Just bought my second Golf R! First was an R32… I’ve regretted selling that thing for 20 yrs!! So I just bought a 2024 Golf R and it’s everything I hoped it would be. I bought black but love the R in white! 👍
My non-biased take: The mk8 GTI and R both have their pros and cons for sure. I own an R and my biggest pro is simply the way it looks. It's the best looking Golf imo. It get's alot of hate but I'm in-love with the design. Mine is black and I also blacked out the side-markers. When it's clean, it's a head turner. Car get's a lot of attention which I wasn't expecting before buying the car. Front lip install/body kit makes it look even better. Also, the traction on the R is incredible... Biggest pro in the GTI, without owning one but assuming this is the case is that I'm sure it has alot more playfullness on the road compared to the R when putting down the throttle which leads to a more lively experience. I even notice the difference with my mk6 gti k04 I had in the past, which still felt alot more RAW compared to my mk8 R which is alot more tame. Maybe that's just a FWD feeling. Looks-wise, I also don't think the GTI is ugly whatsoever I just PREFER the look of the R more.
I have no clue why ppl say GTIs are more playful. I've driven them all. Playful means slower. Playful means fwd. The GTI benefits from young men who have their very first "okay" car. It's a commuter with a touch of sport. Every BMW 3 for 20 years now has been better. Go fish! Every A4. Every C class. All. Go back in time and all cars were so much more affordable. Having driven Mk6,7 GTIs. A MK8 R is in a complete diff league. Complete.
@@robegan9334so is a civic type R being playful mean less sporty than an a4? the fuck? my mk8 40th feels sportier than the 3 series and a4 I've driven a couple times by a long shot. granted they were like mid 2000's but still. mk8 R legit feels heavier and more buttoned down than the GTI. so yes the GTI is more playful.
@@basslover352 All of history has shows limits of FWD. Civiv Type R? Hahah. Every review has a "for a fwd car" Only kids don't get it. Love that wheel hop. It's so trick. GTIs are commuters. They are not fast. They never were. They aren't particularly light anymore. Now you mention Audi. Would a Audi buyer want all the stuff VW does to make a GTI appeal to a 23 year old in Mom's basement. No. Go drive a real sports car. Get back to me.
I’m extremely happy with my GTI. The only two things I’d change are getting rid of the gloss black around the middle console (why’d they do that?) and I prefer adjustable head rests versus one piece seats. The seat comfort upgrade in the 8 over the 7.5 is worth the trade off though. Much more comfortable now. As far as the R, I just don’t need the extra power. Oh, the other thing I’d change is being able to turn off the pumped in sound. As an older female, I really don’t need the extra sound. And I really think VW is being silly at overly marketing to younger males. The GTI is really just a great all around car & they should include marketing to females & older folks because of it.
@katiecannon8186, when you change your mode to “Comfort” or “Eco,” that turns off the SoundAktor; no pumped in sound through the speakers then. I have a 2023 pomelo yellow GTI 40th Anniversary Edition, and absolutely love it!
I understand exactly what you mean, I'm a 47 male, we already have a family SUV and i needed a personal car that is classy, mature and fun to drive at the same time, and i believe the MK8 with the new design looks more mature than older generations, so i got myself an MK8 GTI and couldn't be happier. As for the Piano Black center console, i will be replacing that with something better, aluminum or carbon fiber.
Depending on your area, the R might be cheaper to insure. It was for me coming from a MK7.5 GTI to Mk8 R. I think the low price point allows a wider variety of drivers, plus the GTI is always at the top of ticketed lists. The R being more expensive thins out that crowd, and an insurance company gets less claims on them due to a more adult owner.
I thought that was bizarre too. I was considering a 2018 'Lapiz Blue GTi'. My first time test driving a Golf was a tornado red GTi and loved the way it drove. I really wanted the color though. Being new to the brand, it took me a while to realize a Lapiz Blue GTi did not exist. I researched insurance and found the rates lower for the Golf R. I went to a dealer who had a DSG R in Lapiz Blue and test drove it for the first time. Still loving my 7.5 R. Will consider trading to MK8 R if VW comes out with Spektrum colors.
I got the 40 AE in Opal White 6 MT I’m happy with it. I had a 18 S3 stage 2 before my GTI. There’s definitely a big weight difference between the two. The GTI feels like a go-kart.
I think it depends on what you are after and how it feels to you. I am enjoying my GTI with the feedback it gives me and how I feel I need to drive the car to get the most out of it.
I own a 22 SE GTI DSG and it is one of the best cars I have ever owned! I would have purchased a R but at the time my dealer said it would be a year+ wait, and there most likely would be a wait! If there was little to no wait and no mark up I would have probably purchased a R. Mine is Moonstone gray and I absolutely love the color!
I had a 2016 GTI and traded it in 2018 for a 2017 R..both DSG. The R was a better launcher and maybe held turns better in wet conditions...but the GTI got 34 mpg on the highway at 80 mph. The R was geared higher all the way through every gear and weighed more, subsequently got substantially worse MPG (24 mpg highway for the R at 80 mph). Im not a dig racer ..I live in the southwest U.S...no real use for the R so i ended up selling it in 2021...just wrapping up a deal on a 2024 GTI S DSG for $33K. GTI a better highway car and a better daily driver than the R. After the first 5k miles, I will get a stage 2 APR flash tune on the GTI and it will be a nasty beast when poked with 345 hp and 391 tq and still perform like stock if driven conservatively. R is a great car...but bang for the buck, the GTI is king easily
I recently bought a 2024 Golf R but kept my 2015 GTI to keep the manual transmission alive as well as it has low miles. Loving the difference in the R but still love my GTI.
