Liked my GTI over an R. Am I crazy?

[randomhobo130]

Decided to test drive a 2018 R today while my car was getting some service. Just came in on trade so tried to get a jump on it. The power was nice FOR SURE but i just couldn't bring myself to want it more than my 17 GTI SE. Has anyone else came to this conclusion or am I just batshit?

 

[JerseyDrew77]

You're not batshit crazy. The R isn't "all that" so you're not wrong for keeping your GTI. The R isn't like a Porsche, like some of these guys make it out to be.

 

[randomhobo130]

You're not batshit crazy. The R isn't "all that" so you're not wrong for keeping your GTI. The R isn't like a Porsche, like some of these guys make it out to be.

All I kept thinking was a simple tune and my car wouldn't be terribly far behind this.

 

[david9962000]

I like my GTI better too, it’s more nibble and responsive. The R is “softer”

 

[goinkin]

Really the only thing an R has over the GTI is the Haldex 4wd. A GTI with a tune is very close power wise if not more. Having quattro Audis all my life, I DO miss the assurance of 4wd. Even if it's the Haldex version. I'll eventually pick up an R. But I love my GTI.

 

[eajr]

Gti>R. I love my sunroof too much

 

[R Golf]

If you're looking for confirmation for your GTi I'm sure you'll get plenty. Especially on the GTi forum. ;>)

Just different strokes. I own and love my R on track and as a DD. It's my favorite VW, but I totally get you preferring your GTi, a Miata, Porsche, vintage car, muscle, or whatever. We love Golfs, others wouldn't go near AWS or FWD.

It's as simple as different people prefer different cars.

 

[goinkin]

Wait, R's don't have sunroofs? Like any of them? I thought the one I drove just didn't want the option.

 

[eajr]

I respect the R for what it is, and it is an awesome car. But I think more people would agree that the Gti is a better deal for the money though.

 

[JC_451]

17 GTI is probably almost paid off.

18 R is probably still $35K so I would guess you'd be looking at a ~$500 monthly payment until 2025.

Not super appealing unless you have money to burn. Easy to justify staying where you're at.

 

[vj123]

R is a great vehicle and no second thoughts.

GTI is nimble and easy to throw around. Both times when i bought my GTIs, i could not justify the premium for a R. I am very happy with my second GTI and i dont have an itch to get a R anytime in the future.

 

[OldVWFan]

17 GTI Sport here and I would not trade it for an R or take a R if given to me! Okay but way to many farkles on it. The R is the luxury GTI I guess

 

[randomhobo130]

Now, this could be the one that I test drove being beat to shit but I just felt like shifting was super numb and not notchy at all with the shifter and I like the way the power hits in the GTI more.
Thanks everyone for the confirmation. I walked away shaking my head thinking 2020 had really just made me insane haha

 

[Ridebjj]

If they would just make a rwd only version of either one. Grrrrrr.

 

[RennWerks]

You, sir, are describing exactly why people queue up to own Clubsports and TCRs: Golf R power without the additional weight of 4Motion components.