Golf R VS Subaru WRX STi - Fifth Gear

Vicki tries out the Golf R and Subaru WRX STi in another Fifth Gear Shootout.
For more fantastic car reviews, shoot-outs and all your favourite Fifth Gear moments, subscribe to our Official Channel: goo.gl/IPXAgl

[@kobrien4121]

I got pulled by the rozzers in my Scooby last week for speeding, i told the old bill that it was encouraging me to speed. They understood and sent me on my way. Result

[@JD-hv5ik]

Thank you for making a review that actually reviews what people like me care about. Performance. This wasn’t some stop and go traffic chat about touchscreens and cup holders!

[@xavierlow6912]

RIP mitshubishi. :(

[@PhilSTUDIOSS]

+Xavier Low RIP

[@ItJstWrks357]

i cri everytim

[@dominicancheif117]

+Luq Man lel

[@longbowdt]

The Golf R's Haldex does not send 100% power to the rear. It sends 100% of the available power to the rear, and the available power that can sent to the rear by the Haldex is 50% of total power. That's how the system works. If it did as the lady says, it would be going from a FWD car to a RWD car, and not from a FWD to an AWD car (as the Haldex transforms it to be when needed). So, no. Not 100% of total power goes to the rear. That's just wrong. Ask Audi\VW or Google it.

[@FinnishPanther]

+longbowdt You are correct, I was going to comment the exact same thing.

[@lamazver]

I hate when they say it's not active all the time. latest haldex is really good. its always active when you engage dsc to sport mode.. only time that ive seen it unactive is driving in eco mode and even then it engages in milisecond if it senses something fishy...

[@longbowdt]

+lamazver "fishy" as in fishtail? :) Seriously, Vicki isn't the first to post an inaccurate description of how the Haldex performs. Somehow the true function gets misunderstood by some reviewers which can mislead the unknowing.

[@Vision33r]

+lamazver The STI has a driver selectable center diff that can send more power to the rear in sports mode or auto which is neutral. It has a lot more driver and track worthy goodies than the Golf R. If you want better luxury features and more comfortable car. Golf R + DSG is the way to go.

[@lamazver]

+Vision33r i know that man, they are just differently oriented cars to drive. you could update haldex controler with some tuners in future and then you can have more fun in the golf than stock one..

[@PurpleSideBlack]

I've owned my Canadian spec 2016 VW Golf R DSG for 4 years now. I'm glad I chose it over the STI. Reason being, it's a better daily driver. Any track performance that it lacks compared to the STI, It gains in daily drivability. It should be noted that the Subaru has a larger engine with more horsepower than the Golf R. I dunno why Fifth Gear claims identical HP specs. 292hp/280tq Golf R and 305hp/290tq STI. 2.0L vs 2.5L.

[@xIcarus227]

Both cars officially make 300HP. Regardless, the VW does more than they say so it's actually the opposite of what you're saying. And the S3 makes even more than the R even though it's supposed to be the same engine with the same output.

[@ethownzbh]

In the STI she was demonstrating the turbo threshold not the turbo lag.

[@jamesstanley7263]

All journalists do this. Not sure if it’s ignorance on their part, or if they think viewers won’t understand the correct explanation!

[@alienlivingform]

the turbolag is not due to engine configuration as much as to the fact that the golf has a twin scroll turbo while the sti does not. it's also direct injected

[@H0LDENSUX]

Just imagine how quicker the STI would be with a dual clutch transmission. Apples with apples.

[@STERKUR]

Well VW are just ahead with the interior, clutch gearbox, and much more

[@H0LDENSUX]

@@STERKUR Not with the incoming supply chain crisis they won't be. In a world war scenario, China could easily deny access to VW parts from China while Germany's lack of energy supplies from Russia could shut down VW plants in Germany.

[@CharlesPetrescu]

@@H0LDENSUX 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 you clueless dosser

[@mazpr2025]

​​@@H0LDENSUXWhat? 🤣 VW - The Apocalypse, coming soon at a theater near you.

[@CraigyGInDaHut1993]

Always wanted the Subaru but drove the Golf R the other day. I want it more than the Subaru now. Interior feels better quality, cheaper to tax and cheaper to insure. I plan to get a Golf R next year.

[@aluisious]

The Golf also has the hottest styling cues from 1992.

[@gogutzy]

great review vicky!

[@klstrucker930419]

Wow, I didn't expect that!