I bought the 40th in Urano Gray w/6 speed. I am loving this car. I tried to buy a 2023 Golf R Preferably a 20th, but the regular one would have been fine. Anyway, all dealers around the Atlanta metro were sticking to 8 to 10 grand over MSRP. I didn’t even try to deal with such. I paid MSRP for my car with no dealer add on’s in Daphne Alabama. By the time I decided to get a 40th there were literally no Urano Gray 6 speeds left around here. I feel lucky.
Traded my 2015 GTI for a MK8 GTI because I couldn't find an R at MSRP. Just traded the GTI for an R, and while the R is faster, the GTI felt lighter chucking it into corners at normal driving speeds. The front limited slip on the GTI works really well, and you can have just as much fun as in an R if you don't mind giving up a little raw performance.
The R is quicker...not faster. I have had both and the R is substantially quicker than the GTI at low speeds acceleration because of the superior grip...but Tune both cars stage 2 and let them rip on the highway and the GTI will match the R at every turn and straight away over 35 -40 mph....and get much better mpg doing it
I just purchased a Mark 8 GTI 40th anniversary edition at MSRP with no dealer markup or any dealer b******* at 6.29%. This is a great little car I can go 400 miles on a full tank of gas and that's what hooning it around most of the time
What was your out the door price dude. I just purchased on and i think it was a little too ridiculous. Plus i gave them my mkv gti for 4K 😞. Kinda of a bummer but the gti is fun.
I'm a Canadian and I had just picked up my base trim 23 GTI in white color with optional 18" wheels & tires/sunroof pkg. today. Actually, I was planning to purchase a 23 Golf R 20th anniversary edition, but all the new ones had been sold out, what they had left was a pre-owned black 23 Golf R 20th anniversary edition. I don't really mind to pick up the one, since it just had less than 3000 kms, but the biggest problem was the terribly high used car's interest rate in Ontario, Canada, then I decided to choose my current 23 GTI instead, To be honest, I'm very happy with it and I plan to do a light modification for the look, I'm thinking about the Oettinger body kit with roof spoiler and a set of flow formed 19" wheels and tires package. Probably will modify with a set of KW adjustable suspension, may be throw in an APR intake too.
I'd skip the 19" wheels as they'll degrade the ride. A friend on mine just swapped out the OE 19" wheels for 18's, which are a significant improvement according to him. Mine has the base 17's on the OE Goodyear Eagle Asymmetric 3's, which I think are pretty close to ideal; I'd take the improved ride over losing a bit of steering precision every time.
In Italia 🇮🇹 abbiamo il super bollo sulla R che ci penalizza , invece la GTI con 245 cv è più economica , anche se la R ha una trazione migliore e un turbo che la rende più veloce .
I have a 40th in canada. Its 40kish in canada for the dsg. No mark up and took 3 days to get. Golf R is impossible to find and marked up 15k. At 65k for a golf its laughable. Ive seen some near 70k!
Great video I am currently on the fence between the two for a daily, sold my fun car 2 months ago so now next year looking to replace it something it might be better to buy the GTI since it’s cheaper so I can focus on the fun car since it’s gonna cost more.
Why did I buy a R? Well, have you checked out Porsche prices? For 47k what can I buy new that gets me as close to a 4S? Nothing. A GTI is a good commuter. For MK8 it only makes sense in base trim. I have to tell you, I hate the mk8 rims. I need to replace them. On your model the blue mirror caps would kill me. On mine the silver is bad enough. Interior is fantastic, all the reviews on the tech have it a little off. I find it fantastic.
You must floor this R every day or else it will gradually get slower. Once you drive it normally something gets clogged in its throat that keeps it from being as fast. But I'm sure only raping it carefully once or twice everyday keeps it on point. Also use the comfort chassy settings because the race and track setting will ruin the car long term. Also as soon as possible get fatter tires 40 or 45 if fits and change rims to 18 ASAP . Don't forget the stage 1 high torque APR either That's it 😊
I’ve got a MK8 GTi in black with 19” inch Adelaides, and to be honest it’s a fantastic car. The Handling is brilliant I’ve had 3 GTI and 2 Golf R the GTI is the better all around Car. If it’s Ragging it 0-60 what you care about get the R but the GTI is quick as well.
My 24’ golf R is awesome. First ‘performance’ car I’ve ever owned, I traded in my 2015 jeep wrangler lol. Mine is the 6-spd and I have plenty of fun in it, only ever drove a GTI once and can’t say I could tell much a difference
I have a stage 1+ Autobahn GTI, lowered with camber plates, light weight wheels and an exhaust and honestly, it’s fun as hell especially when I dabble a bit of e30. Cornering is a rollercoaster ride and the pops in sport are 👌🏾. However, I’m Almost 30 with a kid on the way in Canada , I’m almost out of it simply because the AWD is more appealing for safety. Otherwise it’s quick (when tuned), cheap to own and a riot to drive in its sportiest setting. Unless you live in a place that gets inclement weather, the GTI is a no brainer, I’ve even driven this thing in a snow storm with some solid winters. She’s as solid as any AWD car. Imo
Test drove the autobahn today , loved it . Gonna test drive the R also. The price difference between the two is just crazy. Out the door they were giving me the autobahn for $46,950 . I’m in Virginia
I have 23 Golf R as well! I just ordered parts $160 to swap center to none gloss trim from 22 model year. I too hate the reflection, finger prints and scratches.
I had a mk6 GTI and now I have a mk7 R. I loved my GTI but was just time for an upgrade. One thing about the turning radius: I run the exact same wheels and tires in my R as my old GTI and I found my GTI could make u turns very easy whereas my R I have to 2 point turn sometimes. And I was thinking it’s because in FWD cars there kind of a pivot point because the back wheels don’t spin they just follow. And in the AWD car the back wheel are pushing you forward while also turning so you lose some radius. That’s just my theory don’t quote me
I wanted a MK8 Golf R but the availability wasn't there and the mark up was atrocious for the dealer in my area. Was happy to find a GTI Performance (Canada), I have H&R sport springs and have the IQ light matrix activated. I have zero regrets on getting the GTI.
