MK8 GTI vs Golf R | What's the Better Buy?

[@ecstuning]

Let us know what you think is the better buy in the comments, and which mods would YOU do to YOUR MK8?

[@SuperKanuuna]

Sell your golf and buy Bitcoin.

[@dwarnke72]

Golf R DSG is where it’s at. Better MPG with the extra gear and knowing that almost no car is going to pull away from you at a stop light is priceless. It’s honestly at an entirely different level from all its competitors in the 1/4 mile.

[@a124as]

Dsg…. Nah

[@gordoredpb9]

Having a manual in a GTi makes sense, but not in a Golf R. My Golf 6 GTi was a manual and that mix was perfect. My S3 sedan is equipped with Audi’s S-Tronic (DSG) and that mixes well with the Haldex system and is essential in making it get off the line so quickly.

[@HeathRS]

@@gordoredpb9 This. Launch control is a bit pointless in the GTI. It's a game changer in the Golf R. That car was meant for the DSG.

[@ecstuning]

check back soon for something similar with the 8YRS3

[@kimboofdzners9574]

​​@Jack-fr9bk....almost no car, and an RS3 is not a competitor, neither in performance nor price point.

[@TheMystro1971]

I am a long time Porsche 911 owner/collector with other luxo M cars in the fleet. I daily a MK 8 GTI. It’s just the best stealth drivers car that fly’s under the radar. The chassis is really dialed in and the FW is so neutral now and does everything you could want in a street car. It punches way above its weight in handling and performance. After demoing both GTI and R, The GTI feels lighter and easier to toss around over the awd R. I don’t care at all for how heavy the front end feels of the awd R. Too Audi like and that is not a compliment. I certainly am not a price point buyer at all but it’s tough to beat the original and now legendary GTI as it stays more true to its roots. (Especially if VW GTI/R goes hybrid or electric.). As far a build quality and value for money?……I would put the 2024 MK8 GTI build quality a 1/2 step better than my last BMW M2C that was my daily. The GTI has no rattles or creaks, even in cold weather where the BMW M2C had all kinds of noises from new. Even closing the doors, the GTI feels significantly more solid than the M2C. I just got tired of the 2 series issues and even more tired of the BMW cost of ownership for such an entry level platform at high BMW service cost and average build quality. It’s not a $68k car considering the $35K VW GTI feels better built. This was true for my Audi Rs3 that I briefly owned and it to was plagued with electrical problems from new. These entry level luxury brand platforms are way over priced by about 20% and too much ownership baggage for an entry-level performance car. With BMW and Porsche you go flagship level or forget it and leave the entry level vehicles go. This is 30+ years of German performance/luxury car ownership experience talking.

[@madskater5]

Assuming money isn’t a limiting factor, I think you can boil it down to one quick point. If it’ll be your only car, go for the R. If it’s your daily for another/faster car or something like that, go for the GTI.

[@ericcarson342]

Good point. My mix would be a GTI and a first gen NSX.

[@brendenmontgomery1832]

Picked up the 2024 Golf R 2 months ago and I cannot emphasize enough how good that thing is. I daily drive it, no matter my mood once I sit in the drivers seat all my problems go away. It’s just me and an engineering masterpiece. I do have my dislikes, the “safety” features can be annoying, manoeuvring braking will activate while backing into the garage when I’m not even close to hitting anything. I also have been starting to hate the steering wheel “buttons”, they aren’t a massive issue but they don’t behave like a button and can get annoying. Other than those two issues this is a beautiful car to drive, I can’t recommend this vehicle enough.

[@LexCTF]

I'm having a hard time deciding between the mk8 golf R and integra type S. It would be my daily driver. I never owned a German car before but the golf R looks amazing and I wouldn't mind buying one. I'm just worried about reliability since I would be owning the car for over 5 years. Have you had any problems? Have a great day my friend!

