VW Golf R or Golf GTI? - Back to Back Test Drives

I've teamed up with Pendle Leasing to bring you a new series of test drives in more obtainable cars and we're underway with the second video, featuring both the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Golf R!
The GTI brand is iconic having being born over 4 decades ago and the mk VII version comes equipped with 220PS and 350Nm, along with familiar touches that have remained in the model throughout time; the tartan interior, red highlight across the grille and the golf ball gear knob.
The R was launched initially on the previous generation but now comes packed with 300PS and 380NM, capable of 4.9s 0-62mph with the DSG, but in this case I'm driving both cars for back to back test drives with 6 speed manuals.
The Golf GTI and Golf R (along with many other Golf variants) are available via Pendle Vehicle Contracts. The UK-based leasing company offers special leasing deals for all needs and arrange suitable finance for the private individual, business or even if you are a large fleet customer.
Please check the link for more direct info on leasing a VW Golf or even a GTI or R: www.pendlelease.co.uk/personal...
You will find a specific deal for the Golf GTI here:
www.pendlelease.co.uk/business...
And for the Golf R here:
www.pendlelease.co.uk/business...
If you're interested to know more about leasing in general, take a look at: www.pendlelease.co.uk
Thanks for watching, Tim
Subscribe: bit.ly/Shmee150YT
Website: www.shmee150.com
Facebook: www. shmee150
Instagram: / shmee150

[@TheDollarhide]

"From the word go." - my favorite Tim Burton quote

[@stfu6397]

Brock Obama true af

[@bradryan1025]

"Whistle stop tour" - my least favourite Tim Burton quote.

[@maxlane3772]

Kwebbel Kop

[@MrTARIQSs]

Holy crap seeing you showcasing golfs made me smile so much as a mk7 gti owner :')

[@Shmee150]

Awesome, it's a pretty good all-round car!

[@statesidesupercars]

£3000 more for the R? Easy choice if you ask me.

[@Shmee150]

You do get a lower base specification as a result though.

[@BalkanBoyBiH]

yeah but alot more power

[@pumpuppthevolume]

yes easy ....................second hand 2008 Subaru 4x4 automatic around 140hp and around 100k km ...........................4400 pounds

[@BalkanBoyBiH]

***** how can you compare a stock car vs a tuned 1? if you tune a golf R it will shit even more on the gti with just a chip tune GTI needs a bigger turbo to get even near the HP as the R

[@arielr3200]

CarPassion That's inaccurate. On the mk7 the golf r and the gti share the same engine. The R has stronger internals though.

[@crocop2712]

Just bought a GTI 3 months ago and i enjoy it everyday. VW has done a great job

[@xlewis1209x]

My friend owns a Golf R with stage 3 remap and other parts installed. Now does 0-60 in 3.5 with launch control

[@Figureight]

Does the Golf R add engine sound through the stereo? It sounded really false when you changed the setting.

[@thearousedeunuch]

I'm surprised to find you here, Figureight. I watched a few of your videos in the past (3DTuning and a Car Mechanic Simulator video). Regarding the Golf R, from what I've heard it comes with a sound resonator that amplifies the sound. Some owners remove it in order to keep the sound of the engine pure. I did a quick reading of a VW Golf forum for you, and I didn't find any mention of it being directly linked to the drive mode you're in (even though it probably should be, judging from other new cars that pull that one off). :)

[@gasperfantas]

The sound definitely amplifies thorugh the speakers, when the Dynamic/Sport mode is selected.

[@ashykings]

Mfk33 the sound resonator is attached to the front window and the sound comes off that not through the speakers. the sound dose change with the drive mode but you can go in to the settings and change it to whatever you want to be whatever mode your in. it is not as loud as it sounds in this video in real life. I think it's coz the camera is stuck to the front window where the sound comes from why it sounds so deep.

[@thearousedeunuch]

Thank you for clearing that up, Ashford Lee. :)

[@kristian_bez_j]

the "R" has been around for more than just 2 models.... there was a golf IV R32 and gold V R32.... even the golf III VR6 ... Its only that back then they had a 3.2 liter engine in the R32s and a 2.8 liter engine in the VR6 ... but the point is the R only became just the "R" when they started using 2 liter engine for it..

