I also had this issue deciding which one to buy. I decided on the Golf R. Just as fast as the Mustang, all wheel drive and a real back seat. Great car. Mustang great too .
Yeah, I’m probably one of the rare few that did. Owned a 17 GT Performance and then traded it in for an 19 Golf R. Loved the character of the coyote engine. Interior was cheap and not a particularly nice place to be but did the job and was fun. Preferred the Golf R overall for daily use.
I’ve had three Mustangs. With high performance winter tires the lowered V8 manual had no issues in Wisconsin winter. Only sold it because at 18 years old it was cheaper to buy a new car. That new version was a V6 automatic that got 33 mpg on the highway and no problems in Wisconsin winter using the stock all season Michelin tires. Switched to a F-150 crewcab because I needed a usable backseat for aging parents and car seats for grandchildren. Miss my Mustangs.
Interesting - ultimately, the Golf R gets my vote - probably because I own one and love it. By the way, the infortainment system is actually quite intuitive, but is a shock for folks on their initial drive.
I've owned both. I had a 2000 Mustang GT manual with a ton of mods. I now have an APR Stage 2 tuned 2016 Golf R with a heavily upgraded clutch and supporting mods (CAI, FOMC, etc). With the upgraded exhaust, the Mustang was more visceral but the Golf R is not only more user-friendly but it's faster than the Mustang and has much better throttle response. There is no better sounding car than the Mustang though.
Imagine having the Mustang with those outdated screens 30 years later. It’s so dumb to do that. Even when the car is 10 years old those screens will date it big time.
I'm not shopping for a car right now. If I were, between these two, I'd go Mustang. Get the last of the V8's before they go the way of the turbo-dodo's. Plus, based on a look at Truecar, the VW would be at least $5k more expensive.
I bought a 23’ R and it’s such a great car. So fast and practical and the AWD is crazy good. I rented a mustang recently and as you said, the inside is so low end.
This was a great comparison review, thank you both. I think the concept of a “seasonal car” is expensive and a luxury. This is why despite a passion for the iconic Corvettte, I likely will never own one. The VW is a more usable, year round fun car to drive with practicality, as Nathan pointed out. I also concur with you both that some of the after market exhaust systems sound terrible, especially the very popular “CAT” mufflers. Thanks once again for a great car review.
Well I have a Jetta GLI, so I am pretty familiar with the VW sporty cars, yeah not as fast as a Golf R but very similar to drive and own. I have owned Mustangs before too so I feel like I am in a pretty good place to judge these two options. I would go with the V8 Mustang if I was going to spend that much. Yeah you will not get better economy and handling with the R but i still prefer the looks and sound of a Mustang
Having owned a GOLF GTI isn’t as bad as making it out to be. I actually liked the haptic buttons on the steering wheel never had any problems with them. But to each their own!
Getting the Mustang without the performance package doesn’t make sense to me. In a country where speed limits top out at 80 mph handling at lower speeds is where the fun is.
I actually own a gulf for my daily and a 2003 SVT cobra for a weekend / project car… kind of a weird face off imo but I guess I see the relevance in the comparison
I'd take the GT in a manual with the C/S and Performance Pack (or a Dark Horse). I dislike AWD. I prefer RWD. I've been racing for years and prefer steering with the throttle. @9:00... That looks like the basic Mustang interior. The Premium is nicer. There's also the 401a group that adds "premier trim". Also, the California Special come with blue inserts in the seats. Don't judge the Mustang based on the most basic interior. Spec'ed out the way I'd want it... it's a $59k car. @13:30... I had a Lincoln MKZ with those haptic controls... Never again. @15:23... Nathan, One is American, the other Danish. Harman Kardon vs Bang & Olufsen. The VW has an American stereo system, not German.
Any motorbike will do the the daily commuting both faster and cheaper than both cars, but when the weekend comes I`d have this Mustang (or even the 10 year older version of this Mustang) over any Golf any day.
If I wanted a V8 I would buy a Mustang GT. I don't want a V8, but the Golf R doesn't do anything for me either. The haptic controls are a total no-sale with me.
Both are amazing cars for their specific audiences... not sure if Mustang GT fans or VW Golf R fans either consider the other... It would be nice to finally get a Mustang GT Awd... and not that abomination EV thing Ford ripped off the pony name... I have nothing against it, but they have many other quality names in their stable they could have used. IMO opinion, both could benefit from a hybrid platform...
I wish VW would bring back some passion to their design and engineering. Seems like they have lost their way... I love the VW group, but VW needs to change it up.
When it comes time to fix ing the Golf remember it’s a sister to a Porsche so it’s going to cost 3 times more than the Mustang. Plus when are these two cars comparable? A four door four cylinder vs a 2 door V-8 muscle car.
Mustang new interior design is not becoming and the steering is numb and is something you don’t talk about. All the car test described its handling was a big disappointment
I also had this issue deciding which one to buy. I decided on the Golf R. Just as fast as the Mustang, all wheel drive and a real back seat. Great car. Mustang great too .