[@brendenmontgomery1832]

@LexCTF if you haven’t yet go test drive the golf you will fall in love. I haven’t had any issues yet but it only has 2000km on it so far. I owned a Jetta for 10 years before this and really was a solid car. My brother also owns a Jetta and his has been even more solid than mine was. So long term I would say you won’t have many problems. I hope at least… I plan on keeping the golf for many years. I love it more and more everytime I drive it.

[@brekdown29]

Loved the video coming from someone who's owned a highly modified Mk7 R and Mk7.5 GTI. Both great cars for different reasons. Next up for me - the 8.5R!

[@alanburke76]

If it were my money, I do think I’d go for a GTI. The R does seem to be more of a sports/race car over a sports/daily car. Plus I’d like to swap the bumpers for the Clubsport bumpers. Those do set it apart from the normal GTI since we didn’t get the Clubsport in the USA. I’d also do the normal stuff, stage 1 tune, lowering springs, wheels and tires, exhaust, and a few engine bits too.

[@WilliamButtel]

Aussie MK8 GTI owner here, loving it the gap to the golf r aside from just straight line driving is nothing. Use the car for couple years, mod it, if I upgrade it will be a RS3 or BMW M of some kind, the R just isn't that much of a leap imo.

[@InsideStevesHead]

I had this GTI for a loaner for a couple weeks when ECS used my mini for some exhaust prototyping and I LOVED it. The ride was a bit stiff for Ohio roads but it gripped the road very well and turned heads wherever I took it! I'm seriously consider getting out to daily so I can take the mini a more aggressive autocross/track direction! I really liked the interior as well

[@DaviCupra]

I love my 2020 MK7.5 GTI, but the MK8 GTI is growing on me!

[@ecstuning]

It definitely grew on us as well!

[@cyclistman6358]

The tow hooks on a street car look a bit goofy IMO

[@skiptastic1000]

yeah, agreed, save those for the track and let the bumper do the bumping efficiently. never mind it makes you look 15 yrs old

[@Kyletfleming]

Very true. Get rid of that, it looks rediculous.

[@ecstuning]

In terms of the tow straps, we use our GTI as both a development car as well as a display at shows for our product catalogue. We know that tow straps aren't aesthetically pleasing to everyone, but we want to show off our whole MQB/MK8 catalogue with the GTI.

[@S54VR6]

Yeah I agree, gay vibes.

[@motoarch]

Yup

[@hitmanhart6275]

If you are shopping for a used one , go for the GTI. But if you are shopping for a new car , the R with its resale value seems the way to go.

[@Shoffty]

Looks wise I would take the Golf R over the GTI any day, but that price difference makes it hard to justify the Golf R..

[@JacesOwnWorld]

I am the original owner of a 2017 MK7 GTI. Currently has 182k miles on it. It’s gone through a lot of mods, and currently sits at IS38 WMI FBO. Koni Yellow on EMD lowering springs and 034 Motorsport RSB w/Moog end links. It’s a very quick and great handling car, and I really like it. BUT I think if I did it all over again, I would have bought a DSG Golf R. Just a different kind of dog animal. I’m going to keep an eye out on a used MK8.5 Golf R when they become used, because the AWD system is so much better than the MK7/7.5 generation. And the infotainment is better than the MK8’s IMO.

[@blam9346]

nothing at all wrong with the mk8 infotainment. I'm not a fan of the 8.5 infotainment. Literally looks like a child's ipad mounted inside the car. The mk8 infotainment flows into the design better.

[@ericcarson342]

You'll be 18 months to 2 years away before getting a used one at a price you want. Why wait if you can do it?

[@JacesOwnWorld]

@@blam9346 I disagree. I can understand your argument against the infotainment of the MK8.5, but to say the MK8's "flows" into its design is a bit of an overstatement. Neither the MK8 nor the MK8.5's infotainment looks great. I just think the MK8.5 looks better.