[@nothingnew3419]

These two small hatches are simply adorable! That was a good review, so please, more videos like this 😉

[@Josh_Wright]

"Very round gearstick" did you miss the point of what it is Tim:')

[@patrickpelletier6315]

i guess Tim doesnt play golf. neither do i, but ive always loved the fact that the gearstick at least on the manual versions are basically golf balls.

[@freddytommek]

read the description ;) I know that he still said that in the video, but it seems he corrected himself in the description.

[@thejhp1]

Josh wright he's used to expensive cars xD

[@patrickpelletier6315]

freddytommek perhaps. But then again he can edit the description at a later time

[@d0718]

I'm surprised there is so much hate towards the performance Golfs... I've owned a mk7 GTD for over 3 years now and it's the best daily driver I've ever had in my life. Not a SINGLE fault yet, extremely reliable, happy to start and go in any conditions, I've driven it through floods and left it outside during winter for a few weeks and it started no problem. Also has great technology on board usually found in much more expensive cars, very refined, comfortable and high quality car. And yes, yes it is fun to drive, even the GTD. Looks is very subjective, but to my eye they are beautiful, yet grown up, VWs always reminded me of a well tailored suit. So as much as I love the Focus RS and Honda Civic Type R and so on, it's really hard to beat Golfs in terms of daily usability-fun factor balance

[@jameshartley95]

great cars but i hate the fake engine noises

[@patrickpelletier6315]

i havent finished watching the video but most cars dont use the stereo system for the engine noise. in fact most use a resonator from the intake, it has a charcoal filter or something like that but it tends to be right under the passenger footwell.

[@patrickpelletier6315]

yea actually he did just mention it. but the way he said it may mean that it is a valve in the intake resonator that opens or closes

[@Doggepp]

The GTI/R has something called a "Soundaktor" its essentially a small speaker that vibrates sound through the front windshield strangely enough. It takes about 2 minutes to unplug, or you can disable it if you have VAGCOM/VCDS - An application where you can modify a lot of different stuff in these cars.

[@patrickpelletier6315]

Doggepp interesting, im disappointed VW go that low but then again i guess most brands will move towards that if they havent already

[@Doggepp]

Yes I have to agree. Thats why I like the new Focus RS, it actually makes a lot of sound, and exhaust pops&bangs, which is quite rare these days. But then again, you can change so that the valves in the R exhaust is open at all times, not only in Race mode, by changing a few values with the computer using Vag com, and that makes for some nice sound. Did it with my R, and havent looked back since.

[@jrnascimento1448]

These two cars, are more than adequate for a daily use. Paul has to put this in his head...

[@robsamuel5290]

What a legend Shmee - nobody has done a decent back to back review of these 2. I'm torn between them but edging towards the R as an awesome all rounder

[@mikenicolaou4835]

Can't wait for the clubsport & clubsport S reviews 👍

[@nolanohana]

Tim, really appreciate the more common car reviews, well done!

[@minibus1351]

"from the word go"

[@Shmee150]

One of my favourite phrases

[@ReesesHistoryPieces]

One of the best reviews of these two vehicles. I am looking at both of these for my buy back options in dieselgate over in the states. Thanks so much for a great review.

[@samuelsantiagoramirez1058]

I m really enjoying this series as much as your supercar videos , its great to see both sides of automotive

[@Aaa-sl1io]

Your new type of videos is exciting because the thought of more affordable cars is really good

[@Pilkboi]

Loving the coverage of more normally priced cars!

[@TheGreatestDaneEver]

Got my '16 GTI for $23,000. Absolutely love it; best value for the money imo.

[@KDHF115]

Golf R with DSG is amazing, you also get pops and bangs on the gear changes ;)

[@freakydeakydutch3707]

Nice review Shmee. Just ordered the face lifted MK 7 R. Arrives early next year. Happy days 👍

[@eltombo5843]

The Alan Partridge of automotive journalism...

[@carmangeek8882]

nice job on the review of the R and GTI

[@adamandersson9663]

£13188 gets you an R, £12857 gets you a GTI for 3 years, kind of a nobrainer.