I'm recently in the VW club. I'm trying to figure out the long block differences. What's the difference between the GTI and R with the long block and the DSG transmissions? I don't drag race at all and I'm more concerned with the mechanicals as tuning is cheap. Does the R have forged internals? Does the R have a more robust DSG. Really hard to find answers on this!!!
I have a 2 door MK7 GTI that I refuse to part with, had MKIV R32 also... until they make 2 doors again I'll be just modding my GTI. I passed on 2 R's MK8's so far that my dealer called me on... I can't get past the interiors.
If you got the extra money, don't mind spending it the Golf R is the better option. The Gti is amazing in its own rights but its more affordable and easier to access. Nothing wrong with either options. Like he said though if u plan on modd/tunning a Golf you might as well make it an R because the money you gonna spend on the GTI you could have just got an R. The R also has more of a retained value/exclusive perspective. Here in ontario (GTA) if i do a search for available R's for sale used and new any year. i come up with only 18 results counting any year of golfR When i search the GTI any year i get 223 results. I can only speak for my area where i live but ive only seen 3 Golf R's other than my own. I see GTI's everywhere. Again nothing wrong with a GTI and actually i prefer the fabric seat option in the GTI over leather in the R.... even though europe Rs have a cloth option...... for the R... iam jelly. At the end of the day both are Great.
i should mention my search was 100 km within the GTA (Greater toronto Area) Just did a bigger search increased distance of 1000km got 475 Gti's and 232 Golf R's (Again this is All years/gens, no restrictions on age of car)
Honestly super happy with my GTI autobahn but I’m still really curious to know how the R drives with its awd. Like I’ve driven alot of subies and honestly they were pretty underwhelming where as vs an Evo 9 I drove was fun as hell. So my question is where would you put the R ?
I just bought a new 24' mk8 gti s with dsg as my daily beater for 30500 (2500 under msrp) and loving it. The golf R's in my area are pushing 50k. The R is nicer but not 20k nicer imo.
I had a $50K budget. Drove both the R and GTI. Found the R to be a complete overkill. The GTI is so good. Faster than most cars. DSG is a work of art. Then I compared trims. Found S to have a ton of stuff. So I got a GTI S. Best bang for your buck, by far.
Congrats on that beautiful R! Basically my reasoning on getting the GTI is being poor lol no but really I enjoy every ride, $130 a month on gas using it every day, $80 to insure, and it has a lot of tuning potential (although mine is manual so if I wanted to tune I would definitely need a new clutch and intercooler). The car drives like a go kart is the most fun car I’ve ever owned, and I think the Golf R or RS3 would be the next step or upgrade
How would you say the reliability of the MK8 GTI is? Is it something that’s reliable enough to be your only car? I’ve seen some skepticism online about GTIs reliability.
If its similar to the MK7, Ive had my 2015 for 221K miles and its been pretty good. Ive had to replace the AC, Timing chain, PCV, and Ive had one oil leak. Still on stocks suspension, and the car rides great still, no weird sounds or creaks etc…
I disagree with FWD vs AWD. The wheel spinning on my GTI 23 is killing me. And who doesn't like an added 65 hp? I would have gone for the R if I had the money.
@@JVette01 Lol, 10 years ago pressing a button wasn't that big a deal, times have changed. I was about to jump on a 24 GTI S, before an immaculate private 22 R with only 3k miles became available for 37k. Jumped on that instead!
Got myself a mk8 gti last june now all around are golf r in stock and def wondering if I messed up just not waiting for a golf r at msrp. Now if i were to trade I would just lose to much money so it doenst make sense.
Indeed its best to make sure ya really know what ya want and not let emotions factor into ur purchase decision. I really wanted to learn manual and coudnt find good used options that didnt seem like a money pit. So i went with a SE GTI overall tho still a blast to drive i think if it was auto tho i wouldnt really like it cause i just would think its to much like a normal car.@@JVette01
Crazy to think a manual makes it unique or different in the USA then you go to europe and its like all economy cars come with manuals and if its a performance car it needs a duel clutch or a high performance torc vectoring transmission like in the ur M2 btw that cars a beast and so clean.
The MK8 GTI S is just straight up value when in comparison to the Golf R. I just don't see the added benefit for nearly $20,000 more. This is a really insightful video though, learned a lot about the differences between models.
@@JVette01 Ah yea but dealers are still marking them up almost everywhere I look. Hard to find one for less than $50k but they are out there. In regards to regular MSRP you are correct.
I can tell you this. I have had Veloster N and currently a Kona N. My Golf R will destroy the Kona N just from the AWD alone as I have both cars. Once the Golf R Turbo kicks my Kona N cannot match it. The Kona N may shift faster but it cant hold up.
All this Kona N talk reminds me of the IMSA finale at Road Atlanta this year, they were a bunch of them there. I made a reference to my granddaughter that “it looked like a Kona N Fest”. 😂
@@JVette01 the dealership experience sux at Cadillac and really wanted a is500 had that for a while loved it but traded it for a golf r lower payments and knocked off some equity
I looked into purchasing a '23 Golf R, but there were only a few available in the city in which I live and they were marked up a ridiculous amount by the dealers. The asking price was CAD$70k when the dealer price was under $50k. Basically, if you wanted to purchase a Golf R you had to agree to be a**r*ped by the dealer. Sorry, not interested. They had lots of GTIs in stock, but I don't like FWD. I bought a '20 M2C instead. I will take my tail-happy 405 HP RWD M2C over a GTI or a Golf R any day.
