VW Golf R vs GTI: Is the Golf R Worth $15k More?

( www.TFLcar.com ) Mike compares his 2015 VW Golf GTI to a 2018 VW Golf R to find out if the R is worth the extra $15,000 in sticker price.
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[@thomass1891]

I like the way the front of Golf looks more however the Golf has better tires than the Golf but ultimately if I had to make a decision I would definitely choose the Golf.

[@JN-mw2dj]

they are both golfs

[@rc.obsession8207]

ImaGiraffe no shit Sherlock, it’s a joke.

[@johnvu6560]

So did you end up getting a Golf?...

[@zadraking]

Thomas, please try to stay in topic please.

[@fartingnipple8021]

Did you see the golf at the beggining...very pretty car

[@johnschellhase7469]

As a Golf R owner, there are a few nit picky things I would like to point out: 1) The Mk7.5 R has a 7 speed DSG vs. the 6 speed for the pre-facelift. 2) the fake sound on the interior is actually made my vibrating the windshield not by the speakers. Called the soundaktor, or sound actuator. 3) The “15k difference” is not fair. The Golf R has so many more standard features. A fair comparison is an Autobahn GTI vs a Golf R. that is only about a $5k difference which I think it well worth it. 4) realistic gas mileage is much better for the Golf R. (at least mine, even with a neuspeed chip). Average is about 28 with consistently highway and city driving. On purely city driving, it gets around 31-32 at about 70-75. 5) With performance of DSG vs manual, the time gap is much smaller than stated. Also PS: this isn’t me trying to be rude this is just things I noticed that are small that I wanted to point out or explain! As usual I enjoyed the video and I like seeing these comparisons. I upgraded from a mk6 GTI to the mk7 R and love it. There are days I wish I had the DSG due to the raw power of the R but the manual is still so enjoyable. I live in a winter climate too, so having the awd helps a ton.

[@MblCJluTEJlb]

And if need be, the soundaktor can be easily removed/disconnected or turned off via OBDEleven, since there's no way to turn it off from the infotainment system.

[@stephenhendricks103]

As noted in the comment above, I found the real world price of a GTI versus a Golf R was at least twice the $5000 difference you cited. Things may have changed since four months ago but I purchased a GTI for about $6000 less than MSRP and did not find a single dealer willing to sell an R for less than MSRP. As for feature comparisons, the appropriate trim comparison is between a GTI Autobahn and the Golf R. In that comparison the "standard feature" differences consist of AWD vs FWD, the R's digital cockpit, an extra gear in the R's DSG version, and a front end frown vs a smiley face. :)

[@timothygermann780]

Good comments but concerning price, the $37,000 Autobahn can be found on lots around me for less than $33,000 while the Golf R's price not only doesn't come down EVER, it often sells for a grand or two over MSRP so the real world difference between the R and the GTI is 10K and the difference to the S cited in the video is closer to $20,000. Furthermore, snow tires make more of a difference in winter than does AWD so the GTI with dedicated summer and Snow tires can do 90% of what the R can for tens of thousands less.

[@johnschellhase7469]

Timothy Germann you are correct about price. I forgot that the GTI is frequently marked down.

[@JustKieffer]

Timothy Germann and my Golf R with winters kicks ass. That extra $10K was well worth it. I threw a JB4 in and she’s pushing 340 hp. :)

[@jmj267]

Michael that was a great review. Let's see how many thumbs up we can give Michael for that incredible weight loss you look awesome buddy.

[@anthonyc1883]

I hadn't noticed, but as someone who has lost a substantial amount of weight, my hat is off to him. I'll try to find an old video to compare.

[@m1kerophone]

Thanks for the support John!

[@DouvikasC]

Michael killed it in this review. Excellent job Michael!!! Keep it up! Also, the editing for all of the TFL channels has been absolutely outstanding! I enjoy all of the TFL channels.

[@ned8249]

Your under key approach to your reviews is really refreshing and nice. I always appreciate them.