[@tedubadu2536]

Adam Andersson that would be a high spec GTI versus low spec R though.

[@pooop592]

but after that your 13k down and no car.

[@pooop592]

Richard Evans i get where your coming from but doing the numbers in my head, i doubt your gonna save any money going either way, this lease plan/ buy outright/ finance and give back either way your still gonna lose 13ish grand over 3 years, so you might as well own the car after that time.

[@pooop592]

Richard Evans thats just a rough estimate.

[@adamandersson9663]

Yeah its probably down to personal preference. Me and my girlfriend leases a new Vovlo v40 t5 carbon ed and we only pay roughly £160 each, each month. Wouldn't lease if it was my own and only car, then I rather own :).

[@jrnascimento1448]

If possible, show us the engine as well. It's nice to see the heart of the cars:)

[@iHeadHunterz]

I have a manual 05 beetle turbo and it is sooo fun to drive. It is surprisingly fast for what it is. That little car is great

[@domingos123456789]

Tim, a little help. The Mk4 GTI had a change in font so no all of them had the same. Another point, the GTI has no estate version unlike the R.

[@Shmee150]

Thanks! Love the little details, I tried to research but sometimes it's impossible to find out everything.

[@m4xww]

Domingos Pereira The Mk4 GTI Anniversary used the font 🤓

[@Justin-hh9ro]

i thought the mark 3 also had a different font?

[@Oldmansland1]

Awesome car!! I'm definitely getting one of these with a manual transmission.

[@CarObsession]

I prefer the interior styling of the GTI but I don't think I could ever own a GTI knowing that the R is in existence.

[@robertjdm]

I'd have the Golf R! In fact, I'd have the Golf R over the Focus RS.

[@rbx211]

it's great isn't it?! practicality and performance

[@Adam-st2]

Great video Tim!

[@gavshields83]

Leasing information? You've sold your soul son.

[@phippsy85]

really enjoying this series, would love to see you review the Leon cupra

[@eeooKKK]

Finally cars for normal people...

[@Shmee150]

This is the second video following the Mini Cooper JCW, and it won't be the last! Of course I hope you also enjoy the content with my Focus RS and classic Mini too.

[@SG-wj2qj]

Canadian here, GTI base is 30k. Comes well equipped but missing a few nice things. Spec wise to match the R you'd need the Autobahn package. Which is 35k.... Now the Golf R costs 43K. So that's 8K more for 80hp & AWD. Is it really worth it? No.... The GTI is pretty damn good. However Resale value is good with the GTI is great but it's extremely good with the R....with that being said if AWD isn't much of desire and a bit more punch is all you want, an simple $500 flash tune and you've got the same power as a R (remember the GTI is about 150lbs lighter than the R)

[@GUITARTIME2024]

Tuning kills warranty.

[@19MKA19]

I love Golf. My first car was a Golf 4

[@bennel7067]

Shmee these videos are so good👏

[@lloyd.8272]

Good to see some reviews on some affordable cars. Any plans to review the M140, rs3 and a45?

[@adamtaylor5677]

golf r completely different beast. much superior in pace and handling capabilities in all conditions due to drivetrain. Sound better from stock and as an overall look in my opinion, much more purposeful.

[@4GuitarTrance]

But for a "hatch", are the extra funds really worth it? In the US the "R", price wise, is outrageous IMO. But once again, that's just me.

[@aurelien.bvideos494]

The Golf 7R is nice but for the sound it can't beat the R32 in fact I own one since 2 years and the sound is just magical .

[@ltd1980]

Just ordered the new R with the DSG box. 310bhp model. Hopefully see you do an updated video on this model

[@BoostedborisWtf]

Golf Russia

[@hilfeichhabmeinemutzeverge4620]

Boosted Boris why not dRunk?

[@BoostedborisWtf]

Snowcrash Son because it has a d in it.