I get it. I’m a rear wheel lover as well. Same here in Atlanta, crazy asking prices for R’s. They must be getting it though, the inventory changes on their web sites.
The only reason I can’t do the golf r is I’d be looking at paying $40k more with mark ups and financing after taking the positive equity if I were to trade it in my 23 SE for it. Just can’t bring myself to do it even if I was approved 💀
I am happy with my Mk7.5R. I wouldn't pay msrp for a Mk8R even if I were in the market for one. Rather wait a year or so and find one CPO low-miles one owner and use that money towards mods :D
i like my mk7.5 r estate with tvs software, its way fastern than gti, i think my last car (peugeot 308gti 2019 300hp) is way pettern than mark 8 gti, and yes i have driven gti a lot, my friend have it.
GTI owners are often very quick to downplay the golf R by stating things like drive train losses and that AWD is not as "fun" but in reality theres a very good reason even clubsports dont keep up with the R, either on a rolling race or a launch, because what is the point in the power if you cant put it down, the magna diff is very intelligent on these cars and the drive train losses are ALOT less than everyone likes to suggest, the golf r is still a fwd bias car at the end of the day anyway, the way to think about it is when the AWD kicks in at all, you would have probably lost that power on the gti, I've driven a fwd for a while and I recently upgraded to the Golf R20 Years (333hp) version and I'll never look back to a FWD, also, small correction, the turning radius on the golf r with the magna diff is going to be better since the outside wheel is supplying power on the backend, increasing the turn, and power coming out of the bend / turn
What you're saying here is that the R is a faster car. No question whether the R is a more capable car. Many GTI buyers prefer the GTI because it’s more fun, nothing you’ve said addresses that. There isn’t really anything you say that can address that. It’s a matter of preference - some find it more exciting to drive a slow car fast, to have less grip, to feel less planted. The GTI is a more limited car, but that means the limit is easier to find on a GTI - you don’t have to be going as fast. Miatas are slow, but they’re great cars. 86 is slow, but a great car. Doesn’t take anything away from the R - just a matter of preference.
gti is just too slow. i just drove a mk8 gti and my mk7 r way faster and more fun. Also what jvette is saying about rwd vs fwd power train hp loss on an awd isnt really true with the R. the R is driving around in fwd unless you need the rear. This is why golf r is faster than its awd competitors that are full time awd. golf r is pretty much the perfect car for daily driving. not to mention if you live in a snowy climate the gti its a total bust since is doesnt even have a proper hand brake to mess around in the snow with.
I own a mk7.5 Golf R line. It has a massive spec. Looks great. Fools most people. Hate the fake exhaust. Cheaper to run and insure. Would love to own the real R
The original R the
2004 R32 with the sweet sound from the 3.2 VR6 will never be replaced!
It'll only be gapped, by an 8R
The R is just the better golf! More money but if you can afford it than go for it! Very nice toy! 🔥
Drive a mk8 gti clubsport
ask your self this
All these vids on y tube it’s always the lesser gti of the 2 against the cs
Just bought my second Golf R! First was an R32… I’ve regretted selling that thing for 20 yrs!! So I just bought a 2024 Golf R and it’s everything I hoped it would be. I bought black but love the R in white! 👍
@@escos0410 yea the new Clubsport is on steriods. Lol 296bhp☠💀 And I drive a stock Mk7.5 Golf R
@@thewisehortsman2837 sad that there's only 3 colors to choose from
Love my 23 GTI. Another benefit of the GTI is regular fuel vs required premium gas on the R.
Correct. I forgot to mention that
My non-biased take: The mk8 GTI and R both have their pros and cons for sure. I own an R and my biggest pro is simply the way it looks. It's the best looking Golf imo. It get's alot of hate but I'm in-love with the design. Mine is black and I also blacked out the side-markers. When it's clean, it's a head turner. Car get's a lot of attention which I wasn't expecting before buying the car. Front lip install/body kit makes it look even better. Also, the traction on the R is incredible...
Biggest pro in the GTI, without owning one but assuming this is the case is that I'm sure it has alot more playfullness on the road compared to the R when putting down the throttle which leads to a more lively experience. I even notice the difference with my mk6 gti k04 I had in the past, which still felt alot more RAW compared to my mk8 R which is alot more tame. Maybe that's just a FWD feeling.
Looks-wise, I also don't think the GTI is ugly whatsoever I just PREFER the look of the R more.
Thanks for sharing!
I have no clue why ppl say GTIs are more playful. I've driven them all. Playful means slower. Playful means fwd. The GTI benefits from young men who have their very first "okay" car. It's a commuter with a touch of sport. Every BMW 3 for 20 years now has been better. Go fish! Every A4. Every C class. All. Go back in time and all cars were so much more affordable. Having driven Mk6,7 GTIs. A MK8 R is in a complete diff league. Complete.
@@robegan9334 k
@@robegan9334so is a civic type R being playful mean less sporty than an a4? the fuck? my mk8 40th feels sportier than the 3 series and a4 I've driven a couple times by a long shot. granted they were like mid 2000's but still. mk8 R legit feels heavier and more buttoned down than the GTI. so yes the GTI is more playful.
@@basslover352 All of history has shows limits of FWD. Civiv Type R? Hahah. Every review has a "for a fwd car" Only kids don't get it. Love that wheel hop. It's so trick. GTIs are commuters. They are not fast. They never were. They aren't particularly light anymore. Now you mention Audi. Would a Audi buyer want all the stuff VW does to make a GTI appeal to a 23 year old in Mom's basement. No. Go drive a real sports car. Get back to me.
I’m extremely happy with my GTI. The only two things I’d change are getting rid of the gloss black around the middle console (why’d they do that?) and I prefer adjustable head rests versus one piece seats. The seat comfort upgrade in the 8 over the 7.5 is worth the trade off though. Much more comfortable now.