[@topcarsautosales]

Love you reviews very professional presentations, job well done.

[@justordinaryeverydaylife7977]

Great review! I had the 08 GTi in the R32 days and every time I would see them I used to wish the Bosch ME9 2.0t came on them because that would have been a dream. You know for the AWD feature. The Golf R is a dream!! I will hope to own one, one day.

[@tactical_potato81]

Really enjoyed this video man. It seems you and I both share a lot of points and counterpoints with both of these cars. I look forward to seeing some more of your independent videos like this man. Hopefully in the near future we can see some other actual live performance comparisons as well

[@kevink1595]

I’ve owned a 2007 GTI and a 2013 GTI Wolfsburg before getting my 2018 Golf R and all I can say is Golf R all the way!!! (All have been/are manuals)

[@cubby6708]

Nyce. Had an 04’ now a 2014. Better job now, thinking about an R or a Prius. Lol

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Mike, your content in this video was somewhat subjective, but the overall directive was spot on. Very mature in your approach, and delivery. Keep it up, young man. You are an asset to the TFL lineup, as I'm sure you've already heard. 🤓👍

[@numbereightyseven]

Of course it's subjective, you plonker. It's all just opinion. ... or are you from the US, where different opinions are wrong, and must be legislated against and violently suppressed.

[@bertito43]

Awesome review! You’ve come a long way!

[@alexjones9111]

super pleasing video. i’ve watched some of your other vids on your white gti (as id like one too!) and this video stands out in a great way. well done mate!

[@stephenhendricks103]

MIke, good comparison. I think you're spot on in a number of points; I'd quibble with a few. First, price. I faced exactly this choice about 4 months ago in the Seattle area. Comparing six dealers in the area I found only one willing to offer the "R" at the $42, 000+ MSRP and that was for a single example that another customer had ordered but then refused on delivery. Every other dealer added a second sticker of $2000-$4000 to the MSRP price for "R's" on their lots. In contrast I was able to purchase a fully loaded GTI Autobahn/DSG edition in the color I wanted for $32,043 + TTL. That's a much closer apples to apples comparison between the two new vehicles than a lower trim GTI vs an "R". So the real world price difference, at least here in Seattle for similar trims, was a minimum of $10,000, or so, rather than $15,000. Still, it was a much greater difference than the oft-cited "few thousand dollar" difference between MSRP's. And if I had been willing to pay a "market adjustment" for the R the difference would have approached the $15,000 you noted. Second, build quality in Germany versus Mexico. I had a 2013 MK6 GTI, the last model built in Germany. Overall, I've found the 2018 GTI assembled in Mexico to be tighter, stronger, and overall a better built vehicle. I attribute that to the MQB-based architecture in the MK7.x version of the Golf. Over the first 6000 miles in my GTI I've had literally no rattles or fit/finish issues. I'm sure the R is just as solidly built but I can't imagine how it would be better. In short, Mexican robots are just as capable as German robots. Third, AWD vs FWD. If I lived in Minnesota rather than the Pacific NW this would be a bigger issue. And I'd readily admit that the "R" feels more "planted" than the GTI. But as you noted, VW's 4Motion AWD is a front wheel biased system. The rear wheels come into play only when the car detects front wheel slip. And for that AWD you pay a penalty of about 300 lbs, the weight of an NFL lineman sitting in the back seat of a GTI. No wonder the R feels more "planted" in normal driving. Furthermore, the weight penalty in the R comes into play in braking. The two cars have the same brakes (as of 2018). With identical tires, it's only logical that the GTI has an advantage in stopping distance and that advantage is also felt in handling on twisty roads. The GTI is simply more nimble in most driving situations. Fourth, tune-ability issues. Stock vs stock there's no question that the GTI is at a serious disadvantage. But a Stage One (APR) tune in the GTI provides essentially the same HP and torque as a stock R. Of course, an R can be tuned, as well, and the results are fairly amazing. But apart from performance at a dragstrip and bragging rights over beers, I simply don't see the point of a 400 HP Golf. And for less than $1000 an ECU flash and improved intake is a very inexpensive performance improvement and one I could use every day. YMMV, of course. Tune-ability also has consequences in terms of a DSG vs MT choices. When I added a Stage One tune to my MK6 GTI, the shop owner asked if I had a DSG or a manual transmission. When I told him it was a DSG he replied, "OK. Well we won't have to the 'talk' about replacing your clutch on a regular basis." He was right. Over 20K miles, I never encountered a problem with my transmission after the tune, from what I've seen among other owners, that's a common experience not shared by those with manual transmissions. Fifth, other GTI features vs R features. The "R's" digital cockpit is attractive eye candy. I wish my GTI had it. But, for me, it's not a big deal and from what I've seen, that difference will disappear with the 2019 model year. The "R" has a seven speed DSG vs the GTI's six speed unit. Whether that's an advantage is debatable, I think. Personally, I drive my GTI in manual mode most of the time and the six speed unit is easier to manage and more than adequate. The seven speed unit may improve the R's fuel efficiency a bit but otherwise I'm skeptical. Again, YMMV. On the GTI side, the standard sunroof was more than a minor deal for me. When you live in Seattle you can use all the light in the cabin you can get. The fact that the R doesn't offer it, even as an option, wasn't a deal breaker but it was a disappointment. Otherwise, differences in the features of the GTI Autobahn edition and the R amount to badging and whether you prefer a frown or a smile on the front fascia. So for me, at least, the $10,000+ difference in price between the GTI and the R was simply too much to ignore. But I wouldn't criticize anyone who makes the opposite choice. As noted above YMMV.