[@Paquette011]

they're both great cars. depends what the end user is looking for. for a refined daily driver. I'll take the golf R. and I have. for a second car, I'd take the sti. my complaint with STI's, having owned them is the interior is pretty lack luster. for a daily driver, the VW is refined. they are two completely different cars in a completely different class. they're both great rides. sick of fan boys on both sides ruining the car scene for everyone.

[@adammclaughlin845]

I totally respect your point, but unfortunately the car scene is ruined by Golf fanboys among the motoring press. They cannot conceive how anyone might want anything else, spam all reviews of other marques with pro-Golf rubbish and worse, they seem to download their opinions into the brains of their readers. So do actual motorists like Golfs because they are genuinely world beating cars, or because they are told to?

[@NomadGSR]

If you buy a STI you won't leave it like it is! So fuck interior, remove rear seats, replace OEM Front seats, and do on

[@JohnSmith-mc5bk]

Subaru have one of the highest resale value in Australia.

[@lazypanpan]

I'm really impressed about the driver

[@milinddixit6583]

Big difference between receiving two cars for free, taking them on your own to a race track and blasting around it, or going to a dealership with your own money and buying a car that'll you use 99% of the time on normal roads doing normal things. Going to a track for a couple hours, if I had a choice I'd go STi as it will be more fun. But I'd take the R home. No hesitation.

[@HenkkaWRC]

You're 100% right, the Golf is the way to go if you use your head and common sense. Some people (including me) buy cars by their heart and feelings. That's why I probably would take the STI.

[@thehotsungA]

I'll still use a STI for normal road because I enjoy the driving experience over the comfort and cush ride. Hell I drive a manual for 10 years now in LA traffic and I still won't switch to an auto. Now if only I could do that in a new STI.

[@gamatoutsikos]

Milind Dixit yyou are right. big difference.. if you are spending all of that money you probably want to buy the most reliable of the 2. so subaru for me thank you very much

[@markjackson7650]

The sti is fantastic daily driver, With only one concession. The fuel economy is absolutely abysmal but who buys a performance car for its fuel economy. Still wouldn't sell my sti for the world.

[@witp7928]

gamatoutsikos did you just said subaru is more reliable than VW?

[@nadermustafa5246]

I have R MK7 and my buddy a 2015 STI...his Subaru is raw (in a good way) but consistently struggles to keep up in a straight line. The 7 is very easy to drive fast and the adjustable dampers allow you to choose your weapon for whatever type f driving you're doing. They really are two very different beasts. The quality of the Golf is great - inside and outside - the gearbox is a gem. The subaru's charms are all hidden other than the noise. The interior is horrible, we both agree on that.

[@johnboulong4884]

fifth gear is actually good. impressed - subscribed :)

[@jkdoodle4460]

Lol

[@LedGaRRagE]

+john boulong ,,, AGREE for now!

[@vp8392]

this video is much more informative than top gear would have done.

[@viper2788]

+john boulong its def gonne be better than the new top gear lol

[@panamera53]

+viper2788 What? A new top gear is coming out?

[@rodrigoaguilar4021]

Great, i love tour channel!!

[@markjaspherlabrador6575]

both of that is my favorite AWD

[@onyxmotorsports4755]

i drove both and the golf is just too settle for me it feels too calm for a ''R" i like the STI because its Raw and manual made to feels the road and enjoying driving! the golf is still a great car but not as fun.

[@AlbertPerez-jw1ry]

Devoted Driving “insert stage 1 tune”

[@bryandoherty9399]

The FA20DIT in the WRX doesn't suffer turbo lag. You have torque from 2000rpm to just before redline. But the FA20DIT has a twin scroll turbo, direct injection and equal length headers. Where the old EJ257 in the STI doesn't have a twin scroll turbo and unequal length headers. That's the cause of the lag, but a twin scroll requires the equal length headers

[@IronManMk02]

I love this car! I have a Golf GTi 2014 which is also a lot of fun, but I would love to have a Golf R! Well that the German VW, could grace a Brazilian fan, with a gift of these, would be an innovation to the lovers of the brand!

[@JustCruzzz]

Can't wait for an RS vs STI vs R comparo! Great review

[@b.1157]

Where are Subie gangs 🔰 JDM for life 🔰

[@brandonherbertson1351]

Name one JDM Subaru? 99% of subarus made are for the international market, not the Japanese domestic market. For example my Mazda 3 mps might be a sporty turbocharged Japanese car but it was made for Australia and New Zealand, the UK, Europe, South Africa and North America under the name mazdaspeed 3 it is not a jdm car.

