VW GTI Performance vs Clubsport S - is it all the GTI you need?

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In this Volkswizard video, we compare the 230 PS Mk7 Golf GTI Performance with the legendary Nuerburgring record breaker, the Mk7 Golf GTI Clubsport S which is faster, lighter and more exclusive. But is the GTI Performance all the GTI you could ever really need? Watch this Volkswizard video and find out!
Thanks to my neighbour John from www.lockingwhee...... for help with filming the car to car shots - if you ever need locking wheel bolts removed, give this man a call.

[@SuperOrbit69]

Great video. I owned a MK7 PP GTI for more than 2yrs and also had a long test drive in an R. For anyone considering getting a fast Golf, I would say get the GTI, a PP if you can and more importantly one with Dynamic Chassis Control. Not only does it affect ride ride comfort, but it has a transformative effect on the steering. Normal and Sport modes really do bring the steering to life almost tingling with feedback and accuracy (sorry - gushing now). Whilst comfort gives you a ride quality of a serenity that wouldn’t disgrace a Merc. DCC in my view, is an absolute must. As for comparison with the R, I have to agree with others comments on here about the R being a blunt instrument and simply not as nimble/fun. It just feels too planted and not up on its toes and keen to change direction like the GTI. I currently have a GTD, but I can imagine myself in a MK7 GTI again at some point in the future! This video has just stoked the fires again!

[@justinevans1894]

Stan Hawrylak i run a 7 R and although it's mighty quick it feels like a tank compared to the GTI. Could be tempted by a Clubsport Edition 40.

[@sparkford04]

Justin, Think your comparison is a little OTT, re R to GTI imo.on British roads all year round.

[@LITTLEbigREG]

Totally agree with everything you have said. I was in the market for a Golf R and went with a GTi PP after test driving both. I tried the Golf R multiple times too because I really wanted one but I found it so boring to drive compared to the GTi. Managed to get a full spec GTi PP for a little more than a basic spec R too which was decent.

[@sarary]

I’m in this dilemma atm. I have been saving for over 6 months for the golf r. It is my dream car. Today I test drove the gti pp/Gti clubsport and the golf r. I was very very disappointed with the R. it felt very meh. Too planted and safe. Felt like butter on hard acceleration but wasn’t gut wrenching. I also noticed turbo lag. Felt lazy. Interior wasn’t very inspiring either. The Gti pp and the clubsport I fell in love with straight away. It felt alive and fun. Very light on its feet and ready to go anytime. I liked the handling and how solid it felt. On hard acceleration it made me laugh and giggle at the same time. I really confused at the moment. I really wanted a r but didn’t like it. Maybe I will give it another chance and test a tuned one or something. I don’t wanna get a Gti pp to later regret not getting a r. My main use is just a street weapon. Will most likely stage 3 either one. I live in Australia so the fwd not that big of a deal. Someone help lol

[@rodneyfriend7163]

A great review. I have a Mark 6 GTI and a Mark 7.5 R, both DSG and both APR Stage 1 tuning. I agree with comments posted that the GTI is way more fun to drive, but if I was pushing hard (but never more than 7 - 8 tenths) on a twisty, public road and things went suddenly 'sideways', then the R is the car to be in. I have done track racing and have a CAMS racing licence but the more support you have from the car, the safer you are, even if it is a little clinical. I was going to get an Audi RS3 (for the engine!!), instead of the R, but I'm glad I didn't, because for far less money (at least in Australia), you can have just as much fun in Golfs. Look forward to your next reviews.

[@Spike0000]

Another great video....IMO whether it be a Clubsport: S or the beefed-up GTI....The Golfs are amazing....Looks-Style/Performance/Parts/Tuning-Options..even Economy-Versions....They're my all-time favourite German motor....closely followed by Audi of course:)....

[@leelifeson9150]

Bmw m140i is all you need! Rear wheel drive not in your face styling and 6 cylinder :)

[@justinevans1894]

Good video. I loved my GTI Performance in particular how light and nimble it felt. Now in an R it feels like a blunt weapon, fast but heavy and, dare I say it, a bit dull.

[@volkswizard]

To me the R feels like the Clubsport S but without the excitement, overpowered for a B road but not exciting with it. As a Swiss Army Knife car that can do anything it's hard to beat but you could also describe it as a Jack of All Trades too.

[@auletes]

The next round in 2018: Golf GTI Perf. 245 vs Golf GTI TCR :o)

[@volkswizard]

I am still unsure about the TCR but it all depends on the price.

[@neilhudson3111]

Great review from a man who knows what he's talking about instead of listening endlessly to children babbling on about things they know nothing about.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Neil, much appreciated :)

[@johndearn9457]

I think it would have been the wrong decision to part with the CSS for that Caymen, albeit I’m massively biased, just love my Golf R.