[@MrAruzz]

solid reasoning. good read

[@dougaugustine933]

Great post. You make a lot of good points. I actually would prefer a GTI minus a sunroof plus the better stereo. Guess you can't have it all...

[@muddysneakers77]

I live in the Seattle area (Snohomish) and am having the same issue deciding. I refuse to pay over MSRP for any brand vehicle. Which dealer did you end up going with that worked out that decent Out the door price for your fully loaded Autobahn?

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@muddysneakers77 Hi there. Try Auburn VW (in Auburn...duh) and speak to Austin Martin in sales. Feel free to use my name. Auburn VW has a policy of not putting a second sticker on their vehicles. Not sure what the availability of vehicles is at this point but I've dealt with this dealer and can recommend them highly. I'll leave this message until you respond before removing it.

[@jackkirkpatrick2849]

Good video Michael. Thanks for not doing the Doug DeMuro thing anymore lol. Honestly, I think your car looks better but at the end of the day, more power is awesome! Keep up the good work. You're a great addition to the TFL Team.

[@CristianOrnelas602]

Loved this video! Very real very interactive, answered all my questions :) thank you! You earned a new subscriber

[@ScottOrd]

I really liked the comparison, and the facts you dropped about these hot hatches - even learned a few things! Thanks!

[@blitzbbffl]

Great review and presentation skills!

[@ejicon3099]

very thorough. Thanks for the history lesson as well. Great video.

[@dougn6295]

Great clarity! Well done

[@007mikes]

Great video thanks for taking the time for making this, im a local colorado guy i believe im going wit the golf r

[@mogausephewu5772]

You have been amazing easy handling everything through the video, such a phenomenal work you presented, if I had enough money I would take advice from you, A brother all the way from South Africa

[@MarcJentzsch]

One word can resolve this debate: PLAID. Thank you. That is all.

[@MFnDahk]

Because plaid is rad.

[@christopheroldham885]

Played

[@MidWesti]

wait.. is that a good thing or a bad thing?

[@JustinAbroad]

You can just swap the seats...

[@MarcJentzsch]

@@JustinAbroad Hey, it's how I console myself about not being able to afford an R. BUT...if I ever got hold of a well-priced R, I would get a bespoke company near me to put in plaid cloth inserts or something, yeah.