[@Nico-rh9qy]

its not jdm bro

[@JORDIIMusic]

@@brandonherbertson1351 I think you misinterpret his comment. He's saying JDM is better than USDM, EUDM or UKDM. This is evident in Subaru's JDM lineup, compared with models produced for non-Japanese markets. Just to compare, my JDM Subaru Legacy GT comes stock 285PS, compared with the non-JDM version which comes stock at 268PS. This is present across the board of all Japanese manufacturers - they make their best models specifically for the Japanese market and this is why importing Japanese cars is so popular. JDM for Life 🤣

[@mouaxiong8618]

They all late because all their gaskets exploded

[@maddudenyc]

What kind of tires were used in these tests? I know the Sti's comes stock with Summer tires. No way it could hold that well on wet pavement on Summer's. What about the Golf R?

[@growingup4487]

Summer tires have alot more grip than winter or all season at least for me

[@dillionderringer1904]

It’s crazy an old lady is drifting an Sti never would have thought what a badass

[@FAT8893]

I do like the Scoobie, but that Golf! Definitely will have that.

[@RevyM3]

Boost Threshold of the STI is at 4k RPM. Its not lag when you're not in the powerband....I hate this analogy. More so when you step your foot back on the pedal at 4500 RPM then theres lag before you car is back up to 14 ish psi....why dont car reviewers understand this by now.

[@a18ttc]

love both cars. STI is crazy fun. Golf R is refined and does not shout LOOK AT ME. If I was younger I'd pick the STI, but Golf R for me, my kids and bumpy UK roads.

[@RichardJoashTan]

+a18ttc But STI for me, AND EVERYONE ELSE! STI ALWAYS SHOUTS LOOK AT ME AND GOLF R SHOUTS I AM A ZOMBIE!

[@kotomisasaki6777]

Totally get what you're saying. My future kids however, are not so lucky and will have to deal with a Mother who doesn't want to trade comfort for fun ;)

[@hindeshotelra]

The reason for lag in the euro spec Sti is not due mainly due to layout of engine but because it has a single scroll turbo. The Golf R has a twin scroll turbo which ironically Subaru are renowned for in their 2.0litre Japanese JDM models. Subaru really needs someone with a bit of brains to decide what configuration of cars we receive outside of Japan.

[@Mrlolibre]

It's not really "brains" as the issue ,but it's more so emission regulations that they have to adhere to and also they have to consider the quality of gas that the United States has with 91 being commonly used while 100 octane is common in Japan. That's why the Japanese STI has a different motor than the United States STI. Of course Subaru could pull a VW and lie about the emission ratings ,via a cheat software/computer chip. 😄

[@bdix1985]

so much for the ringlands in that STi with the 4th gear low rpm WOT pulls

[@midamultitool1387]

SUBARU 4 LIFE!

[@alvinchan7746]

Well the Impreza has won many rallies to prove itself. Enough said really.

[@davidmyg7825]

What pure pace. It was the traction that sub won!

[@RedondoBeach2]

Chris Harris, please do the same comparison. We'd like to hear your perspective.

[@Andy-ck5iu]

Electronic LSD on the Golf versus the real thing on the STi. The STi is better at putting power down once things start slipping even though the Golf has more power on paper.

[@sebharvey9101]

+Andy. Andy I see many STI up here in Canada and I haven't seen a single Golf R since they became available. the truth is the Scoobie is more reliable and perform a lot better in slippery conditions such has rain and snow with low temperature. The Golf R has a better interior and is a more approachable car for everyday people, it has an automatic gearbox. A purist will always prefer to put money on the mechanic, and the Subaru AWD system is MILES ahead of what VW offers in their Golf R.

[@joako2706]

Poor Golf even with the DSG ,electric steering and torque vectoring can`t match the sheer pace of proper AWD traction , hydraulic steering a short-ratio manual.

[@PIchillin456]

I've seen other tests that show the opposite. On a dry track the Golf could keep up if not beat the STI. But the Haldex system has the major drawback of not being nearly as good in slippery conditions since the rear wheels aren't always doing the work. Why Volkswagen put a legitimate full-time AWD system on my 2004 Passat but not their Golf R is beyond me. I love Volkswagen but they make some really odd decisions.