[@JacesOwnWorld]

@@ericcarson342 I don't mind waiting because I have no need for one now, nor do I desire a monthly payment on a car right now. My MK7 GTI has been paid off for a while and is a blast to drive. I don't have need for AWD currently, but might in the future. But it is a big "maybe" for me to get the MK8.5 Golf R because I might be getting a used G80 M3 Competition X-drive instead. If those come down to the $50k range in the next 3-5 years, that would be the much better AWD option for me. Its a car that I don't feel needs to be modified in order for me to really enjoy it. The Golf R is a car I feel like I need to modify to really enjoy. And knowing how much more stress a modified car puts out on a vehicle, I'm kind of looking for something I don't want to touch the engine on. Just wheels/tires/suspension is all I want to do to my next performance car so that it remains reliable.

[@ericcarson342]

@@JacesOwnWorld You really drove the heck out of that GTI. I have a 2018 R DSG Lapiz Blue 70k miles so far bought new. I was tempted by the extra power of the new model but turned off by the interior. The 8.5 might tempt me if they come out with different colors (maybe spektrum), although I do like the 'Black Edition' in Black even though I'm not really into black in general. I've never modified anything and never realized how much of a difference it makes. Wheels, tires, brakes, are probably the only things I would touch on the new R.

[@Disclosureguru]

More videos like this please❤😊 I already got a MK8r but I still love the content none the less

[@bradleydiscgolf]

You guys killed it on the vibe and talking points. 7.5 gti owner 🎉

[@ecstuning]

Thank you! We definitely appreciate the kind words 🫶

[@mrjkstark]

6:00 here's the big issue though. Sure it has some "value" in the cost of those aftermarket parts, but you know it's been tinkered with and potentially abused. You're taking an even greater gamble buying a modded used car than a bone stock used car.

[@du3lcitiz3n]

Loving my 2024 Golf R manual. I've had the Stage I APR 93 Full TQ tune on it for 7K miles, no clutch slippage yet. I drive it hard, but haven't launched it from a dig.

[@chrisherberger3939]

notes on having it with the warranty?

[@christopherhanlon4690]

I got the Golf R. I had a stage 3 Audi S3. The Golf R feels way better on track. You can actually turn the car in. The Mag ride is 100x better on the new Golf R. It also has the ability to push the same power as my S3 with a simple stage 1 tune. The seats hold me better, and the seats are cooled/heated. It's my track weapon and my daily. I can easily hang with big v8's on track, and in a straight line, 0-60 in 3.9 sec is sick.

[@sillynatalie]

i have a 22 mk8 gti in pomelo yellow and i love it. even though it’s not an r, it’s still fun to drive. ive added an intake from you guys and it’s fun

[@ecstuning]

Glad to hear we could help you enjoy your GTI a little more with our intake!

[@chroniccrypto75]

I still love my 2011 edition35 gti 198,000ks and never had any issues apart from a charcoal canister replacement. I’ve got all preventative maintenance done and never had a tune on it I have the closed racingline intake with the pod filter inside to replace the foam rubbish. I like it more than my 8V S3 Sportback tbh cause it’s not overloaded with tech and fwd is not predictable.

[@hanx9970]

I don't know much about golfs, but golf r sounds better choice, not financially, but for the experience, for sure!

[@jimmys_mk8209]

Ive got a black 22 GTI, Coilovers, Exhaust, Wheels. Spoiler front lip, with a 6spd. Such a fun car, You cant do burn outs in the R.

[@salvagedvr]

The little lady commanded "NO MORE MANUALS" so I traded my Gen 7.5 2021 GTI Autobahn and my Gen 8 2024 6 spd GTI Autobahn 380 for a 2024 Gen 8 Golf R with the dual clutch 7 spd. More funner...and it's a kinda rare car, which is appealing. BUT, I will keep my BMW e39 M5...because that's the last BMW with SOUL...and she doesn't have to drive it.

[@alane1000]

Manual 💪🏾 forever!!!!!!