[@adriaan3454]

Found my new favourite channel!

[@randystout9266]

I'm also in Colorado. I got a 2011 gti and love it. This was an amazing video. Hopfully i run into you sometime. I'm in denver area

[@DcoyMcoy]

Like the comparison video. I have been driving my R32 since 2004, love it and can't talk myself into getting a newer model.

[@wocaomade]

R32s are the best!

[@daltonharrison681]

Great video man. Considering either one right now but definitely leaning towards the R

[@andrewlizotte7483]

I have MK7 Golf R stage 1+ ECU and TCU tune. Unitronic says it has 375 hp.. I could care less what it actually has. The thing drives like a monster when I want it to. I daily drive it and it's been reliable for 40k miles already the past 2 years! Wouldn't have wanted the $100 less a month car payment for the GTI.. if you have the money it's totally worth it. If your unable to spend the little extra a month then yes the GTI is also a great car. My car did awesome in Connecticut during heavy snow with snow tires and also ran a 12.2 quarter mile down in Florida on a very hot night. Roasted a corvette! With an intercooler down pipe and stage 2+.. probably even more of an amazing car.. soon.. LOVE THE DSG!

[@AtomNic]

love it man, that's dope!

[@MrVara411]

Looking to get a 2018-9 model for that awesome warranty but that's precisely what makes me hesitate to do a tune...! :-/

[@richardburns9772]

Good job, I liked your review. 👍🏼

[@mrich7363]

Love this My first car ever was VW golf MK1 now I am have MK3 and Mk4 busy getting the MK6

[@LordHolley]

Nice video dude!

[@flopkin]

I own a GTI, I wish I could afford the R lol

[@Personalinfo404]

get a mk7 GTI, get it to stage 2 (2400$), and laugh at all the money you saved.

[@Nweran]

But will it be all wheel drive?

[@Personalinfo404]

@@Nweran not worth it. Just slap wider tires on the front.

[@colbymag2053]

This is an awesome comparison! thank you! Do you ever struggle driving in slippery/wintery weather with the GTI (assuming you have winter tires on)?

[@seanmikhaels]

Love the new presenter , great Comparison !

[@luketorrey1694]

Great video. Keep it up.

[@realthing66]

great video, I am looking at both these cars right now :-)

[@Pam_224]

Which did you get

[@davidkirby484]

TFL'S best review!

[@dpw325]

Thanks for the history, nice touch.

[@john335i]

Owned a Golf R for 2 years, great car, super fun to drive, yes it’s a lot of money but there is a lot of performance. I like that it doesn’t stand out, total sleeper. Fit and finish in the car is very good. Stock with the DSG it’s 4.5 seconds 0-60. Tuned it’s down below 4 seconds, it is seriously fast and can seat 4 without a problem

[@princessdoddie]

Mike thanks for the great review...your passion for cars comes right through. I might just give TFC another shot.

[@shiftmotorsports9803]

Great video. I own a tuned GTI mk6 and love it. It could only be replaced by a Golf R for the added traction. I do, however, believe the spiritual predecessor for the Golf R is the Rallye Golf which was made in greater numbers than 71. It had flared fenders, the g60, and all wheel drive. The only reason I know is because I knew someone who owned a dark blue one and he let me drive it when I was in high school. I have wanted one ever since. This car never made it to the US, but could be imported today.

[@allanvarrs3827]

Wowwwww!!!! Thanks so much for sharing this info because I wanted to buy a 2015 gti but I was also interested in the R's overall performance. Both are excellent volts wagons but I always loved the gti. I wished that the gti had all wheel drive too.

[@drouxbag94]

He really made it a reason for saving 3 mpg

[@ripe12345667]

Great video and nice raws brother. What brand are they?

[@m1kerophone]

Thanks! N&F left hand twill

[@MichaelBacon212]

I enjoyed this video a lot. But for almost 16k more, that's a lot of performance upgrades you can put into that GTI.

