The VW Golf R is what Most GTI Owners Wish They Drove 

Most GTI owners would admit they'd rather have a Golf R but can't rationalize or afford paying an extra $10-15K for what is basically the same car 90% of the time. It's that extra 10% that makes a Golf R special.

I've got a MK8 GTI Clubsport that has 300hp as standard. I've fitted a Racingline R600 intake and Racechip piggyback that gives it around 350hp. It's great fun to drive!

I bought my GTI new and drove it for its entire life. 17 years, 297,000 miles. Then I treated myself to a Spektrum R. Besides the light years ahead acceleration and dynamics afforded by that 7 speed DSG and a chassis 3 1/2 generations newer, the awd lets me all the acceleration all year round. If you live in a rainy, chilly, snowy climate the R’s traction pays off. Smiles per gallon 365. Warm and dry climates it’s mostly a fancier GTI.

I have an MK8 GTI and I honestly believe it is a near-perfect car. I've road-tripped 5k miles, camped in it, slept in it at music festivals, helped my buddy move with decent sized boxes, and put the hatch to work, stage 1 apr making 328, and all with getting 30 - 40mpg (computer mpgs). I'd mod for more power but honestly save that for the golf r with the AWD. Just 328hp alone is too much for the fwd. So this is the sweet spot for a fun highway, fuel-efficient car and I honestly love it.

I’ve never had the desire to own another car than a golf GTI. I sold a mk5 for a 6 series BMW and within 6 months I was back in a GTI. I now drive a golf r and my wife drives an r estate for the kids. I’d take a GTI again and stage 1 it and not feel I’ve lost out in any way.

I have driven both; GTi and Golf R, both are amazing cars in their own way. The main difference, IMO, is... when pushing driving limits of the car on twisty roads or in the highway with long open turns (not flat out straight HWs), the understeer is very noticeable on the GTi, starts getting loose almost floaty, on turns. While the Golf R will feel glued to the road, this is where the car shines and it is amazing. It has nothing to do with tires, is the fact the GTi all the power is on the front plus steering, is just the dynamics of the platform. I have to let go as I start feeling it under me the car is about to break loose or wants to continue forward and not turn, which is one scary situation. I have driven different years of both platforms trying to decide which to get, from dealers, and all the Golf R deliver the outstanding grip on wide to close corner turns that the GTi cannot. He says 20k more on the 2022/23 Golf R, the money toward modding the GTi. I would buy a 2018/19 Golf R and put the 20k for that engine. IMO for daily driving the GTi, for more spirited taking the car to it's limits, the Golf R.

I feel like it's not really a matter of if people should get one or the other, it's whatever someone can afford. Not everyone can afford a brand new Mk8 Golf R. That's why the GTI is so nice, because even new one's aren't insanely expensive. The guy at the end nailed it on the head. GTI + mods = perfect.

I had the Mk8 GTI for 2 years, amazing car. I just upgraded to mk8 R. Really worth it and happy made that decision

Ive had my 24 r a little over a month now, I have the dsg, so quick, sounds perfect, reasonably comfortable, looks very sharp if you really focus, if not from far just a normal golf which I like cuz I hate attentions. And honestly, I was gonna get a gti, but the r is the only awd golf, had to pick the r. No regrets, yiiiiiiiii-hhaaaaaaa!!

Unlike the prior generation, the R is definitely worth the premium now. Not only is it a lot better and the difference is more substantial, but at least by me they want $42,000 for every GTI and $48,000 for the R. I would spend the money just for the AWD alone. The new R is incredible.

Golf R all day long! I had a Mk6 GTI for 161k miles, super fun car. But then I bought a Mk7.5R… next level. Now I added a Unitronic Stage 1+ tune for 375bhp and awd acceleration regardless of conditions… so fun and quick 🏎️ 💨

Golf R is a amazing piece of engineering but a Golf TCR is just a little bit more special in my opinion

Pro-Tip: Bolt on a torque gusset traction bar that braces the front subframe and lower control arms together and it eliminates wheel hop and torque steer for good. Even with 330 hp and 355 lbs/ft of torque I get no wheel hop off the line. Steering feel and midcorner grip is massively improved too because it reduces changes in toe and caster when cornering. Easily one of the best mods for the GTI that nobody knows about.

I mean, you can say this about pretty much all enthusiast cars though. Every M340 guy wishes they had an M3, and every M3 guy wants an M3Comp and every M3Comp guy wants an M3CS. Oh, and all Golf R guys wish they could have an RS3 ;) Like of course it's better, everyone would have the top dawg if they could afford it.

I had a Golf MK8 GTI, wished I had the R. Now I have the R, now I wish I had the RS3.😂

I prefer the Golf gti looks wise. And i believe the gti should be the top of the range golf considering its heritage, but in my opinion we buy these cars for performance and to put a smile on our faces, so to me the Golf R is the top dog and stupidly fast

The only reason I would go Golf R over GTI is for the AWD.