[@_MacGuffin_]

So if it was an Automatic it would have a D in it.....as a driving mode at least...... also DSG..stands for..Drunk Soviet Getriebe...or does it? (funny how I imagine the Boris accent while writing and reading it to myself :-P) Grüße zum RIng ;-)

[@rlsedition]

The price difference between the GTI and R models in the US is much greater than the 3000 pounds you talked about. How about an almost $14,000 difference!

[@rbx211]

it's worth it though

[@4GuitarTrance]

@@rbx211 If money for a hatch is no object and easy to come by, sure. Otherwise... MEH!

[@ruipedroraimundo1921]

Hi Shmee, great video as usual! I love the GTI, but is is better than the mini JCW?

[@supraking85]

any chance of a fiesta st-line (zetec s) and st comparison?

[@mikehuynh5822]

Hi Tim, really appreciate the review. Won't ever afford a car like in your portfolio especially since the costs of maintaining and insurance and driving far outweighs everyday economy. The GTI will be my future car of choice. It's solid, well-laid interior composition and handles well in many reviews produced. Many say it's interior is far too conservative but it's German and functionality is important.

[@Ersy90]

getting my new mk7 gti in the next 3 days, im so happy

[@STIGRS]

Thank you Shmee! Just planing to buy a a hot hatchback. Can you tell how you feel between Golf R and your Focus RS please??

[@tomoshughes123]

Would love to see a Audi S3 vs Audi RS3 video!!

[@ajcars462]

That would be interesting to see.

[@samspencer922]

The Lure Guy there's a video of a Golf R vs RS3 timed around a track and the Golf R wins because it could outbrake the RS3 and corner better it was close because of the RS3's power. S3 is basically the same as the R it's just a different shell and interior. My brother had an S3 and I had an R.

[@tomoshughes123]

Sam Spencer Very interesting!

[@samspencer922]

The Lure Guy it is in a straight line but if you spend £500 on a revo stage1 remap that changes that.

[@mudgatebronn4438]

battle of understeer

[@ejmfletch465]

Great video Tim! It would be nice to see a comparison video with the mk2 and mk3 generation Focus RS's 🚗💨 Especially as you're an RS owner 😊

[@DarrenJMHughes]

That was a nice comparable video between the two VW Golfs - GTi and R. There are some really nice driving roads around the outskirts of MK and towards Northampton/Bedfordshire. I personally, would have the GTi over the R. I have a MK5 GTi I prefer the GTI branding over the R. Don't get me wrong, the R is a lovely car, I just prefer the GTi.

[@simonh5768]

Daz, have you driven both? If so, didn't you think the lower set seat in the R felt better or the 19' wheels felt firmer or the stupid turbo wheel spin in the GTI made it feel like something was going to break. You also put your foot down in the R I bet and it took off with total control. I drove the GTI for week then my R 7.5 was back from warranty gearbox DSG issue and fyi the R was worth every cent more.

[@AutomotiveMike]

Fit the R with Armytrix and it sounds epic!

[@ziondescheemaecker3678]

i got the golf R with the dsg and its awesome! the dsg is superb!

[@sergioaranda55]

what do you think of VW Scirocco?

[@ivan37200]

I have a GTI and I love the thing. It is amazing, I was also able to get a unique configuration due to the fact it was originally supposed to be a show room car, so I have the tartan finish for the back seats with black leather in the back. As well as a modified turbo

[@South4153]

ivan37200 whats modified about your snail?

[@milinddixit6583]

Was a tough choice for me back in June. Ended up with the R - made more sense. Especially as they both come with the same standard kit but the GTI really needs the performance pack (bigger brakes, 10HP and I think a better diff) where the R has all of that as standard plus more HP and 4WD.

[@Andruccio]

i got the perfomance version of the GTI with 230 PS and an electronical locking differential at the front wheels! great car :)

[@dantonchat71]

iwould have loved to hear your thoughts on the r against your RS ! nice video though!

[@Crankshaft1994]

happy diwali Shmee !!

[@alexjewell9674]

Finally shmee reviews the car I have the 2016 MK7 GTI with permofrmance package

[@solen1849]

Loved the review up to the end, no details on your decision? More driving more fun is why you choose the r?

[@facundolozzia]

I'm taking delivery of mine in 3 months!!!!