GTI and Golf R hard to beat as daily drivers/commuters.
It’s not just as fast as the 5.0.
@@newfie-dean5803it wouldn’t be close
The R is the better daily by far, but no way I would want anything but the Coyote!
You know the nazi party founded VW and theyre basically the same today as they were back then right
Bought a Golf R. AWD, better mileage, better fit and finish, 4 doors, and great performance in all weather conditions.
I doubt these two are cross shopped often, but a big difference is you can actually get one (Mustang) and can't get the other (R).
I agree
Yeah, I’m probably one of the rare few that did. Owned a 17 GT Performance and then traded it in for an 19 Golf R. Loved the character of the coyote engine. Interior was cheap and not a particularly nice place to be but did the job and was fun. Preferred the Golf R overall for daily use.
I’ve had three Mustangs. With high performance winter tires the lowered V8 manual had no issues in Wisconsin winter. Only sold it because at 18 years old it was cheaper to buy a new car. That new version was a V6 automatic that got 33 mpg on the highway and no problems in Wisconsin winter using the stock all season Michelin tires. Switched to a F-150 crewcab because I needed a usable backseat for aging parents and car seats for grandchildren. Miss my Mustangs.
Interesting - ultimately, the Golf R gets my vote - probably because I own one and love it. By the way, the infortainment system is actually quite intuitive, but is a shock for folks on their initial drive.
Golf R hands down.
I've owned both. I had a 2000 Mustang GT manual with a ton of mods. I now have an APR Stage 2 tuned 2016 Golf R with a heavily upgraded clutch and supporting mods (CAI, FOMC, etc). With the upgraded exhaust, the Mustang was more visceral but the Golf R is not only more user-friendly but it's faster than the Mustang and has much better throttle response. There is no better sounding car than the Mustang though.
Stang is faster stock v stock. Mods, stangs have way more potential.
Imagine having the Mustang with those outdated screens 30 years later. It’s so dumb to do that. Even when the car is 10 years old those screens will date it big time.
GOLF R is way more of a complete car. I'd prefer it 9/10 times.
R runs 3.9 zero to 60 and 12.2 quarter mile
I like the honey comb, and actually the 07, 08 versions of the GTI.
Still not liking the futuristic Mustang GT
Gotta go Golf R
If the VW was RWD I would CB pose it for sure
I'm not shopping for a car right now. If I were, between these two, I'd go Mustang. Get the last of the V8's before they go the way of the turbo-dodo's. Plus, based on a look at Truecar, the VW would be at least $5k more expensive.
I had a 22 gt pp1 and now a golf r love them both and both are lots of fun
Golf r can be driven every day no matter the weather
The blue on that mustang looks so good,
Depends on my use.
Track car and/or weekend car? Mustang 100%
Fun daily commuter? Golf R
I have a MK8 Golf R, and I have owned 9 VW's including a MK7 Golf R, and I love my 2022 Golf R. Mine is a DSG model and fun to drive with the family.
Golf awd wins it for me up north
I love Mustangs but for a daily I'm taking the Golf R. Even though they sound terrible.
Golf R ❤. 🔥
Mustang looks good on the road, but every time I get some seat time in it, its not that nice. Golf R is probably a much better car over all
I bought a 23’ R and it’s such a great car. So fast and practical and the AWD is crazy good. I rented a mustang recently and as you said, the inside is so low end.
Thanks guys for this! Mustang! Mustang! Mustang! There is nothing like the roar of a V8!!! LOL 😂
This was a great comparison review, thank you both.
I think the concept of a “seasonal car” is expensive and a luxury. This is why despite a passion for the iconic Corvettte, I likely will never own one. The VW is a more usable, year round fun car to drive with practicality, as Nathan pointed out.
I also concur with you both that some of the after market exhaust systems sound terrible, especially the very popular “CAT” mufflers.
Thanks once again for a great car review.
Well I have a Jetta GLI, so I am pretty familiar with the VW sporty cars, yeah not as fast as a Golf R but very similar to drive and own. I have owned Mustangs before too so I feel like I am in a pretty good place to judge these two options. I would go with the V8 Mustang if I was going to spend that much. Yeah you will not get better economy and handling with the R but i still prefer the looks and sound of a Mustang
Golf R for me. 👍🏾
As an s550 Mustang owner, Mustang all day long, nothing like 500 hp and a rwd manual
Having owned a GOLF GTI isn’t as bad as making it out to be. I actually liked the haptic buttons on the steering wheel never had any problems with them. But to each their own!
Getting the Mustang without the performance package doesn’t make sense to me. In a country where speed limits top out at 80 mph handling at lower speeds is where the fun is.
I have a 24 GT manual and I’m not driving in the winter regardless so I’ll keep my 5.0 all day long. And I get 28 mpg
Is there 2 air filters in the stang?
Yep, gen 3 coyote has 2 throttle bodies.