[@ericcarson342]

I researched a 2018 Golf TSI, test drove a GTI SE, compared the Auto Bahn to the 'R'. Drove out of the dealership in a 2018 7.5 R DSG Lapiz Blue. I just fell in love with the color when I saw it. And the Golf R was not much more than an Auto Bahn. AND insurance is CHEAPER than a GTI. I want to see the what the MK 8.5 will look like and what it will offer. If VW offers Spektrum I may trade my 7.5 for one.

[@ecstuning]

OMG yes, we love the lapiz blue!

[@EastWood2004]

In Australia there are several alternative to GTI and R Cupra Leon vz, vzx and Formentor vzx. Also Skoda Octavia RS is a wagon version of Gti. Cupra’s interior is way better than the VW’s one as it has a physical buttons on the steering wheel. It has a bigger screen and the software is driven by Audi team so it is better tha VW. Moreover the price and servicing cost of Cupra is cheaper than the VW’s counterparts.

[@mcglsr237]

Mods don't add value. And it's not missed that you guys sell mods, trying to push the mods do add value message. Personally, not a fan of that. Mods add personalized enjoyment to a car, not to "increase the value." Other than that, enjoying the content so far, especially the Race Wagen and Race46 stuff 👍👍

[@comicdune667]

Love you guys, i wish i could afford this R. sitting with my mk6 gti

[@ecstuning]

We love the Mk6 - would you want a similar video of the GTI vs R?

[@kdunnigan2152]

Bought a 22 GTI with 12,000kms for 30k, with maintenance package & extended warranty. Ill drive it until death. Me or the car

[@mariuszmaxankazuya3170]

I like the GTI look more but would prefer R. In here half a year is raining, 2 months snowing... Also if I planned bigger power like 360hp R will get it will just a tune GTI will not.

[@windingroads_Louis]

Good to see your review on GTI & r! ❤ can i introduce this video clip with Korean subtitles for golf lovers here on my channel?

[@gpeaes]

That was summed up well. GTI or RS3. Gotta pass on the R... I mean, I would take one if it was given to me... :)

[@bmw_for_life8902]

I have a mk8 gti manual 034 stage 1 tune shit is soo fun wheels tires lowering springs and rear sway bar handles soo good

[@landroverSV]

Nothing beats the awesome music from the VR6 engine! The original R MK4 R32 by far is the best engine! Owned a MK4 R32 in Deep Blue Pearl with a stage 2 VF ENGINEERING SUPER CHARGER and other go fast parts, by far much better car in my opion wish I didn't lose it in a flood 😢or I would still have it, had only 26k miles ....when mother nature took the R from me 😢

[@2VP]

What silver wheel are those on the R? They're niccce

[@jacksonborntreger3987]

16:54 what wheels are these they look really good!

[@ecstuning]

Those are our Tekniform Style 007 wheels! You can find a link to them here: bit.ly/3IPWjI8

[@ecstuning]

We loved them as well. Those are ESE carbon wheels, literally a carbon fiber wheel. However, they went out of business and are no longer available new.

[@bmw_for_life8902]

The golf r brand new out the door is pushing 60k my gti out the door was 37k brand new

[@GenXContent]

2022 VW Arteon can do 30 to 35 on highway at those speeds. which means VW designed high effiecet powerful engine as a 4 cylinder.

[@spinnetti]

"Hugest"? Really? Both are great, but if you mod, FWD is just too frustrating because you can't put the power down so R is the better pick IMO, and the S3 a better pick yet.

[@cyclistman6358]

When you’re just cruising around on the streets driving sane, isn’t the R just going to be basically a FWD car? If so why spend the additional money when you can tune a GTI to stock R power without to much fuss and relatively affordable too.

[@PierceChiasson]

The mk8s dont do that like the mk7s did. Its AWD all the time.

[@kimboofdzners9574]

​@@PierceChiasson WRONG, I have a MK8R DSG, the dash panel has the drivetrain power view, and it is not all time AWD!

[@kimboofdzners9574]

And when driving not so sane?! You will wish you had the R... at the next upcoming spirited turn. Or just cruise around in your GTi... Je je.