[@SoulTouchMusic93]

+PIchillin456 can't you change how the system works? it has to be something on the aftermarket

[@Heellp]

+PIchillin456 and haldex system is boring in normal condition

[@herrdoktorknowitall]

+PIchillin456 weight and cost

[@vectraB97]

@@PIchillin456 on dry asphalt sti should have equal advantage over the golf. If you know how to drive a subaru on dry asphalt. Fastest sedan on nurburgring wrx, fastest car on isle of man wrx, fastest car on Washington hill climb wrx. Not stock cars but it still shows the potential in the sti awd.

[@STRIKEFORCE225]

May I know how fifth gear compares to the new top gear ?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I want to see the mk7 GTI vs. the mk7 Golf R in this track battle. Many KZbin reviewers say the AWD system in the GolfR isn't even worth the money.

[@nolongerhuman13]

JonDeeZee trust me. Test drive them. Worlds apart. I own a shop. Have them in a lot to tweak them performance wise. Worlds apart. Golf R buried v8 stangs we had in the stable. And all upgrades are covered under warrantee if u go the APR route. Insane value for the money. Trust me. Drive them both. If u can even find an R to test drive. They are insanely hard to get for a reason bud. Ridiculous speed and luxury kit for the money

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

nolongerhuman13 I had no idea these can be tuned like that. I thought you were BSing to be honest. I watched some video's, especially from this former 2015 WRX owner that bought a golf R and tuned it to do 0-60 in 3.7 seconds. Omg!!!! So the drawback I hear is that the clutch dies fast. Would the dsg clutch die at a speedier rate too?

[@ianbradley7215]

I miss my old STI. I couldn't get on with the Golf, which is a shame as it's a really good car. The STI just felt intuitive. The only other cars I've driven that have that, extension of the body feeling are the old Integrale and Caterhams (I do not get to drive every hot car though :) )

[@clanmac66]

If I've just spent 30k on a sporty car, I want people to know, Scooby for me!!

[@Toyota4Life]

+clanmac66 The subi does not look sporty it looks immature

[@WiseGuy02]

+Toyota4Life agreed

[@rdmz135]

+Toyota4Life thats a good thing

[@Real_MisterSir]

+Toyota4Life It makes people look immature when they say that. If you see a subi and actually know how capable it is, that proves you are not an immature bigot with prejudice towards anything that is not trying to understate itself. If it does not overstate itself, then it doesn't make anyone look immature, except those who falsely claim it to be immature :)

[@clanmac66]

Thanks Daniel for the support! I didn't think preferring a car that a) looked more exciting and b) a better drivers car, would make me immature!

[@LigerZero1985]

fifth gear is a serious car show; top gear is pure joy to watch, doesnt matter if you are petrolhead or beginner, you will understand the jokes but you know you will not take the "review" seriously i cant imagine what the new top gear would be

[@Sparatan117]

+Liger-Zero especially since clarkson doesn't have to be restricted anymore... #unfiltered

[@sebastianmendez7552]

had a 2003 gti . powered 1st all the way to final gear . impressive car only for a 4clyd turboed car !

[@TopperRico]

the scooby looks great.

[@nicholaslane1756]

Impretzel

[@allanjohnson6073]

Also I'm coming home on a Humvee heavy ball drag is involved with wheels on it and you got to drag it into the Target by turning

[@OAK_MTN]

I think the main difference in spool is due to the Golf R having a twinscroll turbo and the STI having a single scroll ...?

[@davidvanderson941]

Vicki, a fairer comparison is the Golf R in sport mode. She changed the Subaru's diff but never mentioned adjusting the Golf R to sport mode. It made a significant difference on the one I drove on standard roads, the track it would have made an even bigger difference. Sport mode would allow putting the power down much earlier when exiting the corner.

[@Theonedjneo]

I'm sure she had it in sport mode.

[@Backs4more]

David Vanderson The STi also has a “Sport” and a “Sport Sharp”. In Sport Sharp it is stunningly quick.

[@thecarrotmonster8827]

I think she'd have it in sport, that goes without saying. The Subaru's just faster m8

[@andrewsamuwels4230]

you guys just watched the STI beat the Golf R & you still think the Golf R is a better performance car she even said the STI costs less if you have a genuine love for the Golf R that's ok but the love you have for that car doesn't make it a better sports car than the STI in conclusion numbers don't lie

[@ihavenousername1805]

I'm not a fan of the golf R, and the STI is definitely better than the golf performance wise. But when you take in to account, interior, quality, reliability, price, etc etc the golf will make much more sense for people who don't buy a car solely for the brand name.