[@M_773]

But you'll never get AWD. 16k more than a golf + 1k of upgrades on a golf r and you are already faster than a GTI will ever be

[@Tigerex966]

i think the fastest golf on the nurburgring was a lightweight 6 speed manual fwd tuned gti, not r

[@RacesForTheChannel]

My apr stage 2+ 2018 DSG Golf R will destroy a Stage 2 GTI lol

[@gigi9467]

42k???? lol give a me camaro 1le and ill run circles around the track with it. 42k lol

[@Tigerex966]

@@RacesForTheChannel in a straight line But the lighter weight may actually help the hit on some road courses

[@CPSLondon]

I ordered and R today and am so excited!

[@JordanMG-ym6pl]

Still got it? i can’t decide between gti or R

[@BOOSTEDDUDE]

Nice review man. Nice to see a Colorado car review guy! I agree with most your points. However, the HP difference is now 72hp between GTI and Golf R. Another good thing about the R is it holds it's value much better than the GTI. Both are great cars but you definite have to pay a lot more to get into an R. And by that point you're probably considering other cars like an Audi S3 or something. Sub'd

[@hungrychowhound11612]

Great video. I liked it. I too would consider my options at the time. Long story short looked at a low mileage mk5 R32 I know not the same car, but the cool factor was there. They had an mk6 gti dsg slightly higher, after some quick research and consideration we went with the gti, for practical reasons. I mentioned to my wife I would like a type r, well let's say the gti will around for a little while. And I was warned not to even consider trading in her 12 cc. So I'll just have to watch videos on this subject. Not complaining at all. Very happy with gti, just wish it was a Golf R some times. Cheers.

[@stareluigi6702]

We need more of this guy. He is the face of TFL.

[@barryung8172]

Love your comparison from Down Under

[@koston777]

People say 300lb difference is not much. But if you think about it, its 10% of over all weight or having a 300lb NFL linebacker with you all the time.

[@snoopwing1]

Yes you nailed it from scratch till the end !

[@cyclone1513]

Good comparison. I had no idea about the g60 back in the day

[@mmante78]

I’ve had my base 2017 MK7 GTI DSG now for 2 years and I love it. For the price it’s way better than the competition. I got mine for under $25k and I’ve made some upgrades, like a MAPerformance downpipe, Cobb catback exhaust, Cobb AP, k&n performance drop-in filter, MAPerformance ots stage 2 tune and a CTS billet dogbone. That’s about $2.5k upgrade and boy it sounds good and reliability/ performance is awesome.

[@blueocean21042]

I'm glad I came across your video, I'm not so much in a dilemma of choosing between the GTI and the Golf R, my contemplation has been more over "manual transmission or DSG"? That and from what I understand the 2018 is supposed to be the best year for the Golf R? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[@nickhaight4]

The GTI’s looks get even better when you have the lighting package and performance package, also with performance package you get R brakes so that’s a plus too. Another bonus is that you can get a sun roof with the GTI, and you can still get the black leather option as well

[@raymondarcher4816]

Great comparison. I’m loving my MK7 GTI with manual 6 speed, however the Golf R is still pretty cool.

[@Newbyrock23]

I absolutely love my Mk7 GTI. The DSG is so underrated it’s not even funny. I’ve always been a standard guy, but I was blown away by the DSG. Practical, sporty, fun, what’s not to love about the GTI......oh.... and did I mention how tunable they are?

[@nikogeorgiafentis7450]

Finally someone who sides with the GTI over the R. Great Video

[@t1328]

I’ve had both. I regret upgrading to the R. My wife now has the GTI, and I’ve moved on from the R to a Kia Stinger GT. But at the end of the day, the R (this was the 6 year DSG, so this may have changed) is tunes to require much more throttle than the GTI before it’s starts moving beyond snail’s pace. Sure once you squeeze that accelerator it’s insanely fast. But that speed just feels a lot less accessible unless you’re in Sports mode all day long. The GTI is just more fun even though its not as quick. Obviously this is purely one persons opinion. But I regret ever deciding to get the R.