[@doode1017]

What are the specs on wheels and tires on the golf r?

[@Manjuicey]

What are these kids smoking? 30-40K for an RS3 from 2017 and up. Good luck....

[@kingmusa8618]

It’ll have 150k miles and beat up

[@adhizzle9985]

@@kingmusa8618 do you not know how to google? found one for 39k with 50k miles, a bunch of others for 40k with 75k miles or less with clean title no accidents. if you buy at auction probably 10-20k depending on how hard its hit lol

[@gpeaes]

They sell there all day. Do some research.

[@philo2128]

I have a rule never to buy a car with a visible tow point

[@ecstuning]

In terms of the tow straps, we use our GTI as both a development car as well as a display at shows for our product catalogue. We know that tow straps aren't aesthetically pleasing to everyone, but we want to show off our whole MQB/MK8 catalogue with the GTI.

[@Davidsasuk]

is the towing straps on the gti because your expecting it to break down?

[@PacMan790]

Where those 17s or 18s on the Golf R? That setup looks really good. 👍🏿

[@ecstuning]

Those are 18in Apex wheels

[@PacMan790]

@@ecstuning what size tires are you all running and did you all have to make any modifications to the fenders to make it work?

[@ecstuning]

245/40 R18 tires on Apex wheels. They fit with the lowering kits and no other mods! No rubbing either, even with 3 people in the car filming ha ha ha

[@PacMan790]

@@ecstuning wow that’s impressive. I’ve been debating if I should go with a meaty tire setup with an 18 instead of a 19, and after seeing how good your MK8 looks with that setup, I think that’s what’s I’m leaning towards.

[@dg7438]

Where are you getting the deflated prices? That was 6 or 7 yrs ago you're quoting

[@N911GT2]

Golf R hands down, the GTI is not even in the same zipcode...

[@thescavwithnothingtolose1224]

3.0T C9 A6 is probably the best sleeper car for 30-40k. The golf R is awesome but with inflation, it doesn't feel like the deal it once was. the GTI is still king. I'm still sad I sold my 7.5 R

[@KevinFuggi]

Or just a MK7/7.5 R for $30k...

[@RI-kd8ku]

That’s a lot of money for a 6 year old car

[@JacesOwnWorld]

@@RI-kd8kuMK7 R’s can be bought in low 20’s

[@89_silvia_56]

@@JacesOwnWorld Can confirm. Recently sold a 2017 R with 75k miles or so for 21k. They really tanked in value recently

[@BoricuaFez]

So focus on getting a 2019 Golf R with a manual transmission.

[@N911GT2]

Manuals are for rednecks... Here in the country where we build them no one cares about manuals.

[@Steve-qd5tk]

The mk7 R drives like a pig in comparison. The GTI of that generation is the better car. The mk8 R is substantially better and the choice over the GTI. These dummies trying to sell you their Chinese parts will say otherwise, they don’t own both.

[@Nicer_Ricer_JDM]

I love “some good sucky noises”😂😂

[@moochiezpitt]

What wheels are on the GTI?

[@ecstuning]

Those are our in-house brand Tekniform Style 013 wheels! On our GTI we have both the hyper silver and matte gunmetal. Here's a link to the hyper silver: bit.ly/4eDZwsY Here's a link to the matte gunmetal: bit.ly/4gMn0hr

[@N911GT2]

Mods don't add value, they subtract....

[@JacesOwnWorld]

To an average driver, you are correct. But to those looking to modify, mods can add value. It depends on the mods though.

[@rickg2967]

So, you take a Golf R, lower it, crank it up to 400hp+, then complain it’s not a great daily?? Some wild takes in this video.

[@mitch3LFPS]

Can I have both?!?

[@psiturbo]

is BS that the GTi has more color choices

[@paulvina1974]

He really said the Mk7 was shaper and the Mk8 was rounder and “more egg-like” 🤦‍♂️ A Geo Metro is round. Even a Mk7 isn’t round but the Mk8 is FAR sharper than the Mk7

[@bryanviper]

This video just seems like a long ECS Advertisement vs actually comparing the 2 cars.