[@xyz-sh8xx]

And the Golf will be cheaper to run.

[@nipshardaf]

Also, because the golf r is more user friendly, unless you are a very good driver that can keep the RPMs high on the STI, the golf r will be faster.

[@Kali-Ikigai]

Andrew Samuwels Two words: Drag race

[@afrank3029]

ihavenousername1805 Hey - hey slow down a bit VAG fanboy , how dare you to mention reliability and VW in the same context !? This is some sick .......

[@rollincoal4335]

I guess the motor lay out increases or decreases turbo lag!? Not compressor or housing sizes? Put a little turbo on it and It could spool at 2k rpms or a big turbo and not see boost till 6k. Just saying

[@haopang3192]

well, only thing you can know from the turbo lag is , it has a big ass turbo and badass turbo

[@xXAcrobatixX]

The sti is bulletproof baby, 10 years later you can resell it (depending on how you took care of it) for easily 20k+ but I can't say the same for the vw.

[@phuctruong31]

+Simple Skyline A 2003/2004 VW R32 still sells for almost $20K.

[@razerone49]

+Phuc Truong yup. And that's a "bullet proof" engine. Hell, the vr6 engine is Kevlar compared to the sti engine.

[@christophercederlof2105]

True that, im driving an r32. They are rock solid!

[@bmwmdude]

Eüro Nasty well there's not a VR6 in the new Golf is there, it's a 2 liter turbo, so apples to oranges...

[@1white_rs399]

Eüro Nasty Sti Engine is fucking garbage, ringlands constantly are blowing up get out of here. If you want a true four banger, go Evo or Golf R. Both are better.

[@davidyoung9443]

I would still rather have the Golf R. I am not 20 and single anymore. I think the Golf R is more refined and more user friendly for day to day. I will give up 1.3 sec on a track once a month at best for that.

[@FreeRsGuides]

+David Young Ahh you're giving up on life man, you'll be driving a people carrier next, Subaru all the way

[@davidyoung9443]

I have a subaru impreza non WRX I am already there. A stay at home wife and 3 kids later. It is all good though.

[@vyrnmn]

+Drugs Bunny The subaru's interior is made out of the same plastic they use to make wheelie bins. the Golf, on the other hand, will be a much nicer place to sit and do normal road speeds (which let's be honest, is 90% of driving if you commute).

[@FreeRsGuides]

James Franklin If you have one of these cars youre more than likely gonna be ragging it everywhere but I see why you'd say that. But idk blue body and gold wheels... Pretty awesome lol

[@davidyoung9443]

+James Franklin my thoughts exactly

[@noelpaz4517]

Also note that the Bugatti Veyron and the Lamborghini Aventador used Halidex also. In the track, I would not question their grip and maneuverability. NO, have not driven either one and have only seen a Lambo in person. I am sure if the design called for Torsen, VW would not cheapen out on a Halidex. Note I am not saying Halidex is better, it's what the the design called for. In the end it's how the car drives and feels.

[@luizhenriquemoraismazzucco4526]

THANKS

[@extramile-luxurycarreviews4677]

Subaru for me, great car to drive and I have driven alot.

[@strdxck591]

Subie, Every single time

[@kristofferpareli903]

In Norway the tax-system on cars is so messed up you can buy an Audi RS4 for the price of that Subaru. It results in the scooby costing equal to 75k pounds.. And the golf R still costs half the price, it makes no sense!

[@davidsalazar2056]

She definitely says "Scoobie" instead of "Subie" at the end of the video. LOL

[@desmo8755]

Attributing the STI's greater turbo lag to its flat-four layout is inaccurate.

[@BroadbandWatchAustralia]

It's quite true though. The exhaust has to travel a lot further around the tubular exhaust manifold before reaching the turbo (and the EJ especially has the turbo placed up high and quite far away, much further away than on the FA20DIT), as compared to modern inline fours like the Golf where the turbo is bolted directly to the cylinder head.

[@bigoneish]

This lady killed it in this review comparison video. Way to go there needs to be more women who know cars and how to test drive them.

[@JobeMI6]

What about on a dry track?