Nice haircut Roman
I actually own a gulf for my daily and a 2003 SVT cobra for a weekend / project car… kind of a weird face off imo but I guess I see the relevance in the comparison
I'd take the GT in a manual with the C/S and Performance Pack (or a Dark Horse). I dislike AWD. I prefer RWD. I've been racing for years and prefer steering with the throttle. @9:00... That looks like the basic Mustang interior. The Premium is nicer. There's also the 401a group that adds "premier trim". Also, the California Special come with blue inserts in the seats. Don't judge the Mustang based on the most basic interior. Spec'ed out the way I'd want it... it's a $59k car. @13:30... I had a Lincoln MKZ with those haptic controls... Never again. @15:23... Nathan, One is American, the other Danish. Harman Kardon vs Bang & Olufsen. The VW has an American stereo system, not German.
Golf R all day long (I own a 2024 Golf R manual in white)
Golf
Good thorough review of both cars. Even though probably 2 different demographics of buyers. Sigh…the cost cutting makes me sad.
Mustang all day
Any motorbike will do the the daily commuting both faster and cheaper than both cars, but when the weekend comes I`d have this Mustang (or even the 10 year older version of this Mustang) over any Golf any day.
The screens in the mustang look like an afterthought are real gages that expensive? I do miss my 05 GT😢
Golf R, cant beat AWD!!
But, the Mustang is the Auto and the Golf is the manual. I say the Mustang takes it.
From a standstill and that's about it.
I don't see many people cross shopping these two cars. It comes down to what is your slice of heaven?
R. I’ve owned a mustang and it was unreliable the dealership was a disaster.
Good content, why the poor video quality ?!
Let's be real here,Iv never been a VW golf fan but Iv always loved Mustangs(except the fox body style).
You dont count the ev sedan as a mustang dont you
MK6 GTI owner... I will take the Golf R
Golf R AWD!
Mustang all day every day!!
Ill take that😊
The last gen Mach 1 is the one to get .
Mustang GT.
Hmmm. That title rings a bell..
I will take both of them
Mustang 🔥❤️
Mustang for me.
The Mustang GT Premium has a much nicer interior, including upgraded (1 piece?) screen(s), for $46k
Das Golf R
Mustang not even close!
Volkswagen!
GTI!
GOLF R
Love the mustangs but awd and a manual and utility.....golf R for me
Mustang GT all day long !!!
V8 RULES. 👌
Before I even watch the video, I'll go Mustang. V8 over 4 cylinders everytime.
If this was my second car no questions asked mustang GT all day errrday 😂 but if I had to daily it too the teensie vw would be better
GT all day everyday.
Mustang 100%
Mustang GT all day, every day!
Golf with two less doors and vr6
Mustang. All day, every day.
Mustang, obviously.
golf r.. unless it’s the prior gen mustang.
Stang...all day!
If I wanted a V8 I would buy a Mustang GT. I don't want a V8, but the Golf R doesn't do anything for me either. The haptic controls are a total no-sale with me.
haptic is gone for 2025
MUSTANG GT...ALWAYS
Golf R
Well, I'm a Ford Guy. So I don't think I need to say more. But, If the 2025 Comes for real... I'm getting one... Mustang all the way!
BMW & Mercedes are not so expensive in Germany
Mustang
Mustang 🐎
Both are amazing cars for their specific audiences... not sure if Mustang GT fans or VW Golf R fans either consider the other... It would be nice to finally get a Mustang GT Awd... and not that abomination EV thing Ford ripped off the pony name... I have nothing against it, but they have many other quality names in their stable they could have used. IMO opinion, both could benefit from a hybrid platform...
I've grown to very much dislike VW over the years of being a mechanic. I'll take the Mustang.
ill take the mustang anytime.
If you want a well design and done VW, buy a Skoda
Not even close, 486 HP DOHC V8 Mustang.
I wish VW would bring back some passion to their design and engineering. Seems like they have lost their way... I love the VW group, but VW needs to change it up.
A GR Supra with a manual
When it comes time to fix ing the Golf remember it’s a sister to a Porsche so it’s going to cost 3 times more than the Mustang. Plus when are these two cars comparable? A four door four cylinder vs a 2 door V-8 muscle car.
neither id have a 69 chevy Camaro
Id buy a Tesla 3 dual motor. 4.2s and no gas. 47.9k.
Mustang new interior design is not becoming and the steering is numb and is something you don’t talk about. All the car test described its handling was a big disappointment
the mustang interior looks like a pre-production test bed that’s only 60% done.
The mustang interior is low rent
WE HAVE MUSTANG FAN BOY WE HAVE GOLF FAN BOYS.. BUT BUT BUT BUT BUT AT THE END THE MUSTANG WILL STAND STRONG AND ALL VW'S WILL FALL APART WAY FASTER..
Picture quality is horrific on this also. 720p is the best? Where did you find the Nokia to film with? 😂
Is this a joke ? I’ll take V8 thanks
How long is the VW warranty? Say bye bye before it expires.
VW's 2.0T is a pretty solid engine.