2024 Volkswagen Golf R vs. Honda Civic Type R - POV Comparison

Filmed with ‪@TopherDrives‬
2024 Volkswagen Golf R:
MSRP: $45,665
MPG: 20 city / 28 highway
Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 315 hp @ 5,900 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Dimensions: 169″ L x 70″ W x 58″ H
2024 Honda Civic Type R
-315 horsepower @ 6500 rpm, 310 lb-ft of torque from 2600 to 4000 rpm
-6-Speed Manual Transmission
-Curb weight: 3188 lbs
-MPG: 22 City / 28 Highway
-MSRP: $44,390
Type R Modifications:
-255/35R19 Bridgestone Potenza Sport A/S tires on Honda Forged 19 inch Alloy Wheels 08W19-T60-100
-PRL 2023+ Honda Civic Type-R FL5 Rear Engine Mount Upgrade
-Brakes: Paragon R5 PBP370 Brake Pads (front), P3 PBP1557 Brake Pads (rear), Paragon PPS370 Titanium Brake Pad Shims (front), Paragon PPS1557 Anti-squeal Shims (rear).
-PRL Civic Type-R FL5 Replacement Panel Air Filter
-Acura Integra ITS ADS Unit - Acura part number 39381-31M-A03
-MRT 2023+ Honda Civic Type R FL5 Sport Touring Mid Pipe: www.shopmrt.com/2023-Honda-Ci...
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Thanks for watching!

[@devn3813]

I’d go with the R

[@friznutzs]

Which one?

[@ralphgoodwin1079]

ehhhhh I like the R more

[@stonie8629]

@@ralphgoodwin1079 i like the R more personally

[@gamingfists1600]

​Thats the joke😅, but I'd definitely go with the R​@@friznutzs

[@dawncrlito]

Bold decision

[@josecrespo602]

16:13 "Oh they just repaved this!!!!" The most midwestern reaction ever. The joy you experience when you get on a rare smooth road is hard to describe. If you're from MN, WI, MI etc - you know what I'm talking about.

[@chuckdowning2038]

Also in PA. I feel your pain. We have primitive roads.

[@arkap8596]

yea but you only have the first five days before the trucks put it back to the shitty state that they are normally in

[@koaladoeseverything]

tough choice but Id take the R 100%

[@user-gs5wo4ec3j]

Nah, the R is better.

[@koaladoeseverything]

@@user-gs5wo4ec3j I doubt it, the R is faster and handles better.

[@markolar3161]

I have a GTI.. people exaggerate the infotainment “issue”… I set it up when I start driving and never touch it again.. volume controls on the steering wheel work great 👍🏼

[@friznutzs]

I would consider the Civic "lightly modified" considering you have: Integra Dampers More Camber in the Front Upgraded Rear Engine Mount Drop-in Air Filter Upgraded Brake Pads

[@chriszaiser]

That rear engine mount is worth 4-5 tenths minimum of stock alone. ;) night and day difference for the civic

[@Marbind]

@@chriszaiserI put one on my Integra-S Wheel hop is completely gone. NVH is a bit annoying but I can live with it.

[@alexhamto3236]

Facts hes biased

[@30hours51]

@@alexhamto3236just bc someone owns a car and have slight criticism doesn’t mean he’s biased 😂😂😂 But then again he drove hundreds of cars and choose Type R over Golf for a reason

[@douglaskrueger357]

@@30hours51so true … how many people can say they have that kind of seat time, to make the most informed decision.

[@syedalam6363]

I vote for Gold R. Even thought I love the civic too but I feel i like more understated design and extra comfort in the R

[@lptomtom]

The Civic's wing is hideous, only a 13 year-old boy would find it cool

[@syedalam6363]

@@lptomtom it screams I want to race you on the highway :D

[@JustViperz]

@@lptomtomwtf it looks so cool?

[@PacMan790]

Hey, the rear seats don’t match the front seats in the Type R. 😂

[@buffalobill2965]

Golf R for me. Then some basic bolt ons and a tune for 470 HP and 430 lbft.