[@South4153]

Facundo Lozzia i'm sorry):

[@memorablename5187]

got it yet haha :D like it

[@facundolozzia]

I got it early not problems at all until now 😉

[@memorablename5187]

wicked

[@justinlarice2696]

My dad has a mk7 gti tuned by apr and it has 336 hp. It's actually pretty fast. Lots of fun to drive. I take it out too from time to time. Fun car

[@TomesEsq]

Have a '16 GTI Autobahn w/ Performance Package (6-speed manual). Almost got a Golf R, but REALLY glad I went with the GTI instead. In America, you can't get a sunroof with the Golf R, and that was a dealbreaker for me. I prefer the less weight that you get with no AWD system, and the mechanical LSD with the Performance Package is awesome.

[@bennel7067]

Shmee these videos are so good 😃

[@davidmontgomery8285]

Good vid what watch are you wearing

[@GermanCube]

To be honest, the Golf R is in its 4th generation, as there have been both MkIV and MkV Golf R32 versions. The only difference is that VW changed the VR6 NA engine with the I4 turbocharged one.

[@SuperDigitalMe]

Why not the R vs gti clubsport? They share the same engine

[@dallasmellsop5488]

They all share the same engine it's just that the golf r and clubsport have forged rods and a bigger turbo I think

[@aguitusaguitus]

What about checking the Seat León Cupra with 290 HP? Nice video btw

[@thedoodl38ug]

Nice to see Newport Pagnell and surrounding area in a video.

[@kylewalton1]

Tim, have you just recorded this video or did you film it a while ago because I picked up my Golf R estate at the start of September and I got Nav as standard

[@toadscrote123321]

There's not much visually to distinguish the R from a lot of the other cars in the range. It's almost identical in looks to a GTD, and is a crazy price for a hatch. That said, I see about 50 of them a day out and about so people seem to have the money to throw around.

[@rbx211]

I see more GTIs here than Rs. More like 20-1. My coworker has a GTI and didn't even know that the R existed

[@mr.bosstang8363]

It's a golf ball used for the gear shift, hence the golf name.

[@nullusfactor]

Hey Shmee! Awesome video as usual! 2 questions: How long does it take for you to set up the cameras? How much time does it take you to edit a video like this? Keep up these awesome videos. Warm regards from Lisbon!

[@Shmee150]

Cameras aren't too long because I have a pretty good idea nowadays of what I want to do; all in the whole filming is around 5-6 hours (plus travelling each way which in this case was 1.5hrs both ways). Editing is then a couple more hours, maybe 2-3 before waiting for the render and upload.

[@nullusfactor]

Shmee150 Thanks!

[@barbsy1176]

Got the golf r such a nice car with great sounds

[@andrewah1810]

I've been looking at the Golf R for a while but can't decide wether to go automatic or manual? I've always driven manual and think the auto might take the fun out of driving? Any thoughts? Cheers

[@8o08o]

Is the engine noise not "canned" (Soundaktor) especially when race setting is selected, instead of being mechanically created..?

[@richardbromley14]

I'm currently leasing an R, over 2 years it works out just under 7k. That's pretty good value, a lot less than the Gti.

[@KING0SISQO]

It’s the torque that delivers the fun from an “underpowered” 220hp hothatch.

[@BigShotLDN]

Had a gti PP over a year. Great daily. The R would be a better buy if you want to drag race the car or want to mod to big power because of the 4wd.

[@Zoolookuk]

Nice vid, it's tough to do these comparisons but keep it up. Some things I'd mention (and I am in the US so might be slightly different here) but might be good for viewers to know. Most of the GTI models have a sunroof (or moonroof as VW say) whereas the R does't. It's pretty nice and big, and I really love it on my GTI. Also the performance pack GTI comes with bigger breaks (with the GTI logo on them), a bit more power and a front limited slip differential which takes away all of the torque steer you might get on the base model. Very handy if you tune the car later! As someone who has the Nav, there is no way I'd spend £800 on it (or $1000) given that CarPlay or Android Auto give you much better options. One thing I thought you were going to point out right at the end is the cargo space. In the GTI you get that second shelf you pointed out, and room for the spare. In the Golf R, that shelf doesn't exist and there is no spare, because the Haldex system takes up the space. So... yes the R is the better car overall especially for performance, but you sacrifice some day to day luxuries like the extra boot space and the moonroof plus about 4mpg. If you're adventurous, a tune can easily get you to 300bhp so the only advantage to the R is the 4WD, which is not even true AWD like you get in the Audis.