[@kent570253]

I had the same debate for 2 years. I finally got the best of both worlds ( although slower) Golf Sportwagon, manual 4 motion.

[@divvish]

My GTI get around 32 mpg on highway driving at around 70-80 mph. If slower then more like 35 mpg. Ofc it's completely stock, but loving every bit of it.

[@ferdinand2506]

I decided to get the GTI, because of YOU Thanks mate

[@johnmoser2689]

Great job well done

[@bitemyram]

Totally agree… and great video. 👍🏻

[@TENNESSEETRACKHAWK]

Dude, that was a great comparison and review. Now I'm even more confused which one I want lol. I was leaning towards the R but knowing the motors are exactly the same makes me want to save 300 lbs and get 3 more mpg as it is my DD.

[@helenbaylis6837]

i had a '18 GTI loaner while I waited for R to arrive. In reality there is a big difference in the engines. The R is much smoother and can cruise at 1600-1800 revs (they are both high geared) without any grumbling and then rev to the moon. The GTI feels quite "booster which is nice for overtaking speeds and the R's power feels more linear but it pulls forever. GTI's front end is real fun in the corners. Swapped the R's Bridgestone's to Michelin 4s tyres which helped a lot. Get the R. I traded my Alfa Quadrifoglio for the R. No regrets

[@TENNESSEETRACKHAWK]

Great thanx

[@verygood7155]

Good job!!

[@drtyboy]

Manual always!! Because anything with paddles feels like I'm just makin a margarita in a blender.

[@Michael_Matthias]

Thanks for sharing. In Australia adding the extras that the R has to the GTi would bring it's cost much closer to the R. Would people really use pretend exhaust noise in the cabin?

[@240fxst]

I just purchased a 2019 “R”. I sold my Hot hatch Ferrari FF because I wanted a more mature hatchback with a third aluminum pedal. Money was not a consideration when intrinsic values are applied. Thanks for sharing.

[@gaycha6589]

I have had both, and am now in my second 7R. I'd take the R every time for our damp bumpy UK roads.

[@jamesbutler606]

it not annoy you that 2 in every 3 golfs on the road are the R!?

[@patrickbroaders2828]

Girlfriend and I asked ourselves this exact question last month while shopping for a new "fun" daily for her and we walked into VW with intentions of purchasing a Golf R. After spending time in both the Golf R and GTI & before price even came into consideration, the GTI surprisingly became the clear winner. The GTI has a much more responsive and nimble/direct feel while zipping around during common daily driving scenarios. Cliche adjectives aside, It simply just felt more fun. The red stripe on the grill, red brake callipers and iconic GTI badge adds to the car's "fun factor" and lets people know that it is not just a normal Golf. Price was then added to the equation and to make a long story short, a DSG GTI now sits in our driveway.

[@jeffk464]

The smaller turbo allows it to spool up faster. You get better low end but loose power at higher rpm's.

[@NickRichards]

I like both, I've driven both and they're both bonkers. You can't go wrong, IMO.

[@kbk011]

Patrick Broaders I was agreeing with everything and saying smart man. Then you wrote dsg and I packed up my bags and left. Manual all the way.

[@patrickbroaders2828]

@ Nick Richards - I agree! I don't know why I waited this long to experience an MQB platform with the EA888 engine. VW have a winner on their hands here. "insert someone's until it breaks comment here"

[@patrickbroaders2828]

@kbk011 - haha sorry i've let you down but nah, not for a daily. Hours in traffic with a manual isn't all that fun. I have a weekend/track/autox car to satisfy my manual thirst. I am a manual fan all the way, but the DSG transmission is reeeeeaaallly good, I have to say.

[@billgatesisanerd]

Great review, I really liked your comments.

[@mattcody4933]

I just bought a 7.5 GTi manual and I love it! But when it is time to upgrade (5 year lease). I think I'll be trying out the four wheel drive and extra power of the R!