[@MyMusiKfaVorite]

Yea engine responds well w mod

[@-__-____-hdjakla]

Knew a buddy that owned one ( stock from 65,000 km) and it had over 14k in maintenance in less than two years. They just do not hold up as much as the Honda Rs

[@ryanhill8567]

@@-__-____-hdjakla Ive had zero problems, also there is a 4 year warranty on new vehicles powertrain

[@genotsSnor]

@@ryanhill8567 Yeah but not tuned

[@EQTMk7GTI]

@@-__-____-hdjaklaI’ve had no problems on my 2018 gti that I bought brand new. Car is now hybrid turbo making 550whp. I have put 10k into the car since buying it brand new. That includes mods, maintenance, everything. Not to mention 6k of that is into my hybrid turbo setup. That’s 4k in maintenance over the past 6 years. Fcp euro helps out a lot with lifetime warranty on parts like rotors, oil changes, and more. Car now has 80k miles and is running great. Always surprises V8’s and actually pulls on the few stock pulley boosted S550’s I have raced. Hellcats aren’t even a problem for the car as my 60-130 is high 6’s.

[@kyleperez5241]

I own a MK8 GTI, and actually don’t mind the interface in it. Wireless CarPlay is seamless, I have auto cooled/heated seats that turn on according to the outside temperature. To change fan speed I use the voice control, and there are quick access keys I have to quickly shut off auto start/stop, traction control, etc. If you’re a techy guy you’ll enjoy it.

[@chuckuni5366]

The mk8 works great but you have to break from traditions for stuff like the hvac. The auto hvac stuff works fantastic, it's basically set and forget besides minor temp adjustments, which are very easy with the sliders. I am someone that generally always finds fault with auto hvac, but I never mess with fan speed, defrost (there are buttons for this), heat to cool season, whatever - it get's it right 99% of the time. Any time I feel slightly off it's just a click or two on the slider to adjust the auto temp and let it control what needs to be done . I do go to the menu to turn it off/on for windows down time. This is three clicks total round trip and not a huge issue. I go to the menu to adjust the rear seat third climate zone for the kids. That's it. Seat heat and cool works very well by setting your preferences for outside temp. Or use two fingers on the temp slider to activate seat heat and it works just as easy to scroll through the three settings just as you would have with the old button. The HVAC on 8y Audis are the same. The auto HVAC works so well that you forget what buttons are which from not using them frequently enough and even though they are very high quality buttons they are harder to navigate when you are not familiar with them because they are down low on the dash. The Golf makes you click to one of four menus for deeper functions which is a compromise, but it pays off by then putting all that info in the same familiar spot, high on the dash. The volume slider is also very easy to use on the dash. Is not a knob, but it's just as easy and responsive. It's not backlit at night, which is a reasonable complaint, but not nearly as bad as it might seem because the sliders are in such an obvious spot that you absolutely don't need to look at them once you have used them a few times. The volume slider on the steering wheel is better than buttons and probably on par to the Audi steering wheel volume knob. It's sensitivity isn't perfect, but it is super satisfying to use in practice.

[@Benzo1818]

I’ve owned the 2024 Golf R since January & I really like the infotainment/Haptic Touch buttons. After one sets up a few shortcuts and sets up their Apple play…everything is a breeze. I think the only people that seem to not like it are car journalists that don’t spend any time in the car🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Jeffrey_Wong]

1:56 My favorite feature in my CX-30 has got to be all the physical buttons and (somewhat controversially) NO TOUCHSCREEN. Control knob for the infotainment means you don't need to reach out for a touchscreen and it's placed high on the dash where you can see it, and physical illuminated buttons for climate, wipers, headlights, cameras, etc. Love it.

[@zomiaen]

The DSG R makes a great DD. And lol, you're practically in my backyard.

[@dasmg]

same, i drive those roads all the time.

[@dheeradjlachman9658]

Boyth great car brands there own style love it thankyou for sharing with us💪😎

[@user-se8lu5qy6c]

We have 2022 S3 and a 2023 Golf R. Most of the time, I enjoy our S3 more. It is an awesome car and very comfortable.

[@TonyYesi]

I'll take both. These are both great cars.

[@geldwertinvest1521]

How does the clutch pedal feel? I have a MK8 GTI and feel a vibration/ rubbing when engaging the pedal. I've never felt that before with a manual transmission. After 30-40mins of city driving the pedal starts making squeaking noises. Vw has not been able to fix it.