[@gdelaney2114]

The only thing that annoys me with the R is the quad exhausts. They had to make it stand out and a bit different from the GTi so throwing 2 extra exhausts was the choice but its overkill, IMO.

[@gasperfantas]

Who would complain about having more tailpipes? Unless of course, you threw in a 10 inch twin exhaust like the Audi RS's

[@payasofeo69]

Base model WRX has 4... And STi also. No one complains about it.

[@gasperfantas]

payasofeo69 except for the guy who i replied to

[@Stuttgart_Spotlight]

it has quad exhaust because it has baffles in the exhaust that open up the other two pipes in sport mode

[@jasonbourne3268]

Taylor Smith your quite right there pal, not many people know this, sometimes you see golf r exhausts and one of each pipe is more black than its neighbour pipe

[@lambolad7804]

Shmee would you think of testing the 2016 astra vxr as affordable sports car like the Golf's?

[@TommyT_]

I honestly prefer the GTI clubsport. How do you record the audio on these btw?

[@satisfaction3078]

The rhims of the gti are so beautiful!

[@bensalmon7544]

Great video from the word go

[@leez20letcorsa]

i drove both and chose the gti performance pack, heritage played a big part for me

[@SerialDriver]

R "brand" doesn't only exist since mk6... but since mk4 (R32, also on mk 5)

[@thepardons123]

Serial Driver The R32’s are a whole different thing to the R’s

[@koltonnadermann4652]

@@thepardons123 how? both haldex

[@thepardons123]

Kolton Nadermann The R32’s have 3.2 litre N/A V6’s where as the R’s have 2.0 Turbo In-line 4 engines

[@koltonnadermann4652]

@@thepardons123 I should've known that.

[@ahmadsyafi4875]

Im in love with the GOLF R❤️

[@pps076reviews2]

What are they both like around town and on the motor way?

[@Maody66TV]

Golf GTi Clubsport & Golf R on track (Nurburgring Nordschleife) kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGnGkpWwnJmro6c | kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKrOZX93aJWEna8

[@jlelouch5464]

Hey Shmme. Compare VW GOLF R and Ford focus rs, which one do you really enjoy for driving?

[@mhmg511]

Correct me If I'm wrong but I thought the Mk7 GTI with red callipers meant it had the optional performance pack fitted therefore boosting it to 230PS?

[@TheDailyBoost]

I have a MK7 GTI and it fantastic not every day use and the odd track day. Mine is tuned with bolt ons and stuff which makes it tons of fun. the MQB platform is very tunable and can out down stupid power with very little work done to it.

[@payasofeo69]

Fun fact, in North America the R is the only Golf model built in Germany. All others are built in Mexico. And I wish we also had the "Eco" mode. Don't understand why we have a different software.

[@Bmwguy2011]

I owned a 16 gti autobahn listing for 37300us. Threw in just a few thousand more and I got a new 16 r lo-line with 18"s. The R is a very different car, heavier feeling, shorter gearing, worse mileage, quicker turn steering -- it feels more like a BMW 3 series or small / mid line Mercedes... somehow a little more heavy and planted--not just the weight of the axle. But both outstanding cars. I would consider (and own) the R with dsg. But the gti is best mated with the manual.

[@alexanderthegod9553]

does the GTI have automatic blips when you downshifts or are you making the car blip?

[@ian7675]

I have the GTD which also plays the same sound through the speakers. When I got in it the first time, I thought it was the best sounding diesel out there until I realised...

[@ian7675]

bl0at3r Yeah on the inside haha

[@kraenk12]

ian7675 neither of those models plays anything through the speakers. The technology works different.

[@ian7675]

kraenk12 Hi, yes you're correct. I have since found out it's called a Soundaktor located below the windscreen.