[@volkswizard]

Hi John, thanks for commenting. Don't worry the Clubsport S is safe...for the moment :) The new Mk7.5 GTI TCR limited edition looks tempting but suspect it will be DSG only to tie in with the race car which contrasts with the need for a manual to set the 'ring record so be interesting to see if they go for record again with a TCR S. If so it's going to need more than 310 PS, more like 330 PS like the TCR racer..

[@stevesje71]

volkswizard great review, I’ve just looked into the GTi TCR which by the looks of things is going to be similar specifications to the Clubsport. 286bhp on overboost with DSG as you rightly mentioned in a previous comment. It’s not over shadowing the CS in exclusivity and performance which is good news for CS owners

[@paulw5822]

Great and honest review, having driven both cars I totally agree with your analysis and conclusion. There is no denying the rarity and potential of the CSS, however let's reflect, for the 2 cars driven here one is twice the price of the other. That is certainly a real world consideration?

[@Tom_banx]

Another great video Mr C. The level of detail and knowledge in these vids is on a different level! Will you be tracking the Clubsport S at Inters then?

[@Emerill123]

I hate it when people compare cars with... different tires. I really don't get it, you can change the tires if you want on the 2nd week of the purchase and they are basically a consumable like the brake pads. But the traction difference for example will be big because of the tires.

[@volkswizard]

Hi Ivo, thanks for commenting. The thing about the Clubsport S's Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres is that when they can work properly, they are incredible so so you want to keep them on just in case you get the chance to feel the magic. They are a key part of the car's special character. Without them you can't full exploit the chassis wizardry or the extra power. I prefer to use it selectively and keep the tyres on all year round. And if you are driving to the Nuerburgring in a 'ring record car, you really want to drive it on the tyres it set the record on!

[@davidevans6052]

Very enjoyable . I'm a Gti freak so love this sort of content

[@volkswizard]

Great stuff, David, there's a lot more on my channel so hopefully you'll like that too :)

[@soranrix]

you forgot that the exhaust tips are bigger, on the club sport and the unsprung weight is alot lower on the club sport you should do video when both cars are on a lift(also please do that with the up gti and the 90bhp tsi) regards Sören

[@CK-297]

Very good comparison test. Though I'd have the ClubSport S purely because it looks and feels more special.. in all areas. Thanks.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Cris, I agree but I wouldn't feel short changed by the GTI Performance. The new 7.5 model is an even better package and in the UK can often be had for ridiculously low monthly payments.

[@chtoffy]

Are the tires from those cars compatible with each other? If so, have you ever tried swapping them?

[@florian_81]

Very nice Video! How big is the difference of the Sound (from outside) between CS ans CSS? I drive a Cs and think about to buy the CSS Exhaust...?!

[@volkswizard]

Inside the difference is huge (less soundproofing) so I'd imagine it's similar outside or even greater. The big difference is the pops and crackles in Race mode of the CSS and the farts it makes when changing gear which were previously only on DSG. It's insane. Apparently the £3k Akrapovic option on Golf R does similar but the CSS proves you don't need a titanium exhaust to get this. Not sure if it's software or hardware though. Someone said they took a front silencer out and it had a similar effect which is a nice cheap way of doing it :)

[@florian_81]

volkswizard thanks:)

[@BGK187x]

If u cant choose then get the normal clubsport u get a bit from the pp and a bit from the clubsport s

[@peterdyrelund3248]

I have a Clubsport S, but I don't use the Cup 2 tyres on the road - only at trackdays. On the road I use the Yokohama AD08RS. They are very good, and can also be used on the track in the wet, and can even be used in the dry without getting destroyed (as normal tyres do). I am wondering about the radar (for emergency brake and adaptive cruisecontrol) on the middle of the lower air intake on the tested Clubsport S. How can that be? This was not one of the things that you order as an option. In fact I retrofitted normal cruisecontrol and a rearward camera (because you could also not order parking sensors). I mostly use the car on the track. Here on the best track in Germany, Bilster Berg - and only with the Yokohama tyres: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGGxoatrZptlmqs&

[@Zero_Ninety]

I've always been baffled as to why anyone would buy a new MK7 GTI without getting the performance pack. For what you get it's a bargain.

[@Benihana81]

I'd say about half of the mk7 gti owners don't even know what an LSD is lol

[@21cowboys4life]

Love to have the clubsport but here in the US we can't and do not have it at all nor all the goodies that do come with the gti that y'all get 😐😫

[@volkswizard]

Hi K Harris, that is a shame, at least you get some models :)

[@marcusskyfall]

The frame rate that you used made those 30mph speeds you were doing look about 90mph (ahem!) 😉👌

[@volkswizard]

Hi Marcus, I do always observe speed limits (I think that was filmed in a 60 zone) and the road is driven in both directions to check for any extra risk (parked cars, potholes etc) Still if 30 looks like 90 then that's probably a good thing 👍

[@marcusskyfall]

volkswizard 😄👍

[@iantownsend500]

Gti P is a great car but the Clubsport S is fantastic

[@sparkford04]

Great for the family person?? Nah

[@chawenhalo0089]

Good comparaison. I wonder if the regular Clubsport (non S) is a sweetspot?