Thank the lord a manual golf r review!!!!

had a '17 GTI for 2 years and got totalled when a cop ran a light no sirens and t-boned me insurance took care of me and gave me a payout around $7k above the sell value of the car at the time and i used it as a down payment for an '18 golf r (im only having to finance around 7k of the car) could not be happier, wish i'd gotten an R the first time but just went stage one and it's the perfect daily for me

I bought an mk8 GTI 40th anniversary edition a couple months ago. Absolutely love it. My 4th GTI in a row. Would have loved the R but for the premium it costs over the GTI it just wasn’t worth it to me. Plus the one R I did go look at the dealer adamantly refused to sell for MSRP. And while the R is cool I think the 40 AE I got is a really special car.

Last year I wanted to get the Golf R, but it was impossible to get one at MSRP. Even the GTI was hard to find with no mark up. I have settled for the GTI S at msrp, but I do wish that I could have the Golf R. It is what it is I guess 🤷🏼

as a owner of MK8R Performance, i would buy the Clubsport. My Friend owns a CS45 and he is faster from 100-200 and the Car feels more Nimble on Track. The only Advantage my R has, over the CS45 is from 0-100.

They don't have forged internals, just wanted to point that out after it was suggested in the video. Definitely strong, but not forged.

i can say proudly that i'm a gti clubsport 45 akrapovic owner and i got it after i sold my c43 amg...better car

I could afford either, and strongly considered the R , but in the end the GTI is the icon, and the value can't be beat. I've had a1984 rabbit, 2015, 2017mk7, and 2021 Mk7.5. Do I get the 8.5 R?? 🤔

Super close comparison to my GTI you reviewed! Basically the same mods :)

absolutely incorrect. I've had both and chose a well set up GTI ANYDAY! Misha youtube channel who races the nurburgring on a daily basis will tell you the GTI/ Clubsport /TCR are better then the R. lighter, more nimble, better breaking. AutotopNL who has a youtube channel, who does high speed runs on the AutoBahn will tell you he chooses a GTI over a R for the same reasons and the fact that its more playful. Has drama, torque steer and is fun to drive, when a gold R is just "gas, forward, brake" and its like driving a computer and i second that.

I feel sorry for you lot over in the USA, if you got the Gti Clubsport you Americans would’ve fall in love, specially if you got the clubsport S.

Haha, I know you knew you would trigger GTI owners with your video title. As a MK7 GTI 6spd owner, I found it funny, but I also have to agree. As much as I like that I can make my GTI faster from a roll, with the same mods put on R vs GTI, I do wish I had AWD. I tell everyone that the biggest thing I dislike about my GTI is that it's FWD. My previous car was an E46 M3 coupe 6spd, and when I bought the GTI, I immediately disliked it being FWD. But i knew its tuned capabilities, and that mixed with its practicality was the reason why I bought it. The only reasons why I haven't bought the MK7/7.5 Golf R is because: 1. Its FWD biased platform. Literally makes the car feel "too much" like a GTI. I hear the MK8 is more RWD biased, but that car is way too overpriced, and its interior is something I would hate living with daily. 2. The MK7/7.5 Golf R share's the same exact engine as the GTI. "But the Golf R has beefier internals" blah blah blah. Yes, it does, but it has zero effect on performance and its ability to hold power. Once you hit 500wtq levels, the engine needs to be rebuilt, whether it s the GTI or the Golf R. So, it is literally the same engine, and that is a letdown because you CAN make a GTI faster than a R mod for mod, which to me, just sucks. For the extra price that the Golf R is, it really should have a different engine so that GTI owners cant be faster with simple mods. Mind you, this is from a roll, not from a dig.

Had a 7.5 GTI DSG and absolutely loved it. Got T-boned by an old lady. So I started looking for a replacement, and couldn't find one I like. Figured I'd try out an R, but still couldn't find one I liked. Tried the 8th gen, but hated the new haptic crap. So two months ago I said fuck it and got a 2023 RS3. I love the 5-cyl and it still has real buttons on the steering wheel and the HVAC controls too! The idea that it's a sedan instead of a hatchback bugs me, but I can't tell from the driver's seat, so oh well.

My first video I’ve seen from this channel. Glad I’ve seen it! Great quality. Also love the golf R not sure i could be converted back to front wheel drive!

God I am nit picky but I hate the plain plastic engine covers. Feels so cheap and how hard could it really be to make it look decent?

Drove both, bought a mk 7.5 GTI PP. 245bhp (320 bhp stage 1), 100kg lighter than an R. More fun to drive, cheaper insurance, not as common, better looking.