As far as the R, I just don’t need the extra power.
Oh, the other thing I’d change is being able to turn off the pumped in sound. As an older female, I really don’t need the extra sound. And I really think VW is being silly at overly marketing to younger males. The GTI is really just a great all around car & they should include marketing to females & older folks because of it.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
@@JVette01 Congrats on your R. I am just a tiny bit jealous 😉.
The seats are better on the 8 over the 7.5?
@katiecannon8186, when you change your mode to “Comfort” or “Eco,” that turns off the SoundAktor; no pumped in sound through the speakers then. I have a 2023 pomelo yellow GTI 40th Anniversary Edition, and absolutely love it!
I understand exactly what you mean, I'm a 47 male, we already have a family SUV and i needed a personal car that is classy, mature and fun to drive at the same time, and i believe the MK8 with the new design looks more mature than older generations, so i got myself an MK8 GTI and couldn't be happier.
As for the Piano Black center console, i will be replacing that with something better, aluminum or carbon fiber.
Depending on your area, the R might be cheaper to insure. It was for me coming from a MK7.5 GTI to Mk8 R. I think the low price point allows a wider variety of drivers, plus the GTI is always at the top of ticketed lists. The R being more expensive thins out that crowd, and an insurance company gets less claims on them due to a more adult owner.
Interesting!
I thought that was bizarre too. I was considering a 2018 'Lapiz Blue GTi'. My first time test driving a Golf was a tornado red GTi and loved the way it drove. I really wanted the color though. Being new to the brand, it took me a while to realize a Lapiz Blue GTi did not exist. I researched insurance and found the rates lower for the Golf R. I went to a dealer who had a DSG R in Lapiz Blue and test drove it for the first time. Still loving my 7.5 R. Will consider trading to MK8 R if VW comes out with Spektrum colors.
Sounds like your age is playing a factor that your company isn’t making obvious to you
Interesting. My insurance went up 45% from 7.5 GTI to 8R.
GTI 187 a month, R 166 both MK8. You're right!
I got the 40 AE in Opal White 6 MT I’m happy with it. I had a 18 S3 stage 2 before my GTI. There’s definitely a big weight difference between the two. The GTI feels like a go-kart.
I think it depends on what you are after and how it feels to you. I am enjoying my GTI with the feedback it gives me and how I feel I need to drive the car to get the most out of it.
I own a 22 SE GTI DSG and it is one of the best cars I have ever owned! I would have purchased a R but at the time my dealer said it would be a year+ wait, and there most likely would be a wait! If there was little to no wait and no mark up I would have probably purchased a R. Mine is Moonstone gray and I absolutely love the color!
Awesome!
@chinmikec I too love the Moonstone
I had a 2016 GTI and traded it in 2018 for a 2017 R..both DSG. The R was a better launcher and maybe held turns better in wet conditions...but the GTI got 34 mpg on the highway at 80 mph. The R was geared higher all the way through every gear and weighed more, subsequently got substantially worse MPG (24 mpg highway for the R at 80 mph). Im not a dig racer ..I live in the southwest U.S...no real use for the R so i ended up selling it in 2021...just wrapping up a deal on a 2024 GTI S DSG for $33K. GTI a better highway car and a better daily driver than the R. After the first 5k miles, I will get a stage 2 APR flash tune on the GTI and it will be a nasty beast when poked with 345 hp and 391 tq and still perform like stock if driven conservatively. R is a great car...but bang for the buck, the GTI is king easily
I recently bought a 2024 Golf R but kept my 2015 GTI to keep the manual transmission alive as well as it has low miles. Loving the difference in the R but still love my GTI.
I bought the 40th in Urano Gray w/6 speed. I am loving this car. I tried to buy a 2023 Golf R Preferably a 20th, but the regular one would have been fine. Anyway, all dealers around the Atlanta metro were sticking to 8 to 10 grand over MSRP. I didn’t even try to deal with such. I paid MSRP for my car with no dealer add on’s in Daphne Alabama. By the time I decided to get a 40th there were literally no Urano Gray 6 speeds left around here. I feel lucky.
Congrats!
Traded my 2015 GTI for a MK8 GTI because I couldn't find an R at MSRP. Just traded the GTI for an R, and while the R is faster, the GTI felt lighter chucking it into corners at normal driving speeds. The front limited slip on the GTI works really well, and you can have just as much fun as in an R if you don't mind giving up a little raw performance.
In the corners, same transmission... with sway bars and a tune base model would probably beat out an R depending on conditions @@bobotwo4899
The R is quicker...not faster. I have had both and the R is substantially quicker than the GTI at low speeds acceleration because of the superior grip...but Tune both cars stage 2 and let them rip on the highway and the GTI will match the R at every turn and straight away over 35 -40 mph....and get much better mpg doing it
I just purchased a Mark 8 GTI 40th anniversary edition at MSRP with no dealer markup or any dealer b******* at 6.29%. This is a great little car I can go 400 miles on a full tank of gas and that's what hooning it around most of the time
Nice!
What was your out the door price dude. I just purchased on and i think it was a little too ridiculous. Plus i gave them my mkv gti for 4K 😞. Kinda of a bummer but the gti is fun.
@@purpheadyogurtslinga7840 My out the door price with tax license and fees was 38,204.
I'm a Canadian and I had just picked up my base trim 23 GTI in white color with optional 18" wheels & tires/sunroof pkg. today. Actually, I was planning to purchase a 23 Golf R 20th anniversary edition, but all the new ones had been sold out, what they had left was a pre-owned black 23 Golf R 20th anniversary edition. I don't really mind to pick up the one, since it just had less than 3000 kms, but the biggest problem was the terribly high used car's interest rate in Ontario, Canada, then I decided to choose my current 23 GTI instead, To be honest, I'm very happy with it and I plan to do a light modification for the look, I'm thinking about the Oettinger body kit with roof spoiler and a set of flow formed 19" wheels and tires package. Probably will modify with a set of KW adjustable suspension, may be throw in an APR intake too.