[@Puddingtops]

Great review of great cars but on our busy roads I’d have the VW Up! Gti .... all a man needs !

[@volkswizard]

Fair point. There is a lot of bullsh*t when it comes to marketing cars many of which are far more capable than most people can safely exploit on the road and bought for images mainly (hence why the congested 70 mph max UK is/was one of the biggest global markets for Audi RS) The up! GTI is a total bullsh*t free zone which is refreshing :)

[@alan330504]

Great review. Honest and to the point.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Alan. Glad you enjoyed it, both are great cars. We are living in good times if you are a GTI enthusiast!

[@alan330504]

volkswizard had a Mk5 GTI a couple of years ago. Got a new Polo GTI+ on order now.

[@jakehammond7972]

I would love a GTI performance pack DSG currently have a polo 1.4 twist auto probably a bit pie in the sky 😂 but one day.

[@marcusskyfall]

Jake Hammond if you really, really want one you'll get one in the end, positive thoughts and all that. Remember what you think about you bring about 👍

[@LITTLEbigREG]

This was me when I was 17. 10 years later I've got the car I always wanted. Only thing is, I want a Porsche 911 now 😂😂😂

[@stevesje71]

In your opinion whats the best colour for the Clubsport S?

[@volkswizard]

They are all good but white looks the most motorsport and is what the 'ring record car was (plus it's easy maintenance). I like black because it looks quite mean and is quite subtle which for a man in his forties is quite important but it takes a lot of maintenance.

[@stevesje71]

volkswizard I’ve a red car currently, want a change and was looking at changing it for a black car if I don’t have to spend any money!

[@volkswizard]

Never know, you may get lucky, reds do seem cheaper though. The 100 miler has been on Autotrader for ages.

[@stevesje71]

volkswizard after looking around I’ve kept my red car. Seems these are the rarest of them all and mine is only on 200 miles with a recent Vw service. The market price for these cars is erratic, I’m sure it will settle at a figure and stay reasonably static. I’ve looked at two delivery mileage cars, all with issues. One had been painted, another had worn seats where it’s been in a showroom for so long and everyone has sat in the car. Mine is mint and I’ll just keep it. I see your CSS is up for sale, I was surprised to see it on sale to be honest. Are you looking to get a GTi TCR? If it was an exclusive limited edition and not with DSG only, I’d be tempted. I’ve already a R with DSG so a manual car is important to me. What’s made you sell the GTi CSS?

[@volkswizard]

TCR is no rival for CSS, proper marketing edition that doesn't do it for me and it's not even limited, slots in the range above PP. If VW UK took some interest in TCR UK then it might be more credible. I haven't sold CSS yet, just putting the feelers out, It's SORN and my plate is off it but might change my mind. Just frustrated I can't experience what makes it special on the road and it's too precious for track - don't like keeping cars as ornaments.

[@zippin1]

Great review. I love my performance pack GTI.

[@thecynicalafro160]

nice, but i'd rather have that Ruf shirt

[@volkswizard]

Good spot! Bought that when I visited their HQ near Munich in 2013. Got Mr. Ruf to sign a book that I'd bought from there too and a prized possession now. Sadly the coolest mug in the world (yellow with Green Ruf logo) didn't last long :(

[@thecynicalafro160]

lucky you. I see you like the exclusive stuff just like me. sorry about that mug. I'd be really sad too

[@stevesje71]

Great video

[@volkswizard]

Thanks stevesje71, much appreciated :)

[@rabity]

Whats the equivalent of the clubsport S in the US? 310 hp from the factory? Wtf!

[@volkswizard]

I don't think you get a real equivalent, Golf R has 310 hp but that's about the only common link, if you have a GTI Performance with 245 PS that's probably closer.

[@charlesdu9941]

Stage 1 GTI? 300bhp at the wheels and it keeps your warranty

[@rabity]

@@charlesdu9941 really? You still get to keep the warranty for stage 1? Apr? Giac? Or doesnt matter?

[@rabity]

@@volkswizard i see. I guess we dont have that here. Only the PP

[@Biorbboy]

Love the vids!!!

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Speedbird787. it means a lot to get positive feedback like yours (especially after being up until midnight editing!) Keep watching, there will be quite a few more over the summer :)

[@Biorbboy]

Awesome stuff!! Cant wait!!! :)

[@LITTLEbigREG]

Clubsport > GTi PP > R