Then you have terrible tyres fitted or something is wrong with it.
I agree, first things first, the OP needs to try the GTi again with proper tires on it. You're driving a handicapped version of the car with the factory tires. I have absolutely no problem with traction at all in my GTi from the moment I swapped tires (I always change factory tires in the first two weeks or less).
Anyway, that said.....I wonder how many people would be so driven to 'upgrade' to the R.....if the Clubsport S were available (or competing trim). Since it is actually the fastest no contest version of the Golf platform, how many people would forget about the FWD 'limitations' in order to have the best Golf there is?
I've driven both the R and GTi, and I love them both, but I really don't know that I would change other than to do something 'different' because I like changing cars fairly often. The GTi feels a lot lighter and more more chuckable which I love (driven back to back both stock manual versions so apples to apples), and having no real limitations (other than understeer at the extreme limit) can be kinda boring to me. It's silly, but I almost feel like the guys who complain about DSG being not pure enough for them (I love DSG and have owned 2, and a lot of manual cars as well). AWD feels kinda like a bandaid or lack of engagement for me, even though I like it. It's the least fun of all of the drivetrain configurations for ME, even though I do like it still.
I may yet still buy an R next year, but I would never do it under the guise that the GTi isn't good enough. It's lighter (significantly), more chuckable, has better fuel economy, and can be had for a lot cheaper even with mods if that's your thing.
I think about it this way, how much of the time that you're driving, will you be using the strengths of the R.....3%, maybe 5%? How often will you be using your R in 'GTi mode' lol....almost all of the time.
Enjoy the R if you get it, enjoy the GTi if you keep it! (and put some damn tires on the car no matter WHICH one you choose!!!) [emoji111]️[emoji111]️
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