[@CS-hf4dq]

I feel the same on my MK8 GTI the clutch pedal definitely doesn't go in smoothly nor does the shifter wiggle left and right smoothly they both kind of feel catchy or sticky but it doesn't really bother me. And I don't know about the pedal making speaking noises can you go into more detail of what that means

[@SteveBlancoMusicianWarrior]

The Type R is such a beautiful machine.

[@robertproulx9921]

I bought a 2024 typeR after I sold my 2021 Supra premium. Supra drew much more attention but TypeR is a real bad ass!!!!

[@thefactor6909]

R FTW and that’s coming from someone who owns one . Couldn’t be happier in all areas 👍🏻👊🏻 I must say that blue on the Golf R is absolutely beautiful !! 💯

[@shminghong]

19:12 i knew what was about to happen when i looked in the mirror 😂

[@ruthlessracing973]

I had to make this choice and I chose the CTR the cab is wider and longer than the golf it's very comfortable with 4 adults and extremely fun to drive

[@miguelcrisol3273]

Honda is other level in this segment, brand prestige and the King of nurbur...

[@richurro20]

i would love if you guys talked more about all the problems with the gr corolla.

[@benhaze1010]

@36:15 thumbs up for bluntly saying what others don't have the guts to do. In my case it is a deal breaker for the Honda, unfortunately.

[@paulv22]

I had a 2016 (Mk7) Golf R. It was a lot of fun, but I had to have the prop shaft replaced at 30k. I got rid it at about 60k (and the height of the used car market) partly because it was making the same noise the preceded the prop shaft failure. I did not hoon the car.

[@ericmorris2831]

Both are great at what they do. If I could have two cars, I'd have the Type R as a toy. Since I can only have one, I have a DSG Golf R. Great for commuting in traffic and comfortable for the family, but stupid quick and entertaining on a curvy road by myself.

[@682chepstein]

16:20 I love Topher casually talking about limits while sending them into a curve @ 60 MPH. So great.

[@kchen101]

I own the previous generation Golf R and CTR - very different. Golf DCT an awesome daily while the Type R fulfills my backroad/track days.

[@loudogguitar2813]

The exact video I wanted to watch opening up KZbin haha

[@zone47]

Great video!! I've been struggling with this as a 2024 Type R and Mk7 GTI-S owner in thinking I should have bought the Golf R. Better size, the DSG is quicker, better materials, paint, sound deadening and even the base GTI stereo is better IMO than the Honda. Maybe the Mk8 has cheapened up since then? I do love the more old school muscle car feel from the Type R though ... sort of raw and more mechanical... and the seats feel great! The reason I went with the Honda (based on a past RSX type S) is because I'm hoping I'll have fewer problems with it? The VW seems to be a car you'll just have to eventually wrench on. Time will tell. Thanks for the video.

[@rootsmanuva82]

20:45 one cool benefit of an APR tune is the oil temps stay cooler. Stock, 215F to 225F is the average oil temp when cruising. But with an APR tune oil temps are a more reasonable 195F to 210F even in stop and go 95F heat. It was an unexpected benefit I immediately noticed and great because you don't heat soak the iron block so easily in the summer.

[@boyutang6990]

type r is more fun JDM car where golf R is a s3 hatchback. In Canada type R is still marked up as crazy but you can get golf R under MSRP since there are a shit ton

[@WKmotorsport]

Hello Sir, if there any chance to try our Short Shifter for your FL5?❤

[@carljohnson7]

I almost inquired about a golf r, I read last night the 2025 model is getting a facelift. Still hate the touch sensetive buttons and hiding all the controls in the screen. Anyone getting the facelift or keeping their current golf for now?

[@Blank00]

The 2025 Golf will continue to not give us buttons, CTR interior remains superior

[@t3chn0m0]

The 8.5 is MUCH better in any way. Also the sensitivity on the touch buttons has been improved greatly compared to the pre facelift.

[@layne4376]

@@Blank00 The Golf R has buttons. Each haptic button moves and clicks. As usual, someone who has never actually used the interior of the Golf. Sigh.

[@ShaiyanHossain]

@@layne4376 the civic still has normal buttons not some dumb tech bro haptics. VW isn't using normal buttons and switches still because haptics are cheaper lol

[@layne4376]

@@ShaiyanHossain Cool conspiracy theory. Woiuld be nice to have an old Nokia phone, eh? With expensive buttons. Fool.