Nice!
I'd skip the 19" wheels as they'll degrade the ride. A friend on mine just swapped out the OE 19" wheels for 18's, which are a significant improvement according to him. Mine has the base 17's on the OE Goodyear Eagle Asymmetric 3's, which I think are pretty close to ideal; I'd take the improved ride over losing a bit of steering precision every time.
Went with a MK7.5 GTI. I do not regret my decision at all. The Golf R would have been great, but the plaid seats in the GTI won me over lol
The plaid seats are pretty cool! Haha
In Italia 🇮🇹 abbiamo il super bollo sulla R che ci penalizza , invece la GTI con 245 cv è più economica , anche se la R ha una trazione migliore e un turbo che la rende più veloce .
I have a 40th in canada. Its 40kish in canada for the dsg. No mark up and took 3 days to get. Golf R is impossible to find and marked up 15k. At 65k for a golf its laughable. Ive seen some near 70k!
The Mk8 GTi is a masterpiece of engineering and technology. I have an SE and I love it!
The R has less turning radius because of the awd system
I think it has more to do with the 19" wheels. The AWD in the R adds a rear differential but doesn't change the front.
Great video I am currently on the fence between the two for a daily, sold my fun car 2 months ago so now next year looking to replace it something it might be better to buy the GTI since it’s cheaper so I can focus on the fun car since it’s gonna cost more.
Why did I buy a R? Well, have you checked out Porsche prices? For 47k what can I buy new that gets me as close to a 4S? Nothing. A GTI is a good commuter. For MK8 it only makes sense in base trim. I have to tell you, I hate the mk8 rims. I need to replace them. On your model the blue mirror caps would kill me. On mine the silver is bad enough. Interior is fantastic, all the reviews on the tech have it a little off. I find it fantastic.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
You must floor this R every day or else it will gradually get slower. Once you drive it normally something gets clogged in its throat that keeps it from being as fast. But I'm sure only raping it carefully once or twice everyday keeps it on point. Also use the comfort chassy settings because the race and track setting will ruin the car long term.
Also as soon as possible get fatter tires 40 or 45 if fits and change rims to 18 ASAP .
Don't forget the stage 1 high torque APR either
That's it 😊
I’ve got a MK8 GTi in black with 19” inch Adelaides, and to be honest it’s a fantastic car. The Handling is brilliant I’ve had 3 GTI and 2 Golf R the GTI is the better all around Car. If it’s Ragging it 0-60 what you care about get the R but the GTI is quick as well.
Thanks for sharing
My 24’ golf R is awesome. First ‘performance’ car I’ve ever owned, I traded in my 2015 jeep wrangler lol. Mine is the 6-spd and I have plenty of fun in it, only ever drove a GTI once and can’t say I could tell much a difference
I have a stage 1+ Autobahn GTI, lowered with camber plates, light weight wheels and an exhaust and honestly, it’s fun as hell especially when I dabble a bit of e30. Cornering is a rollercoaster ride and the pops in sport are 👌🏾. However, I’m Almost 30 with a kid on the way in Canada , I’m almost out of it simply because the AWD is more appealing for safety. Otherwise it’s quick (when tuned), cheap to own and a riot to drive in its sportiest setting. Unless you live in a place that gets inclement weather, the GTI is a no brainer, I’ve even driven this thing in a snow storm with some solid winters. She’s as solid as any AWD car. Imo
Nice
AWD is not safer
@@hitmanhart6275 very true! But I’m still sketched out by one axel drive in alberta weather
Test drove the autobahn today , loved it . Gonna test drive the R also. The price difference between the two is just crazy. Out the door they were giving me the autobahn for $46,950 . I’m in Virginia
I’d spend extra and get an R over the Autobahn GTI. However, an S GTI had a case to be made
@@JVette01 isn’t the Autobahn a better/ higher trim than the S? Genuinely asking idk
@@ShadowF305It is, yes, but it's very expensive and loses the value proposition of the gti. It makes more sense to get an R
@@JVette01 ahh good point !
I have 23 Golf R as well! I just ordered parts $160 to swap center to none gloss trim from 22 model year. I too hate the reflection, finger prints and scratches.
I had a mk6 GTI and now I have a mk7 R. I loved my GTI but was just time for an upgrade. One thing about the turning radius: I run the exact same wheels and tires in my R as my old GTI and I found my GTI could make u turns very easy whereas my R I have to 2 point turn sometimes. And I was thinking it’s because in FWD cars there kind of a pivot point because the back wheels don’t spin they just follow. And in the AWD car the back wheel are pushing you forward while also turning so you lose some radius. That’s just my theory don’t quote me
I havé à stage 2 gli and still stock golf r Mk8 got me all the Time awd make a huge difference and here in Canada it’s more practical
I wanted a MK8 Golf R but the availability wasn't there and the mark up was atrocious for the dealer in my area. Was happy to find a GTI Performance (Canada), I have H&R sport springs and have the IQ light matrix activated. I have zero regrets on getting the GTI.
Nice!
With fwd there's alot of understeer. The stock tire sucks . Awd you can grab those corners alot harder
Nice vids
I owned white 17 GTI sport manual, now 22 GTI s w DSG happy with both
The only color was silver, would’ve liked blue or red
Nice
I'm recently in the VW club. I'm trying to figure out the long block differences. What's the difference between the GTI and R with the long block and the DSG transmissions? I don't drag race at all and I'm more concerned with the mechanicals as tuning is cheap. Does the R have forged internals? Does the R have a more robust DSG. Really hard to find answers on this!!!