[@WiseGuy02]

now do a test in the dry. though every test seems to be in the wet, is there ever a dry day in the UK?

[@Nellybui]

+WiseGuy02 What's the point of a test in the dry ? "Hey look, my car does as good as yours in these perfect conditions !" It's when conditions are bad that you see the real capabilities of a car.

[@stidriver3197]

what a surprise Japanese wins again. Even the sti with its outdated engine still beats the new the new vw lol

[@pauljaa4719]

Not the engine. More to the better traction of that all time AWD system in the car vs on-demand AWD in R.

[@adammclaughlin845]

I just can't believe any British motoring journalists would put a Golf in last place against anything. Come on VW, you're not paying your bribes again.

[@Zero_Ninety]

I'm glad that I'm not the only one who is baffled Subaru dropping the Impreza name.

[@allanjohnson6073]

There also will be testing in it and see who goes to 0 to 60 better and 150

[@Snakebite420]

The ignorance in the turbo lag explanation that she did has me shaking my head.

[@maplefreak64]

An owner of STi wouldn't take it by a condition of stock. It's STi that myself can enjoy favorite power up. When competing on the Winding road, Golf R won't be a game. But the design of Golf is respected.

[@Chas902]

My mate picked me up in a Golf R the other night and I honestly thought I was in one of the Pool reps cars. Didn't feel very special. The suspension did feel very supple though and it did pick up quite quick when he pushed it but engine sounded a bit harsh, I would prefer the Scooby..it just seems more specialist.

[@Howbee]

I'm about to get myself a Golf R. I do have to say, though, it hurts my heart a tiny bit that the DSG is faster than the manual gear box. It won't keep me from sticking with the manual, though.

[@Cynthesis21]

The DSG is only faster in a straight line. The type of owner who opts for the DSG will not be able to keep up with you in the twisties.

[@hamdanae]

Sti has twin clutch too?

[@YZJB]

How does 'Impreza' end up being pronounced 'Impretsa'?

[@brawlfreakl0w]

+alexaescht That's how it's meant to be pronounced.

[@jwils489]

+alexaescht it's kinda how it would be pronounced if it were an italian word spelt imprezza

[@Toastmaster_5000]

+brawlfreakl0w No, it isn't. The British consistently pronounce many car names wrong, Impreza being one of them. If it were supposed to be "impretza" it would be spelled as "Imprezza", but it isn't. As far as I'm concerned, the official pronunciation does not include the T sound.

[@jwils489]

+Peter Schmidt yeah but as far as everyone else is concerned you don't matter

[@YZJB]

+John Wilson Wow nice.

[@knduong]

1:14 who describes any engine like that

[@LionelHutz619]

probably a british thing, they love pussy cats

[@IronAxeGaming1]

Subarus kinda do sound like a purring cat haha

[@JimmyJamesonJnr]

5 cylinders sound like that also..

[@d31zzz_]

Lynda Linkedin its not

[@thedoughguitarg9348]

😂 ikr

[@conorwallis3848]

I would have the sti personally but I really do believe that they need to increase the power output to around 330-350hp especially now that the focus rs has come out with 350hp.

[@kotomisasaki6777]

I don't disagree entirely, but if you can't go fast with 90HP, then 900HP won't help you ;)

[@MonstaaBoii]

@@kotomisasaki6777 Man just tried to make up a quote to sound cool and just made himself sound like a moron 😂

[@random-mammal4474]

What year is this STI?

[@cdricmusic1960]

Hey i'm from germany and i LOOOOOVE the Subaru

[@michaelmeliambro5117]

There is NO cure for stupidity, is there???

[@noelpaz4517]

I'n stick form the R is actually very nimble in real world driving. I live in Valley Center CA and I've driven the R and a friends WRX, in the roads around here during the very wet rainy season. The speed limit on the shoulder-less rough hill roads is already a not very safe 45 mph, add some rain and move the clock to 10 PM. I felt safer with the R and it corners better, there were advisory 25 mph sections that can be taken at 70. Also the cockpit and lighting plus a very intuitive chassis just adds to the confidence. Plus for commuting it has better mileage. So maybe even if the DSG is faster, it will never learn the nuance of hill roads like a human brain can and I think for that visceral connection a manual is the perfect fir for the R. I also favor the torsen (Audi - Subaru) system but I have to admit that the halidex although seen as cheaper is actually an evolution in AWD. I do like Subarus but it just doesn't communicate to the driver like the VW can.