[@simonsmith582]

Being in Canada, I went with a manual Golf R for the AWD. A couple of other differences that I can recall when shopping both, the Golf R comes with less aggressive tires which I appreciate, 245 35R 19 vs 265 30R 19 for the CTR. Also, the fuel tank is slight bigger on the Golf which is nice. In the end, you can't go wrong with either.

[@thebrassbandit]

Also in Canada. I went searching for a new DD as I moved to somewhere I'd need a newer vehicle since I'll be doing much more driving. The CTR is also more expensive, and virtually impossible to find new, same as the GR Corolla. So instead I got a 2024 DSG Golf R off the lot for below MSRP. I went shopping for a new CTR but couldn't find it, and ended up with the Golf R because I like AWD. I also don't reaaaallly like the boy-racer midlife-crisis look of the CTR (if I wanna give off that vibe I'll pull out my 1999 Evo VI) and the VW has far more creature comforts for a DD. Owned it for a month now and couldn't be happier.

[@bradh6185]

19:46 Remnants of recent Topher activity?

[@bobbykhan5787]

@thetopher I love the specialness of the CTR and almost everything about it vs Golf R, but I found myself cringing a bit with the sound/appearance of understeer through those roundabouts (where the Golf gripped and rocketed out). In those particular moments, did you like how the Golf felt more?

[@WrasslinKing]

LOL you can just use the swipe down menu to turn off ESC. Also you didn't trigger the voice assistant through the steering wheel, you said "Volkswagen". It's voice activated. And there in lies the problem with all Golf R reviews. Not excusing some of the design/software choices (Non-illuminated volume controls makes no sense) but it seems reviewers are so ready to post reviews that something being different is marked down where, as with everything, you learn how to use things and get used to it. You could argue you shouldn't have to "get used to" these things but living with a car is different than driving it for a few hours for a review. I mean this from a user experience standpoint. I'm sure you're spot-on from a drivability standpoint in this and your other Golf R videos. I'm a filthy casual MK8 DSG owner hahaha

[@richurro20]

bro really said he feels like hes going to die using the infotainment center while driving...😂😂

[@kimi17147]

@@richurro20so wild

[@thescavwithnothingtolose1224]

DSG is God's transmission

[@ASackOfPotatoes]

@@richurro20 Yeah i had to turn this shit off after that lmao. What a hyperbolic statement. Skill issue tbh, if you can't operate a touch screen for .5 secs while you drive

[@ShaiyanHossain]

or you could just design an interior the right the first time i shouldn't have to "get used" to a commuter car interior

[@danielmoore9950]

I LOVE the type R, but once you've been bit by Golf love, nothing else will do.

[@stealth.gr4]

Next you should compare the 8.5R and the GRC

[@klanks21]

Am I the only one that isn't a fan of the 3 exhaust tips on the civic? I like 2 on each side, even 1 on each side. Not a fan of having them in the middle

[@LateNightDateNight]

I had a hard time deciding between the 2, picked a 2024 Golf R. Drove it new off the lot, damn thing lemoned with only 400 miles on the odometer. Sued VW, got all my money back and bought a Type R lol.

[@joshz7712]

Completely off topic but i got my old Raptor back. I wasn't able to find an affordable RRaptor in my area and cant travel for it so i was looking at what's in my area that's pre-owned just to get back into another one and i seent my old 2019 F150 Raptor (Big Red). I verified the vin from the website and was there 5 minutes before they opened and i got my baby back. So now I'm the 2nd and 4th owner of the truck lol. The previous guy didnt take as much care of it as i do but the parts that are meh now are all parts i plan on swapping eventually anyways (like scratches on the plastic parts of the steering wheel. I plan on getting a carbon fiber steering wheel.) Still runs great, no issues, all the electronics work. I'm so stoaked. My next purchase now that I'm back in a Raptor is a Type-R. Obviously I'm years away from that but i still LOVE the Type-R platform.

[@hondaboi_7578]

How would you compare both cars to the mk6.

[@autobodyrepairclearcoot4146]

mk6 is better ?

[@preludeh22a57]

The only thing Golf R is better at is a DCT option- that thing is a masterpiece! Manual Golf R just makes no sense, because if you want a hot hatch with a manual- there is only a CTR!

[@juanticimo]

yea if it was a DCT it would smoke the type R... but thats not exactly apples to apples..