[@JeffSpehar-ov1cn]

Pretty sure they are going to stop making the R soon.

[@seanryan2666]

Correct me if I’m wrong but the mk4 r32 was 2004 not 2002. And the mk5 was 2008 not 2005. Accord the the US. And I rather have my golf r than the gti. The gti with an is38 stage 2 makes about 340 hp. The golf r stage2 is over 430hp and roughly 487 tq add in the awd to the mix. The golf r is a monster and well worth every dollar

[@rreichar1]

Nice video. Like you, I bought a GTI. It’s a 2017 SE manual. What’s different is that I was shopping for a Golf R when I bought it. My SE with leather and the Fender audio was under 26K. The Golf R I was shopping was a DSG for about 43K. There was actually a slight markup for the R at that time. The GTI was discounted around 4-5K. I don’t remember the exact MSRP but it was a good discount. In the end I couldn’t say the experience of driving them was enough different to justify the price. I feel like I got 90% of the car for 60% of the price. So I guess it depends on how much that last 10% is worth to you. I ended up buying a GLI for my wife at the same time and the total for both cars wasn’t much more than the Golf R alone. That helped put it in perspective for me. I would still consider buying a Golf R. I love the car. I prefer the classy, sleeper look. But I doubt that I’ll ever pull the trigger. Just can’t quite justify it.

[@alexkostoff4875]

Im going to comment before I've watched 3 seconds into this video. No item is worth 15k more. But I'll still going to buy the Golf R. Video concluded congrats.

[@jacobmarx1994]

Get it tuned at Bluewater! I did my Tiguan and it’s great!

[@MrSamboWambo]

How's the GTI handle the snow? Living in Breckenridge I'm looking for an AWD and to get out of my Subaru

[@carguybd]

Well done. In my case I bought a loaded 10k mi. GTI Autobahn, Certified by VW corporate, so tires/brakes etc. were brand new. It was $17k+ under the price of a new R. For that chasm, it didn’t make sense. There just aren’t that many Certified used Rs out there, and the ones that are, are priced commensurately. I live in the snow belt, however a good set of Blizzaks got my Mk VI through anything, always. Ummmm, that Golf R in deep silver is mighty handsome. Elegant even. Every day I wish I had the R, but the GTI is suited to my use just fine. Wants vs needs, ultimately.

[@ciscohour5884]

Everyday I wish I had a GTI vs my Golf.

[@carguybd]

@@ciscohour5884 the Golf is no slouch. My kid had a MK VII and it was a hoot.

[@xmlviking]

All wheel drive. You just can beat that hookup. I LOVE LOVE my Golf R. Leather seats :) I have spent more then 15k on my Golf R after I purchased it so yeah....lol your going to do that anyway.

[@jaredpmoser]

@TFLnow Is the Golf R block any diffrent as far as forged and or reinforced ported head soforth or just larger turbo / tune?

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

The Golf R DSG was very difficult to find in Southern California. There were a handful of them about a month ago and pretty much zero now. Buyers may have to wait for the 2019 MY to get one.

[@stephenhendricks103]

The supply/demand curve is the main reason. VW limited dealers to only as many R's as they had firm orders for in 2018. I suspect that was to avoid cannibalizing Audi sales. As I noted in my longer post, I found only one dealer (out of six) willing to sell an R for MSRP and that one car was sold within 24 hours to a buyer from 500 miles away. The other dealers had added $2000-$4000 "market adjustments" to the cars they had. Just checked Autotrader and they list zero new "R's" for sale within 500 miles of Seattle.

[@simeonbonev4111]

Whaatt MSAR for a VW ?!?? Who does that ? $35-$36 tops for R $19K for GTI S. $23 for GTI SE . jalopnik.com/you-can-finally-get-a-great-deal-on-a-volkswagen-golf-r-1792353073

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

Simeon Bonev As soon as you find an R DSG with a huge discount in Southern California let me know. Manuals can be had with these discounts. I didn’t want a manual.