[@adammclaughlin845]

Damn, I remember when the Impreza WRX STi was all conquering and scared supercars. Imagine a chav chariot like a Golf even being mentioned in the same sentence in those days? They would have laughed 8 years off your life.

[@jayp7598]

Up the box 😂

[@klidaras11]

1:50 When the so called car experts will learn to distinguish turbo lag from boost threshold? It's not even funny anymore..

[@carlmarkwyatt]

I'd prefer the Subaru any day.

[@siowkiat]

Well done.! Watch Fifth Gear if you want objective car evaluation. Watch Top Gear just for entertainment.

[@monibstar]

Cool :) and i thought Subaru called that car impreza but only WRX humm and Volkswagen Golf R hkt hatch not bad..

[@istiklalcaddesi]

I ll sell my r for sti. Subaru is more reliable no gear issues no oil burning no coil pack issues so you sleep better

[@hingholo8027]

blown head?

[@anandu_a4956]

What exactly do u mean by blown head??😂 were u trying to say head gasket issue?

[@hingholo8027]

Anandu_a ye no shit 😾

[@rwac07]

Is this a joke? STi's and EJ motors in general are notorious for having problems.

[@anandu_a4956]

@gm its not always about the reliability. Its about the fun and feeling of driving. Id prefer an sti over a R any day!!

[@Xyb3rTeCh]

Both are nice cars. Sti or golf r, I'd buy both.

[@pstrife2547]

Speed is not everything, the subi is like a one utensil Swiss Army knife whereas the vw has got the full set. Speed, quality, refinement and looks, the vw has got it all. My mate has got one, doesn't feel like it's worth what he paid for it.

[@Mrboombastic936]

the turbo lag from the sti in comparison to the golf R has much less to do with the engine layout (flat vs inline) than it does do with the R having a twin scroll turbo. so, maybe add that to your video

[@markfoster3650]

The biggest difference here is the Subaru's are real "drivers cars." That is something that is becoming harder and harder to find these days.

[@mgw2024]

Subaru... No question!

[@Sgt_Peppe1999]

Lets Face it, the Golf R is technically the better car, but no head is turning, when it passes by, while all eyes are on the Subaru and its deserved, because it got so much more character than any performance car that VW ever made, period.

[@martinallenuk]

That's not turbo lag. That's a large turbo being spun by a relatively low displacement. Golf has the same issue. Power only gets interesting at 4800rpm.

[@jO-wp5vf]

VeeDubb , I’ll take the R idgaf

[@stephenjones9242]

I have owned my 16 golf R for 4 years, its absolutely the best choice for daily driver. I've been tuned since 20k miles and at 100k now and haven't had any issues and it's fast as f*ck. 0-60 in 3.8 secs and 12.5 in the quarter. But I also have always loved STIs and know they are great cars as well. On a wet track like this yeah the STI will win but on dry pavement and for sure drag race the Golf R will win almost every time.

[@footballfan7894]

Sure.

[@plowize]

I bought a 2008 st 500 5door {only 160 left in the uk} got every thing done to it but wish I bought a Subaru

[@777geeman]

I've owned both and still prefer the Golf (which i still have). I'll turn up at some do in a Subaru or a Golf i'd choose the Golf every time (that is prestige). Performance is good enough for anyone on a public road (that is power\sanity). Dollar value some care, i don't.

[@dallasmellsop5488]

It's just boring, the car doesn't talk to you, it's like your playing a game not driving in the golf

[@777geeman]

@@dallasmellsop5488 Im a boring guy. That's why I also ride a BMW 1200r. Both classey rides. There also both very forgiving when some maneuvering don't quite go right. Each to their own though 😊

[@dallasmellsop5488]

@@777geeman you can't be boring driving them tbf, still a fast car that golf as well

[@Nhlpro14]

Ok for the 2000 pound difference you could get a down pipe, up pipe, exhuast, tires, and a dyno tune. Then the race wouldn't even be close

[@BroadbandWatchAustralia]

Until the Haldex fails (which sometimes happens before 30,000 miles) and you have a front wheel drive Golf R. :(

[@rallyburnz2simracing416]

Go on Subaru....the legendary Scoobies wins again!!!

[@G3orge3670]

All ways

[@zutekeela8516]

wish these guys were still on Velocity

[@edu.g6082]

Indeed symmetric 4 WHD is the best system