[@rinodoog]

comfort … and Awd. If you live in a place with a lot of snow… easy choice. Love my mk8 R.

[@WRXFan]

@@rinodoog as you should. It’s an amazing car and value imo. Looking to upgrade to one from my WRX someday

[@rinodoog]

@@WRXFan I had 4 wrx before my R.. wrx are fun but i have to admit… the R is better in every way.

[@WRXFan]

@@rinodoog it definitely is except for the AWD. The symmetrical awd, I would say, is better than the Haldex in the R, but the R is by far a better car. A tier above the WRX for sure.

[@NoTechHacker]

After a month, the touch controls are second nature. The only complaint that remains for me is the lack of lighting on the controls directly under the screen.

[@matthewsimmons2008]

rev hang has killed most new manuals for me and I have never been able to get a definitive answer as to what causes it but I imagine its emissions related

[@SethKnows]

Love hearing the bike screaming in the background haha

[@kimi17147]

OMG… afraid to change the radio? Are you kidding me? It took me 2 min to get comfortable

[@ShaiyanHossain]

the civic you dont think about it at all

[@c_log6311]

Pretty biased but I think the CTR does have an edge on the MK8R on stock conditions. However, I think the MK8R on stage 1 is a way better car than a stage 1 CTR. Golf will always hook no matter what conditions it’s in and wont have that annoying wheel hop that the CTRs have. All the infotainment complaints are subjective. I do have an MK8R and besides the air vent speed I don’t really interact with the screen. Its perfectly fine and since i have a 24 the legginess is pretty much gone. They are both amazing vehicles and nobody cant take that away from them 👍🏽

[@HondaEnjoyer12]

Fl5 way more engaging car to drive. For non enthusiasts like yourself who speak in ‘stages’ I guess things like driving position, feebsck and tactility aren’t an issue but real enthusiasts always pick type r over golf r. Every generation that is

[@c_log6311]

@@HondaEnjoyer12 ok…

[@mach1man23]

Wild to me how much people give the Type R a pass. Topher, how exactly does the Civic Type R not fall apart when pushed if you had to install the Integra Type S suspension module and enter the button-combo 'service' mode to fully disable ESC?

[@robertmatas4192]

Biased review... and very critical of the Golf R, and this coming from a Honda guy. Almost felt like you guys were making fun of it.

[@tejassetlur806]

It’s in the title…

[@pilotvanquish3886]

The type r is on a different level. What’s so hard to understand about that? The manual is trash in the golf. I would get Dsg all day. Not everyone cares about going fast in a straight line…

[@ZenzDeluxe]

@@pilotvanquish3886 If you think the 8 R is only fast in a straight line i've got some official laptimes for you (like Hockenheim and Nurburgring, where the R is insanely close with much worse less stickier rubber). That's not even talking about what happens as soon as it rains or snows, in which case your FWD turd might as well stay on the driveway as its not putting it's power down any time soon.

[@richurro20]

@@ZenzDeluxe avg. type r fl5 owner when they go to the track kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5abdHaJZrp8eJI

[@Erkkremlinklum]

Every journalist says the same thing about vw

[@gurgenmakaryan4428]

Golf R looks like prestigious luxary quick car, nothing mentioning hot hatch, specially the look from back side, mini van

[@user-ng4it3cp5y]

How you turn off adaptive cruise control ? and using regular cruise control

[@amalloveless435]

Its easy.. just rip it off from ur front vw emblem

[@user-ng4it3cp5y]

@@amalloveless435 thannks alot to repy 😅,turn off from honda civic type r

[@1bojanbojan]

Love my R

[@J.Wick.]

Any Honda with Yellow needles does it for me lol...Before the FL5, I'd have said Golf R...But that new CivR..I just really like the looks of them.

[@Sonic_1000]

Type R ftw

[@wendystacos7447]

Topher could we please get a 2024 Tesla model 3 performance review please?

[@ReksorisFenrikos]

Out of curiosity because Im kind of lost on this one with the infotainment system: So I also do own an FL5 Type R and I tried turning off the cars GPS to free up some RAM, as you say. For me the issue here is, it breaks the GPS completely....even while Im using Android Auto, which SHOULD use the GPS of my Phone. When I try to enter a destination, it just doesn't stay. Basically it just forgets I entered a destination BUT I can still physically see the GPS knowing where I currently am, so it does show my current location but weirdly enough its not able to guide me anymore with the cars internal GPS turned off...