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@simeonbonev4111 Uh....did you happen to notice the date on that article? Nearly two years ago.

[@speedrcer1]

MB GLA 250. Split the middle in HP and price. I love mine. (loved My VW GTI and GLI )

[@ericcarson342]

Misleading title. Fully loaded autobahn was in the 37,000 range. I bought my R for 39,000 plus fees.

[@lockheed08]

Lol I have a Mk7 GTI and spend the $15k or so difference on a liter bike. I’m in love with both.

[@michaelgrayson409]

I'm not clear. Maybe you mentioned it multiple times. Do I have a choice of a 6-speed manual or DSG transmission in the Golf R?

[@derekhong3012]

Would love to have a Golf R someday, but for now im in love with my 15' GTI, best bang for your buck

[@joeman123964]

2015 is my dream car. been looking for a decent price. one day I'll get one lol been saving for a few years now. how is insurance and maintenance? i am gonna get one next year once i get my new job

[@TheSnickars]

Love my 2015, last of the 2 doors

[@ck2503]

And a resounding YES was heard across the land.

[@brianbuckmast2933]

Just got the same rabbit today in Milwaukee. No cool red rabbit badging though, wondering where I can get it.

[@bongofury3176]

I get 38mpg long term average in my APR1 R...there are actually quite a few differences in the engines. Forged internals good for 600bhp on the R...

[@KnuteJPhotos]

You forgot to mention that the golf g60 limited was a 16v variant of the golf rallye which I believe is where the R came from in Golf R

[@ferrarienzokl]

The Golf R is already being discounted by a lot of dealers. Some sell them for 36k when MSRP is 41-42k.

[@H2oToGoWH]

KGL Nero 46k here in Canada lol for a 2019

[@Tony-Stank18]

The 7.5 R is 310 bhp in the uk. Plus it has the 7speed dsg. Over the 6speed in the mk7 R. Upgraded from the gti edition 35. The R is definitely a big upgrade.

[@bitronic1]

Both r good in their own rights... Get an apr/unitronic tune and either will become crazy bang for the buck performance wise. Since I own a wrx as a winter car, I opted for the gti as I find it more nimble overall as well as greater value...

[@SavvyTruth]

I have a 2015 GTI also, but I put a Borla on it, sounds better than a stock R now without being obnoxious. Have a few videos of it up, definitely worth the $750 bucks.

[@joeman123964]

but the thing is for me...yeah 25k for gti. 42k for golf r. that price tag of 42k can't be compared to gti anymore. that 42k brings the golf r to the next bracket of "what can i get for 42k?" golf r verses very nice audi, fast loaded mustang, i mean hell i saw a maserati on the lot used for 47k. gti is 25k and can be compared to others around the price range. 42k isn't worth the performance golf r offers. there are other cars way superior for the 42k price tag. golf r is my dream car, but i am just being honest. i think it's about status in the vw community over all

[@SGxShadow]

For me, it was about speed. If we are doing a fair comparison between new cars, you won't be able to find a brand new luxury car, with the same 0-60, for 42k. I know, I looked. Now if you want a used AMG (insert model) with 30-50k miles from 2-3 years ago, then sure. You got all those luxury features and the power. For me, I wanted a new car. I didn't, and still don't, want someone else problems. That's just me though. Too many bad experiences with used cars.

[@joeman123964]

@@SGxShadow yeah. fair enough i can respect that 👍

[@A.ChristopherJohnson]

great review fam. stick or nothing b

[@Spinal2111]

The GTI vs R price point isn't that much if they're similarly equipped. The autobahn version of the GTI here in Canada is only about $4k less than the R, and for that difference, its well worth it, and thats what sealed the deal for me to buy one. In addition to the AWD system, the engine & other components are built for the extra power which is reassuring if you want to add more power later on. I do wish we had the performance pack option though like in Europe for the R.

[@alvinomartinez9728]

Also the mk7 Golf R had a 6-speed DSG where in the mk7.5 they upgraded to the 7-speed.