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

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.

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.

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.

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. 🤓👍

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)

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.

Love you reviews very professional presentations, job well done.

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

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.

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

Awesome review! You’ve come a long way!

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

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

Great review and presentation skills!

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

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

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

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

He really made it a reason for saving 3 mpg

Great clarity! Well done

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

Found my new favourite channel!

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

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

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

Good job, I liked your review. 👍🏼

Love the new presenter , great Comparison !

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

Nice video dude!

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

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

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

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.

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)?

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

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?

I ordered and R today and am so excited!

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.

Great video. Keep it up.

TFL'S best review!

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.

Thanks for the history, nice touch.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

I will never understand how someone can say they like the sound of a 4banger. I had a 2019 Mustang Ecoboost and spent big money upgrading the entire exhaust system, added a CAI and a much better Intercooler. PLUS i had it professionally tuned. Long story short, it still sounded awful. These little cars are alot of fun to drive. I only wish the manufacturers could figure out a way to make the exhaust sound better. Without using fake sounds coming from the speakers. I didn’t keep the Mustang long, and made a really nice profit from the upgrades.

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

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

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.

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

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.

Yes you nailed it from scratch till the end !

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

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

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

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.

Love your comparison from Down Under

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

Totally agree… and great video. 👍🏻

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

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?

I really want a Golf R... I never thought I would buy a car that is that expensive, but when you think about it, its sort of like a budget Audi. I know the GTI would be good but there's just something about the Golf R to me that is really appealing to have as a daily driver.

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.

Good job!!

Great job well done

GTI's can be had well below MSRP (up to $8,000 off) while R's generally only go at most $2,000. Right now in some markets (such as in DC) you can get a 2018 GTI for under $21,000. Is the Golf R worth double the price of a GTI...NO WAY!!

What are the official VW 0-60, 1\4 mile top seed and braking times for the 2019 gti and type r manual and dsg?

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.

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!

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.

My 2016 VW Golf S 2 door with stage 1 tune is 242hp, 285tq, with a sticker price of $20,830. I paid $16,550 for it new, so with 17 inch wheels, tune, suspension tweeks, tax and license, I paid just under $20,000 for mine total. 400 lbs lighter than the R I am right on it's butt for half the money.

I sold both my Tiguan and gli for a golf r. Best decision I made. Tuned to stage 2 and I'm happy as a clam

15k just for awd is worth it. But. If you Want golf r power without awd just at the turbo upgrade

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

The sound doesnt come through the speakers, it resonates through the windscreen, its still artificial but clever. Golf R has 310bhp. Golf R is already heavy, having the auto gearbox just adds more weight & its a lot more expensive.

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

If you compare the gti autobahn edition to a golf r the price isnt that much more imo. Not everyone wants a base gti. I almost got a 2017 autobahn gti 6mt but decided to just get an R instead for the price. Compare the premium gti to the premium Golf r to make a better comparison. Just my 2 cents. Good video regardless.

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.

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

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?

Look, the Golf R is nice, but IMO the MK7 GTI is the BEST bang for your buck for any 4 cyl turbo ever made. You can get an MK7 GTI S for around $15,000. You can purchase the Golf R turbo for around $1200, a stage 2 tune for about $800, intake and downpipe for another $800. A good set of thick tires for $1000. Total cost = $19,000 and with this setup you will annihilate a tuned Golf R. To make matters worse adding an intercooler and meth kit is also an option. And for those that want to refute my comment, just look up Tyler Aul who ran a 10 second quarter mile with a GTI 😉

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.

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.

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

Still have and daily drive my 2004 Golf R32. I love it and would never trade it for any Golf Rs. Bonus is I do not see another R32 as much as I see Golf Rs on the roads.

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.

And a resounding YES was heard across the land.