APR Stage 1 vs. APR Stage 2

[bszymko007]

I recently tuned my 2017 golf R with APR stage 1 ecu & tcu software. I'm looking to go stage 2 in the future and was wondering if its noticeably faster than stage 1. Looking for some input from anyone that's APR stage 2.

 

[Thurnis]

The difference is noticeable. It is not a humongous difference though. It's value over stage 1 on a daily is questionable. Stage 1 is just a tremendous value.

What are you looking for out of your car?

 

[R Golf]

Are you tracking or DD? If tracking there may be better places to put your money on the upgrade ladder.

 

[The Fed]

Lots of info about this on the R tuning forum if you look. When you say noticeable, are you talking subjective, or objective/empiracle? Can you notice increases in horsepower or torque at different RPM's than at Stage 1? Can you notice if you're accelerating to a terminal speed one-hundredth of a second faster? Two? Did you take tires and mounts into consideration so you're asking for direct comparisons, or just what you asked for, opinions that are probably meaningless without context?

 

[bszymko007]

The difference is noticeable. It is not a humongous difference though. It's value over stage 1 on a daily is questionable. Stage 1 is just a tremendous value.

What are you looking for out of your car?

A fast daily driver is really what I'm looking for. My friend has a stage 2 MK7 GTI and hes somehow faster than me. I know the GTI is slightly lighter but I'm hoping going stage 2 will help me beat any GTI's.

 

[Golfs everyday]

You have a DSG so why not just go Stage3. Beat everyone.

 

[wofol]

A fast daily driver is really what I'm looking for. My friend has a stage 2 MK7 GTI and hes somehow faster than me. I know the GTI is slightly lighter but I'm hoping going stage 2 will help me beat any GTI's.

What's his mod list?

 

[CarlosCanizares]

The difference between stock and Stage 1 is bigger than Stage 1 to 2.

Had I known this, I would’ve spent my money on other more useful mods.

 

[Mowe]

I’ve seen graphs that show 50-75 whp difference and greater from stock to full stage 1. From that point to stage 2 I typically see a 20-30 whp and tq difference. Seems negligible.

 

[The Fed]

Your Stage 1 R should be able to beat a Stage 2 GTI unless you don't know how to use LC.

 

[virpacalis]

Since I'm still stock, clearly I cannot compare anyone's stage 1 and stage 2 from my own experience. I'd say compare 1/4 mile trap speeds and ask yourself if that's worth it. My certain upgrade plans: intercooler, downpipe, ECU/TCU tunes for 93 octane. (This two-cent opinion comes from a stock R owner who had modified Subarus (stage 2 & 3) for 15 year.)

 

[CarlosCanizares]

Your Stage 1 R should be able to beat a Stage 2 GTI unless you don't know how to use LC.

Roll racing maybe?

 

[warpspeedr]

I've had APR Stage 2 for almost 18 month after having Stage 1 18 months prior. The seat-of-the-pants (butt dyno) difference is considerable - you won't regret the added cost. I now have Stage 2.6 which was free and I've noticed a difference even with that.

 

[Golf R1]

Your friends GTI (stg II) might be able to take you if you are both rolling. From a stop, he shouldn't beat you. Too hard for the GTI to keep the power on the ground, regardless of tire choice. Either of you running a manual? If you can afford it and are wondering if it's worth it, the answer is yes. Throw in an IC for good measure too, it helps, especially in the summer. Stage I for me was fun, but I quickly bumped to Stg II (APR) and noticed a difference in both responsiveness and power. It's a daily for me. Good luck deciding

 

[Thurnis]

If you just want a fast daily then stage 1 is plenty.
If you have money to burn... then you know what to do.

A $700 to $1200 investment. Is not nearly as major as a $2600 to $4000 investment. But I'm 6 or 7k in after additional cosmetic, suspension, and tires in addition to stage 2. So just know stage 1 is blue pill. Stage 2 is a rabbit hole. You won't stop.