your golf r and video

[@sleepwalker31]

Good video, I own a mk7r so I'd like to think the 8r is an upgrade. Like yourself, I'll be in one eventually just not while prices are this ridiculous 🙄

[@adamkashif7709]

I’ve got an mk8 and love every second off it! like you said once you hit them back roads you know what the car is about way better than mk7 no doubt

[@mikewohala6035]

I pick mine up Monday (white dsg) it’s on its way from Baltimore I believe. Moving up from a 7.5 GTI dsg that is bone stock. Had to pay a premium over sticker but not too bad. I ordered an M3 competition but it’s 12-18 months away considering how far behind they are on them.

[@gtiak274]

The MK 7,5 is so much nicer then the 8...

[@Sb7spirit]

In the interior but I dig the mk 8 exterior

[@blam9346]

Naaaah

[@psiturbo]

You gotta see them in person, it looks so much nicer than the mk7.5, which is dated. To know the drivetrain of the new model is the same one as in a RS3 is just amazing.

[@H-jb4tf]

I totally aggree

[@H-jb4tf]

​@@psiturboI dissagree. Seen it in person. The mk 7.5 is the best looking model.

[@17luke]

Question about DSG in my mk7 clubsport if anyone can help :) Car on stock map makes clutch pressures of 10&9bar where it should read 11.. When I run racingline stage1 at 13bar I get no movement on the 10&9. I've tried dsg service, solenoids and now wonder if anyone knows what to try?

[@kimboofdzners9574]

A lot of those responsiveness comments are fixed w a tune. It would be great to check sway bar diameters and if the suspension bushings are stiffer on the R8.

[@Izzy111R]

Im struggling to decide what to buy next and would be interested in your feedback. Daily driver and not too ruinous to run. £25k budget. Current shortlist M2, RS3 8P, GTI 7.5, R 7.5. Really like the look of the Mk8 GTI too but the tech operation is supposed to be rubbish.

[@haroonali9018]

I see Hamza has lost his north face fleece lol

[@oreomaster285rodneysmart9]

That’s the spec to get in the 8 💪🏼🤩

[@realtalk4478]

Which one better golf gti or r? Can't make mind about which one I want

[@Birmingham_racing]

Mk 7.5 will always be my favourite

[@chloeleedow7250]

Oh afterthought to another comment, I remember getting back in my corolla after driving my golf for a few days after first buying it, I felt like I was going die in the corolla after how safe I felt in the golf 🤣🤣

[@JustMe-pq7je]

Also share the same as already stated by others. The mk 7.5 is the better looker. I just added APR stage 1 and and APR dsg tune with an invidia q300 cutback and it's a monster on performance. Why would I then want to spend a huge amount on a Golf mk 8?

[@BLENDIVERSE-]

What happened to the R32 mk5

[@S29ORY]

Can you turn the light bar off on the mk8 golf r ??

[@TurkishBenAirsoft]

You can turn the engine sound speaker off in settings. The dash board in the mk8 looks cheap.

[@ajmark2031]

Great vid 👍. Owned a 7.5R and waiting for a 8R to arrive (waiting 11 months now 😒 ). How did the performance of the two cars compare? Did the 8R seem much quicker?

[@TRHamza]

Thank you 👍🏼 Feels noticeably quicker for sure, the gearing also is quite aggressive on the 8

[@JustMe-pq7je]

Just add a stage 1 on your mk 7.5 and it be quicker and cheaper than the 8. lol

[@amirdiabe]

MK8 R will probably hold its value better too. Like back when the MK7/7.5 came out, I'd see loads of them on the streets. The MK8 has been out a while, and I don't see em too often, so will definitely hold their value well. Plus I must say the MK8 is sexy, I was a bit sceptical before, but having seen them in the flesh, they are beautifully designed. Obviously some people will prefer the more boxy headlights of the 7.5 but that's down to individual preference.

[@garyjinks7482]

It will always be haunted by the infotainment system. Rumors has it VW is already redesigning it for the 8.5.

[@MachonaVideos]

It's the headlights that ruin the exterior design on the 8r. Like you said though, it comes down to personal preference - but the eyes of the 7r (especially the 7) and the 7.5 are just much more menacing and give the car a different presence on the road. The whole strip light thing on the MK8 GTI is so weird looking

[@blam9346]

The mk8 golf r looks better I. Every way IMO

[@knv555]

What happened to the mk5 r32 ?