[@ShaiyanHossain]

sounds like your phone just sucks. no issues with AA on my s24 ultra even after disabling in car nav and data tracking.

[@ReksorisFenrikos]

@@ShaiyanHossain Thats really weird then, considering I got a S21U. You'd assume things would just work

[@ShaiyanHossain]

@@ReksorisFenrikos weird. On my a spec integra+note 20 ultra i never had issues with wired android auto. Only with wireless. Maybe its your cable instead? If its not connected/sending power+receiving data to the phone its probably using wireless which is more error prone, just hunch. Or maybe its an update that messes with it :/

[@ReksorisFenrikos]

@@ShaiyanHossain Seems like that actually did the job! I completely forgot wireless auto is not available by default (you had to manually turn it on in the infotainments OS). I believe its because wireless AA is not fully fleshed out and thus turned off when its in factory settings.

[@ag6371]

S3 vs Integra Type S next

[@frostcold81]

Golf R for the win, but i agree about the interior. The gti autobahn has a better interior than the R. I just recently sat in both. Loved the autobahn seats. It would have also been nice to see thoughts from the other guy who owns the golf r and a drive review. I think this video is very one-sided and possibly biased.

[@loudogguitar2813]

How is the GTI Autobahn interior different/better than Golf R? Is it not carry over and black/blue vs Red/black/gray?

[@steveallen1131]

Drift mode is all over the place in the snow? Do you understand what drift mode is for? lolz...

[@trentlanning2111]

How about comparing the Civic Type R to your E39 M5? Only because I own the E39 M5 and am interested in the type R. Might be fun to see a 20 year old BMW against a new hot hatch.

[@douglaskrueger357]

The CTR is the way to go if it’s not your daily, for me anyhow. I too have bonded with mine and think it’s just one of those cars that can pull on the heart strings. The Golf R isn’t really capable of that … it’s just not nearly as engaging, similar to the RS3. Something about the VW and Audi that doesn’t connect on the same level as the CTR.

[@ShaiyanHossain]

i daily the fl5 no issue

[@douglaskrueger357]

@@ShaiyanHossain same here … just pointing out and emphasizing that the Golf R is the better daily all rounder. It’s 4 wheel drive will suit people that live in the north east much better the the CTR. So, yes, CTR can daily but if you need something as a one and done … get the R.

[@HondaEnjoyer12]

Yep things like driving position, pedal and steering feel and great steering geometry are always overlooked on German cars it seems. Golf r is still great but real enthusiasts pick the ctr

[@vibhuiyer6984]

how does the golf r compare to the rs3 handling wise? I know the rs3 sounds much better and is more powerful

[@grp5ltdot2024]

GOLF R realy needs a short shifter, it takes soo long to shift the gear :D

[@PrincessBeeRelink]

TYTY !!

[@streamius]

The S3 gets the drift mode for 2025, so there you go.

[@FrankMopar]

@18:53. That is an abruptly edited pseudo roll race, with the 392 still ahead after the edit. Makes me think that something went wrong for the Topher as he tried to keep up with him.

[@MarkJCarruthers]

8:04 except the engine cover studs are present.

[@xberzerkk]

You can't get an audi s3 for the same price as a golf r. As soon as you start optioning the s3 to be similarly equipped compared to the golf r, it gets quite a bit more expensive than the golf.

[@TamasLukacs-ltommie]

I am going to keep my brown Wartburg for now.

[@agustinra1007]

Knowing the golf is more practical, i choose the honda

[@gdmcgill]

I think the Honda is more practical. More spacious everywhere.

[@tomg4678]

Golf R, if only for the AWD. On the same tires these things run nearly identical lap times around a track, as demonstrated by Savageese. Also if you want less fake engine noises put the exhaust in ‘Pure’ mode.

[@ivanuribe2819]

I'd go for Golf R. You'd get used to the infotainment eventually.

[@Daveyboy_GolfR]

I'd go with the R, but the 8.5 R. I pray that the dealers don't go ape shit on markups cuz I really want one.

