I've just made the switch from a relatively heavily-modded GTI (2015, Autobahn, 6MT) to an R (2018, DSG), which I did because, and only because, I totaled the GTI and damaged my hand in the process. It's unclear whether I will be able to safely drive a manual again due to the injury to my left hand (I wouldn't have considered a DSG otherwise), so I needed to go with a DSG car, and for me, a DSG in a FWD GTI isn't something I can quite get my head around (personal take, I know). I felt like if I had to go DSG, I should go R.
So, I went with an R. I've been driving it (stock so far) for about two weeks and to me it's a completely different car. It feels much more solid, more capable, nicer, if you like. More premium. But, I miss the GTI. Sorely. The R with the DSG feels like much less skill is required to drive it well. My GTI was putting down over 400lb/ft of torque at something like 2500rpm, with a manual gearbox, all through the front wheels; driving it well felt like it required a lot of engagement with the car, a lot of attention, and a fair bit of skill. I really miss the quick spool of the IS20 daily driving in NYC, I miss the lightweight, tossable feel of the GTI (even though it was an Autobahn), I miss the sunroof, I miss fitting a full-sized Neuspeed spare wheel and tire under the trunk on road trips, I miss the fog lights for illuminating NYC potholes at night as well as on foggy backroads, and I actually miss the low-res MIB on the 2015 and in the spec I had it, the complete lack of driver aids; it felt like a driver's car to me. The R feels like a very capable, no-drama grand tourer, which is great and I think I'll learn to enjoy it. But I'm a bit envious when I see a GTI whip around a corner. And, I really miss changing gears myself, but I won't get into that, haha. I also miss the better mileage around town (so far I'm averaging about the same on proper roads, but about 7-9mpg daily driving around Brooklyn in the R. I got much better than that in the GTI).
I do like the understated look of the R. Everyone in a tinted Acura or Honda or whatever used to want to race me (even on Brooklyn streets, what is that about?) in the GTI. Pretty much no-one tries that on in the R and I don't miss it one bit.
Just my two cents, two weeks into R ownership. I realize this is all very personal and someone else might disagree with all of the above. If I get full ability to grip the wheel with my left hand back, I wouldn't be at all surprised if I give up the R and get back in a 6MT GTI.