Not this GTI owner. I had a MKIV R32... I only drive R's or GTI's with 2 doors. The 4 door models do nothing for me. So I'll be going stage III in my MK7 GTI 2 door, and continuing to tell my VW dealer NO... when he calls me when a GTI or R come in.

The problem with GTI is that it is underpowered.

Golf R for life!

The cool thing about the Golf R it blends in and looks like a everyday family car except this car will demolish a lot of muscle cars with more HP. DSG and a small tune up from stock power this car is insane. That's why a lot of ppl like the golf R it doesnt scream attention but it is insanely fun to drive

I'm good with my GTI 380. Better gas mileage and I can use just about all of the horse power on a daily basis

In states like California. All you need is a SE GTI especially the new MK8.5 that’s fixed the button issues + a bigger infotainment screen etc

I went through the same thing when i used to buy subarus. Sti vs wrx. Ive had both. Near the end i couldnt justify paying for the sti when i had just as much fun in the wrx. With vw, i just cant justify spending 50k for a golf. Thats me.

Wow... The owner of the car with the black hoodie sounds extra Canadian.

Just got the mk8 gti, tested the R and yes it’s quick but……. 2 kids and the R has a boot that’s almost pointless, 4wd pointless unless launching at the lights after the school run! Mileages got 46mpg today definitely won’t get that in an R! Chuffed to bits with it. 245bhp is perfect all rounder.

sold my 7R to go back to a 7 GTI. There's something more fun about the GTI that the R can only try to emulate.

A new VW Golf MK8 R Performance is in the Netherlands with full options about 95k EU. The BPM taxes (because of the high CO2 emissions) are very expensive.🙈

I want an 8R really bad lol

I love my 2012 golf R. It’s so much fun to drive.

Golf R are going around 67 and 72k in my area ....so no, will never pay that much for one.

I have the mk7.5 gti and I am happy but the alwheel drive would be nice 😊

People who want a GTI but want AWD should also consider the Arteon before it’s gone. It has the R powertrain but the SEL trim is cheaper than getting an R and it has 4motion

I own M3. Thinking of buying GTI as a daily. Golf R surely is faster and AWD than GTI but performance isn't everything. I had so much joy in MK6 GTI when I was in 20s

Give me a MK4 GTI or R32 with the awesome music from the VR6 engine anytime, everytime!

As a MK8 Golf R guy I like the GTI logo and monthly payments better. In fact I might switch to a GTI once my lease terms are up.

For the price diff, R should come in at least 375hp.

I bought a low mileage golf alltrack then modified it. I wish VW still sold a 4 motion wagon in the USA. I can mod it just as easily as a gti, or R just not as much power.

That R you’re driving isn’t close to stock either. At 3:59 I see that it has the Racingline piggy back tuner. That adds like 50hp. I love my GTI, just couldn’t justify paying so much for the R.

Most would, I mean, I would, but the last markup I saw for a "used" 65 km Mark 8 Golf R pushed the price to almost 70K CDN. Sadly, at $70K I'm either waiting for the price to drop or I'm buying a BMW 4 series.

Disagree that most GTI owners want an R. I like the R and after owning 4 lancer Evos over the years I've had my fun with AWD hot rods. The GTI is far more practical from a cost perspective and for most people is all you really need. If i won the Lotto tomorrow would i get a Golf R? Nah would walk past it and get an Audi RS3😎👍

I have a manual mk7 gti and I wouldn’t trade it for a dsg r for all the tea in China.

Coming from a Mk7 R to a Mk8 GTI - I much prefer the GTI.

This spec, love the black and the fishbowl no tint. I am a sucker for the rental look.

Honest question: I daily a MK7.5 R, would I notice a difference upgrading to a MK8-8.5 R? They are quite a bit more here (Canada), would cost me an extra $10K or so. Is it worth trading in? Thanks.

how did you achieve that AWESOME darkened effect on the VW badges? is it tint film?

VW Golf- отличная машина, а комплектация R делает его потрясающим и конкурент, но способным на треке! Чем мне еще нравиться VW AG, тем что ты можешь улучшать свой авто без серьезных изменений конструкции авто. Допустим если у вас с завода установлен двигатель 1.2 TSI 77 кВт и он для вас не устраивает. Вы можете приобрести более мощный двигатель например CZPA 2.0 130 кВт и 320 Нм, причем не обязательно покупать от VW, можете купить от Сиат, Шкода, Ауди. Сюда можно добавить смену прошивки ECU платим 100$ а получаем Stage 1: 184 кВт. И 420 Нм Так же вы можете установить и более эффективную тормозную систему Brembo например от старшего брата Golf GTI И все это установить болтон. Ничего не надо резать подгонять использовать сварочный полуавтомат.

Somebody loves the sound of their voice….😂 best of luck.