[@Got_Boost]

Golf R is always the answer🫡

[@rabbitracer8323]

I normally agree with you, but you're also being dramatic about the infotainment. If you set up the screen right for example you can adjust the fan speed with one tap. Easy. Is it perfect? Oh heck no, but also it's not as terrible as many have made it out to be. Yes.. I do own one. The CTR is a great car won't take anything away from that. All comes down to tastes in driving and what people are looking for in tech and overall driving experience.

[@ShaiyanHossain]

you shouldnt have to "set up" infotainment to use the AC. this was never an issue on the Mk7.5, but it now is on the mk8. Why? because VW cut costs and played with people's safety in the pursuit of profits. I get in my FL5 and I don't have tp "set up" anything to use the fan controls.

[@blackgold754]

id actually consider gold if we had phev or hybrid in US. Phev golf in europe is great since you can get above 100 mpge

[@carljohnson7]

@@blackgold754 theirs a PHEV golf in Europe?

[@omkarsawant8573]

Would love to hear you guy's opinion on WRX vs the new Elantra N. I am in market for a new car and both are basically gonna cost me almost the same. I live in Canada and would be travellig regularly between Montreal and Toronto. So need a car which is fun, as well as able to handle driving in Winters. I might track the car but more like twice or thrice a year.

[@TheTopher]

You can't beat the value of the Elantra N, it's the most fun to drive out of the bunch. WRX is also super engaging and does all the things that the GRC and Golf R can do but for potentially $10k less (depending on trim). I'd go drive both and see what speaks to you!

[@omkarsawant8573]

@@TheTopher Sounds like I wont go wrong with either! I will definitely go test drive both see which one i feels more connected with. Also, thanks for all the content Topher. Everything has been really helpful

[@HAMMER-V100]

@@omkarsawant8573 I personally drove both, ended up with the WRX RS/TR (live in Ontario). I liked both, found the Elantra N is probably a bit more fun with the active exhaust and rev matching when it's dry, but we live in Canada. When it gets cold, or if the ground is damp, FWD is no fun. The WRX does literally everything and there is zero compromise (maybe except for the laggy infotainment): Fun to drive with planted handling, Great AWD, huge aftermarket for power mods, nice boxer sound ( when you equip an exhaust), and the Eyesight system is much better than you'd think, ACC with lane centering is such an awesome convienence and you'll be suprised how well it works if you've never used ACC. The RS (Brembo/Recaro package) is a great deal as well in Canada, it's 10 grand cheaper than the golf R, and only 2 grand more than the Elantra N.

[@ruki9043]

Having owned my MK8R for almost 2 years the no backlit lights for the volume and climate controls have never been an issue. There is quick touch functions that you don't ever have to use them. This just comes down to learning the interface and how to use it intuitively. Most complaints is equivalent to someone switching from android to apple then complaining it doesn't function the same without learning or spending time with the new interface. And to turn off traction control put it the quick settings slide down takes 1 second to change 🤦‍♂️

[@ShaiyanHossain]

its an economy car, you dont "learn" the interior of a car that you drive to work in. this stuff has been fine for 40 years without VW"s tampering of simple controls.

[@ruki9043]

@@ShaiyanHossain somewhat agree but within the first day of driving all the controls was second nature. Also a golf r is far from an "economy" car a performance hatch

[@ShaiyanHossain]

@@ruki9043 performance hatch that'll still based on an economy car (its just a faster golf as the type r is a faster civic) and meant to be driven everyday lmao.

[@ruki9043]

@@ShaiyanHossainjust because something is different doesn't make it wrong or mean the old way it better. the whole unit itself is actually very intuitive and easy to use, like any new technology it's new it required a change of habit and it's so customisable and has heaps of simple short cuts. Like I said within a day I was already so used to the controls and now owning the car for as long as I have I don't want to go back to the old system or buttons. It's actually quite nice and functional

[@ShaiyanHossain]

@@ruki9043 other companies figured out how to make an easy to use touchscreen WITHOUT using dumb touch based controls for media and HVAC. VW missed the memo

[@rinodoog]

Easy. If you have snow and you want comfort… Golf R. + the DCT is very nice and faster. No snow.. and track.. type r. I prefer the golf. 🤟 Love my blue mk8R 2024.

[@thescavwithnothingtolose1224]

Also, living with VW's new button free infotainment isn't actually bad. My wife who was very against it at first likes it a lot better. It's different and you need to learn it, but it's not bad once you have a few thousand miles behind it.