As far as I’m aware. Trans has the same torque limits, the R just has shorter gearing. The engine is the same internally but the R has a bigger turbo.
I have a 2 door MK7 GTI that I refuse to part with, had MKIV R32 also... until they make 2 doors again I'll be just modding my GTI. I passed on 2 R's MK8's so far that my dealer called me on... I can't get past the interiors.
How is the GTI in the snow? I need to commute 200km in Ontario everyday.. GTI can make it with the LSD? Or would be necessary to have the awd?
With snow tires, the GTI will probably be fine. However, AWD will always be better
If you got the extra money, don't mind spending it the Golf R is the better option. The Gti is amazing in its own rights but its more affordable and easier to access. Nothing wrong with either options. Like he said though if u plan on modd/tunning a Golf you might as well make it an R because the money you gonna spend on the GTI you could have just got an R. The R also has more of a retained value/exclusive perspective. Here in ontario (GTA) if i do a search for available R's for sale used and new any year. i come up with only 18 results counting any year of golfR When i search the GTI any year i get 223 results. I can only speak for my area where i live but ive only seen 3 Golf R's other than my own. I see GTI's everywhere. Again nothing wrong with a GTI and actually i prefer the fabric seat option in the GTI over leather in the R.... even though europe Rs have a cloth option...... for the R... iam jelly. At the end of the day both are Great.
i should mention my search was 100 km within the GTA (Greater toronto Area) Just did a bigger search increased distance of 1000km got 475 Gti's and 232 Golf R's (Again this is All years/gens, no restrictions on age of car)
Honestly super happy with my GTI autobahn but I’m still really curious to know how the R drives with its awd. Like I’ve driven alot of subies and honestly they were pretty underwhelming where as vs an Evo 9 I drove was fun as hell. So my question is where would you put the R ?
Extremely fun for AWD. It’s actually helps in not only grip but squaring off turns and drift mode for donuts and such ;)
there is no drive train loss with haldex AWD.. it only kicks in when traction loss is sensed...
works very differently on the mk8, they replaced the haldex with magna
I just bought a new 24' mk8 gti s with dsg as my daily beater for 30500 (2500 under msrp) and loving it. The golf R's in my area are pushing 50k. The R is nicer but not 20k nicer imo.
The base GTI is a great deal. However, if you get a loaded GTI, the R has more value.
How would a stage 1 tuned GTI compare to a stock Golf R?
Stock mk8 golf r still faster. Maybe a mk8 GTI on e85 or maybe with a tcu tune then it would be close
I had a $50K budget. Drove both the R and GTI. Found the R to be a complete overkill. The GTI is so good. Faster than most cars. DSG is a work of art. Then I compared trims. Found S to have a ton of stuff. So I got a GTI S. Best bang for your buck, by far.
I had one, so I can agree with you! However, I’m loving the R. Feels like an Audi
Congrats on that beautiful R! Basically my reasoning on getting the GTI is being poor lol no but really I enjoy every ride, $130 a month on gas using it every day, $80 to insure, and it has a lot of tuning potential (although mine is manual so if I wanted to tune I would definitely need a new clutch and intercooler). The car drives like a go kart is the most fun car I’ve ever owned, and I think the Golf R or RS3 would be the next step or upgrade
Nice!
How would you say the reliability of the MK8 GTI is? Is it something that’s reliable enough to be your only car? I’ve seen some skepticism online about GTIs reliability.
I think it would be fine but I only had mine for 14k miles
If its similar to the MK7, Ive had my 2015 for 221K miles and its been pretty good. Ive had to replace the AC, Timing chain, PCV, and Ive had one oil leak. Still on stocks suspension, and the car rides great still, no weird sounds or creaks etc…
I disagree with FWD vs AWD. The wheel spinning on my GTI 23 is killing me. And who doesn't like an added 65 hp? I would have gone for the R if I had the money.
I would only buy the S trim level on the GTI. SE is a tough proposition, Autobahn is only 6-7k off the Golf R, they are such a horrible value.
The high trims are, I agree. The S trim makes sense though. However, the lack of keyless access is kinda annoying
@@JVette01 Lol, 10 years ago pressing a button wasn't that big a deal, times have changed. I was about to jump on a 24 GTI S, before an immaculate private 22 R with only 3k miles became available for 37k. Jumped on that instead!
GTI for me! Although I would still love to have both.
Got myself a mk8 gti last june now all around are golf r in stock and def wondering if I messed up just not waiting for a golf r at msrp. Now if i were to trade I would just lose to much money so it doenst make sense.
Yeah I understand.. unfortunately cars just cost us money if we want to change them out haha
Indeed its best to make sure ya really know what ya want and not let emotions factor into ur purchase decision. I really wanted to learn manual and coudnt find good used options that didnt seem like a money pit. So i went with a SE GTI overall tho still a blast to drive i think if it was auto tho i wouldnt really like it cause i just would think its to much like a normal car.@@JVette01
Crazy to think a manual makes it unique or different in the USA then you go to europe and its like all economy cars come with manuals and if its a performance car it needs a duel clutch or a high performance torc vectoring transmission like in the ur M2 btw that cars a beast and so clean.
The MK8 GTI S is just straight up value when in comparison to the Golf R. I just don't see the added benefit for nearly $20,000 more. This is a really insightful video though, learned a lot about the differences between models.
The golf r is about 15k more
@@JVette01 Ah yea but dealers are still marking them up almost everywhere I look. Hard to find one for less than $50k but they are out there. In regards to regular MSRP you are correct.
can you do a roll race with a KONA N? interested to see the outcome. Golf R has the edge, but it would be interesting to see.