[@mdaniel444]

Anyone know if the mk8 has the water pump / thermostat housing failures the mk7 had?

[@silentvalue]

2017 mk7 gti still on the original waterpump setup. No leaks here.

[@ecstuning]

On both our MK8's we have not experienced this issue.

[@hagenschwark8908]

$300 for swaybar endlinks is ridiculous lol

[@bobbydwheelhouse]

Just sat in my chair waiting for the Mk7 fan boys to turn up. (On the mmi just use voice activation for most changes)

[@rjbaldwin_]

All these MK7 owners just complain about how their car is SO MUCH better 😌

[@kevinmendoza.9108]

Amazing

[@donhill4501]

I say just get the Arteon over both and call it a day!

[@friscostreetstories5403]

Mark 8s are no longer worthy imo. There practically, especially with the R, no continuity with the previous line of box cars with flares.

[@r3games1985]

This is just one big ad for you parts. Lame.

[@Adreyan]

Golf r wheel and tire setup?

[@ecstuning]

245/40 R18 tires on Apex wheels. They fit with the lowering kits and no other mods! No rubbing either.

[@stavrosgreco17591]

Gti geared towards mostly enthusiasts and generally new to vw brand R geared towards vw brand enthusiasts

[@theLovatoFam]

Neither, R32

[@Vdubin4life]

Put the 2.5 vr6t in it please. Lol

[@uptoolayte1]

All this talk of buying used German cars makes me nervous. Ive known 3 people who owned VWs and they all went to crap after 60k miles. These arent so good that Id ever take the risk.

[@johnyacoub69]

Dampers, not ‘dampeners’.

[@rossybossy100]

Vb wrx over gti. Golf r over vb wrx

[@hagenschwark8908]

Bro is trying so hard to convince himself mods add value lol

[@Steve-qd5tk]

Why does it have tow straps on the ugly one? Are you planning on running it into a ditch? Tell me you have never seen a real track without telling me…. This video made me reconsider ordering from this company.

[@ecstuning]

We go to the track often, for three days at a time, to endurance race as well as help a few associates through the NASA HPDE program. Here's an entire video series about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6Dbl5Z8rq2AiZIsi=NwUjblOD78uAhSy8 We're sorry the tow straps aren't your cup of tea, we are just trying to showcase the options available to each car. Good luck on your car modding, we hope to see you again but understand everything we do isn't loved by everyone.

[@cyclistman6358]

VW ruined the DSG for me. I always drive my my nicely modded MK7 SE DSG in full manual mode all of the time and I use the nice floor mounted shifter about 50% of the time. I gotta row my own just like a manual trans except my left leg isn’t moving. That ridiculous little nub of a gear selector in the MK 8 is just sad and disappointing. The MK7 DSG cockpit is perfect for me. Real buttons and not dominated by computer screens everywhere.

[@rich2579]

In all the mk8 golf r reviews, there are signs of wrinkling in the rear seats. Waduhek? 😅

[@codypanek]

Noticed that too in the vid with the leather seats. I have a '22 GTI SE trim with the cloth seats; mine are holding up well and I have car seats and wild kiddos jumping in & out. Overall though I prefer the Mk7 Plaid, and the seats are more aggressive in the Mk7 as well.

[@KrzysztofMalinowski-t8r]

😁👍

[@buya_pr]

0:33 WTF is mmi???

[@ecstuning]

multi media interface

[@buya_pr]

@@ecstuning ooooh you mean the infotainment! Got it 👍🏼👍🏼

[@madebymark1457]

27:32

[@n7narcosis]

So, what you're saying is, to get the car you should've gotten from VW, you have to spend thousands with ECS??? Yup, this proves to me even further, that the MK8 is a demonstration in cost reduction.

[@Thisonegoestoeleven666]

That front lip will be a scraping pain in the arse.