Keep your awd

I don't fancy myself a race car driver , and I'm not a teenager . The only Volkswagen I would want would be either the older golf with the VR6 and 4 wheel drive . As far as newer ones go , I would really like to own a 5-cylinder rabbit one of these days . Preferably a two-door , but I would take a four-door if that's all I could find .

I definitely have more fun in my gti and I'll smoke a R around the track. The 400lbs of weight reduction helps alot.

MK8 R >>>

Not if you've got a Clubsport... Far better to drive than the R, which feels heavy and boring in comparison.

Is the maintenance cost similar to the GTI?

I prefer my mk6 Ed35 over the golf R it’s just more fun and I don’t do stupid driving that loses my traction.

Just can't stand the headlights!

RIP they just released the revised version of the MK8. And no your wrong, i have owned many GTI'S and i now own a MK7.5 R and MK8 Golf R and believe me i wouldn't drive a GTI ever again .

What gets me is they don't make a golf r mk8manual in the UK but do in the USA which is a promotional a automatic market , don't get it ??

I owned a MK6 Golf R. then a MK7 APR tuned (fast car). Now a 7.5 GTI TCR.the best Golf i have had to drive. The guys at APR both had tuned GTIs. i could never understand. Now owning one i understand. I don't like front wheel drive cars they struggle off the lights so no more Traffic light grand prix. but the R is a bit numb and now so expensive so when i change. RS3 or AMG A45S. VW are not bothered about the Hot Hatch anymore. cheaper feel for more money. and of course Electric Rubbish on it's way,

GTI is 95% of the daily i want to pay 10-20k more for that 5%, I could do a lot more with that money to get the GTI exactly where I want it and still have some left over to pay for gas for some awesome roadtrips. Also the GTI with the weightloss and friction loss of the AWD system does safe noticeably more gas which would also make a huge budget/financial difference year to year. Ill stick with the GTI happily :D

Idk man I can gap an a10 mustang gt with my stage 1 e85 GTI

Bro said ‘‘E’ ‘A’ Eight Eight Eight” lol ….EA triple-eight

No. It isn’t. Because this is my daily driver and I have weekend car….;)

If it’s not manual, it’s not worth driving it 😉

Not if you have a mk7 gti TCR

You can get a cheaper GTI and mod it into something like an R or better. So I wouldn’t care much about the R even though it has the awd

The R is way too expensive to make it a rational purchase. The GTI is 50% cheaper with basically the same interior and exterior. You are paying 50% for some body kit and a better engine. Not worth it in my opinion.

Why would you assume drivers that buy an R don't maximize it capabilites. I have a 2023 Anniversary I traded in a 2016. I've owned GTIs and drove the latest iteration. Nice but not even close to an R. The comment about Subarus is about right. Similar to a GTI except for that horrendous CVT transmission. Comparing an R to either is unfair. The R performance is well beyond either . Yes it's more expensive than an R but so is an RS3/ M2-3.

Wrong I have both and prefer my mk7 gti

Snow and ice are what bugging me with GTI/R. Im happy with the GTI in the summer, but when winter come....

Nope. Not true at all. Quite happy with my new GTI 40th AE. Plenty fast enough for me, plenty refined, and about 40 mpg on the highway on regular gasoline. A Golf R will never do that. The GTI will do what 90% of drivers will demand of it 90% of the time. And the model I bought is $10K less. If someone gave me an R would I love it? Sure. It’s a VW! I’m just saying faster still is not always better. To me, the GTI is the sweet spot for the fun factor.

Too boring for the R. It should have had the interior of the Audi RS3.

And I would drive one, if it had knobs and buttons.

the left side tips not seating correctly

Cheerio mate. Cheers🍺

Having driven both, the GTI feels so much nicer. Can’t get away from both sounding like Hoovers though. 😢

Respectfully, my gti makes more power😂 that being said this R is pretty clean. The MK8’s also have ridiculous potential even just stage 1 e85 so I’m not sure why this ones only making 315, a buddy of mine with a stage 1 e85 gti is making upwards of 400 to the wheels so I know this R can make a hell of a lot more. My MK7 is fbo stage 2 but I’m only making like 340 to the wheels and just under 400 torque since I’m still stock motor and turbo.

Looks good in Black. The could use more colors than 2.

I like 6 speeds a lot. But absolutely hate vw 6 speeds. They are trash at least on Mk7 and MK8

For track days GTI is better, in fact TCR race cars are FWD 😉 To drive on mountain streets R is better 😉

jesus looks killer blacked out i want one its gnna hold value golf r or sti

Top trim GTI is only about $5k US cheaper

Got a gti for everyday use and g80 M3 for fun

I still dont want a car where the hood overwraps the fender. Just gross looking. MK3 for the WIN