If someone had a Kona or Elantra N that lives nearby I would love to! I just don’t know anyone with those cars
I can tell you this. I have had Veloster N and currently a Kona N. My Golf R will destroy the Kona N just from the AWD alone as I have both cars. Once the Golf R Turbo kicks my Kona N cannot match it. The Kona N may shift faster but it cant hold up.
All this Kona N talk reminds me of the IMSA finale at Road Atlanta this year, they were a bunch of them there. I made a reference to my granddaughter that “it looked like a Kona N Fest”. 😂
Where are VW dealers willing to deal?
where did you get your paddle shifters?
Stock on the MK8R
I had a ct4 blackwing manual and now golf r manual seem very close in comparison coming from someone who owned both
The CT4 manual I’d imagine feels much better. What prompted the change?
@@JVette01 the dealership experience sux at Cadillac and really wanted a is500 had that for a while loved it but traded it for a golf r lower payments and knocked off some equity
I looked into purchasing a '23 Golf R, but there were only a few available in the city in which I live and they were marked up a ridiculous amount by the dealers. The asking price was CAD$70k when the dealer price was under $50k. Basically, if you wanted to purchase a Golf R you had to agree to be a**r*ped by the dealer. Sorry, not interested. They had lots of GTIs in stock, but I don't like FWD. I bought a '20 M2C instead. I will take my tail-happy 405 HP RWD M2C over a GTI or a Golf R any day.
Congrats!
I get it. I’m a rear wheel lover as well. Same here in Atlanta, crazy asking prices for R’s. They must be getting it though, the inventory changes on their web sites.
Not entirely correct on the engine. Turbo is not the only difference. R internals are beefed up compared to GTI’s
Really, good to know.
I would argue the GTI is better enthusiast car for the money and will be cheaper to track.
FWD is lighter and will eat up less tires and brakes.
Is wrapping an option for the high gloss black?
Maybe
I saw a McLaren today, original color dark gray, wrapped in metallic dark gray. It look pretty good. He said it cost him $4,500.
Love the GTI but would always wish I got the R in the back of my mind
It's worth the upgrade if you can comfortably afford it
They don't look bad on the outside but the interiors are trash and they want too much for them
225mm vs 235mm tire with is minimal.
where are you located? i have a black AE R
Vegas, Mexico
The only reason I can’t do the golf r is I’d be looking at paying $40k more with mark ups and financing after taking the positive equity if I were to trade it in my 23 SE for it. Just can’t bring myself to do it even if I was approved 💀
I understand!
I am happy with my Mk7.5R. I wouldn't pay msrp for a Mk8R even if I were in the market for one. Rather wait a year or so and find one CPO low-miles one owner and use that money towards mods :D
Sounds like a plan
Check fuel prices today. GTI runs on 87 and is an awesome daily driver. Hard to beat.
Excellent point. I remembered that after I already filmed the video. Golf R requires 91 and GTI runs 87!
i like my mk7.5 r estate with tvs software, its way fastern than gti, i think my last car (peugeot 308gti 2019 300hp) is way pettern than mark 8 gti, and yes i have driven gti a lot, my friend have it.
GTI owners are often very quick to downplay the golf R by stating things like drive train losses and that AWD is not as "fun" but in reality theres a very good reason even clubsports dont keep up with the R, either on a rolling race or a launch, because what is the point in the power if you cant put it down, the magna diff is very intelligent on these cars and the drive train losses are ALOT less than everyone likes to suggest, the golf r is still a fwd bias car at the end of the day anyway, the way to think about it is when the AWD kicks in at all, you would have probably lost that power on the gti, I've driven a fwd for a while and I recently upgraded to the Golf R20 Years (333hp) version and I'll never look back to a FWD, also, small correction, the turning radius on the golf r with the magna diff is going to be better since the outside wheel is supplying power on the backend, increasing the turn, and power coming out of the bend / turn
What you're saying here is that the R is a faster car. No question whether the R is a more capable car. Many GTI buyers prefer the GTI because it’s more fun, nothing you’ve said addresses that. There isn’t really anything you say that can address that. It’s a matter of preference - some find it more exciting to drive a slow car fast, to have less grip, to feel less planted. The GTI is a more limited car, but that means the limit is easier to find on a GTI - you don’t have to be going as fast. Miatas are slow, but they’re great cars. 86 is slow, but a great car. Doesn’t take anything away from the R - just a matter of preference.
The mk8 gti or r is a great choice unless you have a gti mk7.5 with no payments lol 😂
Hey I agree! It’s never necessarily a good financial decision to buy a brand new car
The R has more power, you never get enough power.
watching this to make myself feel better for not being able to afford a golf r lol
😂
And the best point... Don't get a Golf R when you can get an Audi S3 for the same price.
Wrong. Golf r is better than an S3 in many ways
S3 is slower
gti autobahn at 5k off now in august
Congrats!
gti is just too slow. i just drove a mk8 gti and my mk7 r way faster and more fun. Also what jvette is saying about rwd vs fwd power train hp loss on an awd isnt really true with the R. the R is driving around in fwd unless you need the rear. This is why golf r is faster than its awd competitors that are full time awd. golf r is pretty much the perfect car for daily driving. not to mention if you live in a snowy climate the gti its a total bust since is doesnt even have a proper hand brake to mess around in the snow with.
U got paddle shifters lol 😂 end of story
I own a mk7.5 Golf R line. It has a massive spec. Looks great. Fools most people. Hate the fake exhaust. Cheaper to run and insure. Would love to own the real R
Very marginal reasons. Apart from price which is a given
Go look at drag videos bro. The R is faster than the GTI in a straight line and around the track. 🤷🏻
Fwd is never better
Unless it’s a roll
Conclusion: Buy the Golf R. Duh.
In no world is a gti a better car than an R. Other than the broke ass world