[@raysong3800]

As the owner of both cars, I still take Golf R

[@desmondliao]

I’m afraid of keeping those red seats clean.

[@juanticimo]

AWD is just superior, thats all there is to it. and I love hondas. The moment you turn both cars up, the honda will fall behind because all of the tricks designed in, are useless with more power. Btw I owned an FK8... it was fantastic with a couple bolt ons, but once i really turned it up... it was a mess.

[@Jmarzx]

A mess as in how ?

[@EricTsu]

Straight line yea but the hondas always have been more capable at holding pace

[@_chipchip]

“That’s all there is to it” - except that’s not true at all when you look at things like lap times, driving feel etc. AWD can be helpful, but it’s a tool and just a part of what makes a car the sum of its parts.

[@douglaskrueger357]

My FL5 is “turned up” and it’s better than ever. Not sure what you mean.

[@TassieLorenzo]

But why turn it up? The Civic Type R TCR race car is only 350hp (certainly not more than 400hp) and it's plenty quick? TCRs (including the Audi S3 that is front wheel drive since AWD is not allowed) already do about the same laptimes as GT4 cars that have about 50% more power.

[@egorlike1324]

I d just get Audi S3, about same price and best of both worlds

[@everydaybodybuilding2282]

Which do you feel is safer to have your kids in? Civic is longer but lighter.

[@ivan73ivan73]

Honda Civic Type R ❤

[@kikinSBA]

Honda is a very good car, but intended to cover features on the track… where “normal” and potential customer is not normally on the track this make this “uncomfortable” or not needed as daily, that’s why I preferred a vw, it is by far a daily with carácter enough for weekends and track, the other as daily is a pain🤷🏻‍♂️

[@richardwalther6229]

When in doubt, AWD and a nicer interior are tiebreakers. Advantage VW.

[@timothybracken1728]

I'd go with the R for the interior and uniqueness.

[@oraclemiata845]

KONAN is legend…. 😮

[@luislanda2228]

Love the civic but over all the golf is a much better car and way better when modify vs $ for $

[@timr3255]

Nice comparison! You guys were talking about the Audi S3 , I have a 2023 Audi S3 !

[@Domce133]

Dunno why so many reviewers keep mentioning track use as one of main points. 90 % of people will use it as daily, and maybe occasional track use from time to time if they get opportunity. And those who will track it extensively will likely use mods anyways. Most hot hatches are daily driven, so the main criteria would be to rate daily drivability, and occasional fun when you are coming back home from work and want some fun.

[@hitmanhart6275]

Probably a waste of money to buy a CTR and dont track it.

[@SonikDethmonkey]

Part of it is that, even with mods, if a car isn’t properly engineered for the track you can really feel it (assuming you are at a certain level). I tracked a Golf R for a bit and while it was great on the street and in the canyons it really fell apart at the track. I would personally rather sacrifice a little in ride quality or harshness if it meant I could enjoy myself more at the track when I do go. The trade is unique to each person and use case obviously.

[@Marbind]

I felt a big difference on how my DE5 behaves in the highway exit ramps or local turns vs my old 15’ Ralliart Ton of grips and steering response. Saying that you need a track to enjoy it is false.

[@stevek7461]

To say that one car runs hotter than the other is a bit rich. Its like comparing apples with oranges ! Two different engines with temperature sensors set in different locations, to even make that comment is ridiculous !

[@TanukiDigital]

That Honda will last a lot longer without the maintenance issues of "precision german engineering".

[@Marbind]

Over Engineered vehicle

[@89dungey]

Youve never drive a German Made R then. The ea888 engine is bullet proof. This aint 2009

[@bryangoris2475]

@@89dungeyagreed

[@TassieLorenzo]

@@89dungey Surely the reliability of the 2024 Golf R can only be judged in 2039, just as the 2009 models (either GTI/R32 or Civic Si/Type R) are judged for how well they have held up in 2024 as just-run-in 15 year old cars? 🙂

[@ll.7927]

I have a 2013vw Jetta 1.8t n that thing has been super reliable. At 150k miles n only thing I need to do is chain n tensioner. Which is super expensive but car hasn’t needed anything but brakes n tires.

[@nofear519]

Golf R for me

[@amalloveless435]

I loved both car! But Golf R is faster no offense.