[@malikie90]

Hamza should get a mk8 r and do it up will be good

[@TRHamza]

Maybe in future if they ever depreciate lol, and tuning starts

[@gti_remus9691]

I just can’t get into the mk8’s interior it’s soo boring and blend it remainds me of the economy peugot cars

[@H-jb4tf]

I have to aggree with other comments already made. The mk 7.5 is the better looking car. In particular if you already done an APR stage 1 ecu and a dsg tune. It will even out performance the mk 8. Internal appointments are also better quality in the mk 7.5 Golf R mk 7.5 simply is the best model.

[@Knapster4444]

How many miles to break in the mk8 golf r?

[@twinzgolfr8883]

GOLF R MK 8 FOR ME 😉😉

[@rockyhemanth2628]

Bro, May I know where r u from ?

[@DjNikGnashers]

It's not as much fun as your M140i though is it Hamza ;-)

[@remfanuk1970]

wish my 2019 s3 with res-delete milltek sounded as nice the mk8 :(

[@pete7523]

As a 7.5R owner, I’m actually more interested in a comparison between a stage 1 7.5 and a a stock 8. The choice for me is: do I get a tune or the new model?

[@tommyb888]

Tune anyday

[@shaglioni]

If money is not a concern too much, with the new turbo and AWD system like he mentions in the video, I would go MK8R. If budget is tight, of course a tune.

[@marvaluscivic]

mk8 interior better quality ? Always had loads of creaks / rattles from my mk7 GTI - and leaky rear doors !

[@TheIggy861]

Personally I don’t think so

[@garyjinks7482]

MK 8 is selling for $55K here in California ($10k market adjustment). Bought out the lease on my 7.5 for $28K with 57K miles and 3 1/2 years still on the warranty; same color as in this review. Used my car sells for $45k as is with 15K miles. In my case no brainer on the 7.5 half the cost. Both great cars. Not a big fan of the silver side mirrors and only 3 colors.

[@DRmuawia]

how it still got 3 and half year warranty if im assuming its 2018 model that mean 5 years already gone how it have 3 more ?

[@mikedavies4561]

I will wait until the mk8.5 then get a second hand mk8 clubsport

[@jasonelliott8101]

How does the Mk8 R compared to the RS3 8Y handling wise Hamza ?

[@garyjinks7482]

About the same price here in California except no hatch version.

[@Sooka_Phatwon]

Owned both. Loved my 7.5 but the 8 is so much better. Each to their own though.

[@maxy8007]

Out with the old in with the new.

[@Cjbx11]

Strange to sell a manual option in a country where most people don’t know how to drive them.

[@cakelover8517]

I had a 7.5R and it was an okay car but a bit dull and boring, certainly don't have any desire to own another. I was curious to see what the 8R would be like and for me I just can't take to the styling, didn't look great on paper and looks even worse in the flesh.

[@Theurgicnick]

I’ve had a mk8 R on order since end of September beginning of of October. I’ve had two build weeks pulled from underneath my feet, first was week 21, then was week 42, now there is nothing. Got a letter from the chief tonto at VW UK a certain Mr McLeod saying basically they have no idea when my car will be built. Basically the same spec as the one in your video just without the exhaust. Just couldn’t bring myself to tick that box, if the standard one is that rubbish I’ll go aftermarket.

[@KyElias]

I orderd the same car as u but my build date is november this year ordered it in march this year probably the dealer

[@3John16]

I ordered a mk8R last July and I've just received a notification that the car has finished production. It will be the 3rd R the dealership has received. I have a mk7.5R I'm anxious to contrast them.

[@carrots5733]

I just love eating cheese. So good.

[@hayyanmahmood2903]

hamza when u buying one

[@cmontes7961]

I have driven both and own the 7.5 R. Yes the MK8 is the faster car but once you go back to the MK7.5 in a day you will not want the MK8. The 7.5 R is good enough and 95 percent of the MK8. IMO the MK8 isnt worth the upgrade unless you need the newest Golf R.

[@GANJAMAN-1987]

Salaam brother im sayings the 7s n 7.5s too good affordable prices n enough grit to show any1 what day it is.. mk8 will have to come down in price before they get my ratings

[@MrWaheedulHaque]

Mk 7.5 Anyday of the week

[@thephenom9467]

We need more bmw content bro :)

[@001barca]

MK 7.5 has much better quality of interior, buttons instead of stupid touch pads in MK8. From the outside, it looks a lot better. Stage 1 tune and a better exhaust can take the output to same as MK8

[@philipguacci6452]

How long has the Mk8 Golf R been available in the UK?. It is still order and wait down under. The price will be very high. I have seen basic Gti Mk8 going for nearly $70k. If you can find one. We don't get the Clubsport or an Akrapovic exhaust option. Still have an original Mk8 with 85,000 kms on the clock. A new golf is so out of reach. Cheers for the great reviews.

[@philipguacci6452]

Sorry MkV not Mk8.

[@ajmark2031]

You could order a Mk8 R in around Dec 2020. In fact some folks that ordered then are still waiting for it to arrive.

[@sounddzz2331]

I'm from Melbourne and what I have heard is anyone wanting a Mk8 now is looking at 2023 delivery date. Absolutely crazy, just do what I did and get a 7.5R and spend $30k on getting it built lol

[@philipguacci6452]

@@sounddzz2331 I found a new Golf R at Brighton VW it was $54k drive away. This was pre pandemic. I turned it down. Who knew prices would go crazy. I have spent so much money just fixing things that went wrong on the Mkv. I wanted rid. But 14 years in and hard to part ways. Cheers.

[@James__bond007]

Ea888 or ea113

[@maxy8007]

Those who go on about how good the pld os cant have the new. Too bad.

[@chloeleedow7250]

I know I'm a year late to the party, but pretty sure the mk 8 r is a wet dual clutch bro could be wrong.

[@celebratecrypto3693]

Wish they would make affordable cars 2012-2019 golf r used are going for 30-40k $ with 50-100k miles ridiculous

[@harunnasar6238]

Love cars miss r32

[@cultofmodernism8477]

What's the comfort difference like? I test drove M7.5R today and did not like the feel at all. Back hurt after a 15 minute test drive. Is the M8 better?

[@jstoli996c4s]

Really? I’ve had my Mk7.5 R for almost 3 years and have found it to be quite comfortable, even on a 13 hour road trip.

[@SoldSane]

7.5 all day

[@joshpetit44]

That’s a stock mk8 exhaust? Actually doesn’t sound like a dust buster lol

[@xnominalx]

Akrapovic exhaust, optional extra.

[@ashwho-6319]

Making me regret my recent purchase of a manual 7.5R 🤣

[@karlitodong2626]

Sell it

[@ashwho-6319]

@@karlitodong2626 sell it and add another 20k on top for a mk8 no thanks 😭🤣

[@lukeoverthere555]

I love my manual 7.5r, so satisfying shifting through the gears on the b roads.

[@davidk5093]

Most people can't afford $50,000 for a hatchback. So they have to get an older golf R

[@3for4PA]

You are CORRECT.... eyeing a 6R with 40 K miles stage 1 still asking 30 K for THAT 😩

[@azimsuleman5284]

130i content ?

[@TRHamza]

It’s coming

[@azimsuleman5284]

Looking forward to it

[@anony-mousex]

7.5 is king

[@vagscanetprogramation7239]

I love farts in mk7 & 7.5 R

[@dale11111]

When u getting one bro😂😂

[@trader2473]

I dont know why people complain about buttons, imagine now samsung or apple put back buttons instead of touch screen! We can not get back nokia 3310. And for my taste every peace of mk8 R is briliant! It must move like everything else, why it would stay with buttons for rest of life?! VW just need to work on powerfull procesor and thats it!

[@waleedrashid1053]

buttons are easier to use whilst driving pal

[@CBirky-mm3fn]

@@waleedrashid1053 This. It’s a car, not a phone. How are those even comparable?

[@Samuel-bu7xr]

Mk 8 Golf has no gas strut for the bonnet 😑

[@jstoli996c4s]

You can buy one, but yeah that’s silly to not have one standard 🙄

[@blam9346]

mk8 waaay better than the mk7 and in so many ways

[@luciussander8217]

LOVING THE ILLEGAL NUMBER PLATES 🤮

[@edwardfrancis9310]

Hamza, I'm disappointed! Still no ex-plod T5 news. All the volvo guys are leaving you in droves, man! Save yourself! Very disappointing

[@DarkHelmet1976]

The Mk8 is better to drive and I prefer its exterior, but the interior is so tragically bad that it might as well come standard with a cabin full of angry cobras. Simply won't consider it and so the Mk7.5 wins every day.

[@Birmingham_racing]

Correction it did belong to your friend Faris but guess it was at the time of the video lol

[@raihanhassan1]

Farris owns kbt fabrics

[@Birmingham_racing]

@@raihanhassan1 his family own it not him but he is part of the business. Faris just sold the golf and m5 that's why I said it did belong to it

[@chriskitchens7660]

Don't like the exhausts on either of these. They had it right with the mk5 and mk6

[@chrismlarge1]

I’ve never driven either car but I can tell you the Mk7.5 is definitely better.

[@kevinvandorst]

I hate how Volkswagen has raped the ''R'' Golfs, they get worse and worse each generation. God I miss the MK5 R32 :(.

[@mattyoz0]

you liked it slow and heavy.

[@str8sawceentertainment373]

Mk8 exhaust note is so flat