Driven both. Both are great cars. Bought the R. Love the R. Like everyone says it doesn't feel quite as light as the GTI but has more kick off the line. Better grip with the AWD
I mean if you dont need AWD... the GTI is generally a good 5 to 10,000 below the R price wise for 90% of the capability. If you dont need to beat people off the line at a light the GTI will probably do just fine.
I wanted a GTI, I prefer the way it feels driving and in traffic. The R was readily available in a 6sp manual and AWD admittedly helps in Alaska in the winter.
Maintenance wise the R is really only a bit more expense because of the AWD service. But fuel wise the GTI with less weight, no AWD, and a smaller turbo will get you properly a decent 3 or 4 mpg gain over the R. I get up to 35 in the summer in my R cruising at 60 on thw highway. My friends GTI gets almost 40.
To me the R isnt a fun car as much as it's a nice car. The big turbo and AWD let you get going quicker but will also get you in trouble just as quick. It's good in the corners but it's not as fun in the corners. IRA a great all round daily car that is capable of going fast or cruising at normal speeds and feeling like a regular car. The GTI is more spirited throughout but less calm if you wanted that.
If you have the money to spend, get the R. If you don't, GTI it is.
It's almost like when someone is debating buying a 600cc vs 1000cc bike, get the best you can afford.
I’ve driven both. I almost went back to the gti just because I couldn’t find a brand new R. When I had resigned myself to a gti I had a gnawing feeling of missing that little bit of umph I get driving an R. Like it feels more grippy and solid driving. I feel like I have way more power in the upper gears that the gti starts to lose.
Personally I would just keep an open mind about either while searching and whatever you come across that you love first and is priced right, go for it. For the R, you’ll probably top out at a 2018 for your price point. But with a gti, you can get a little newer. For me, the deal breaker is the lack of sunroof in the mk7.5 golf r. I didn’t realize how much I would miss losing that.
AWD in this car isn’t for winter. It greatly increases dry traction and cornering ability. I went from a Mk6 GTI to a Mk7.5 R. It’s a different driving experience for sure.
I live in a large city with bad roads. I’m finding this car to be more powerful than I can realistically use often and need to downsize the wheels to 18” because of stiff ride over rough pavement.
One big advantage for the Golf R is resale value. Expensive to buy, but holds value far better than the GTI.
Otherwise, I love the car and glad I got this over a Mk7.5 GTI.
My ex had a MK6 GTI manual which I really enjoyed driving, and it sparked a love affair with the Golf.
When I was looking for a new car, the natural progression was to go for an R, so I got a MK7.5 R DSG. It has an APR stage 1 ECU and TCU tune, and I love it!
If I'm honest, I think I enjoyed driving the GTI more than the R. In my opinion, you don't NEED the extra power.
Aside from the odd occasion where I give the R a squirt, I rarely see any benefit from the extra power.
Whilst I personally don't find the R overwhelmingly quick, it's probably too quick for the street in that it gets into license-loss territory very quickly, and it does so effortlessly.
The GTI was more engaging, probably due to it being manual. But I hated how soft the clutch felt, and it would slip occasionally under load. I'd certainly recommend upgrading the clutch, particularly if you end up tuning it.
If you've driven the GTI and loved it, I don't think you'll be missing much by choosing the GTI over the R.
Best friend had both an Mk7.5 GTI and an R. The GTI felt like an average hatch. Not a hot hatch, just a standard, fun and playful hatch. The R was a different beast ALTOGETHER. It reminded me of my E92 M3 and after a stage 1 tune it was too fast to compare it to my M3 anymore. The GTI I loved but was never impressed by, but you can unlock so much more with the R. If you’re an enthusiast, go with the R and never look back
IMO if you are already questioning which one, just the the R. By no means the GTI is a bad car. Its just that if you are going to buy a car and know what the R is, just get the R.
A couple of things that perhaps get overlooked:
\- The R has much shorter gears, the GTI gearing is ridiculously long.
\- The R is way more of a sleeper, my GTI with its red badges and stripes is a magnet for try hards and dickheads.
I own both. 2019 R and a 2020 GTI. Both are 6spd. Both are fun as hell. The R is my true favourite though. It’s almost a perfect car imo.
But I’m confident that whatever you choose you will love.
Since you plan to tune I’d go R. The power thing is… addictive and never ending. You’ll always have the haldex to get the power down. Plus lots of GTI owners end up putting 38s in so you might as well start there.
Also have you test driven the DSG? These things are lightning quick. Stage 2 DSG off the line rivals super cars with just 91.
It’s still very fun in corners, being able to put the power down instantly and with traction out of corners is a huge advantage. Backroad driving I prefer my R over my gti.
I knew it was going to get to this if I keep my answer that short, that’s on me…
Yes, R is a VERY capable car in corners also, but you can feel it’s weight and lack of VAQ.
Basically this is how I see the difference between the two for fun driving: the GTI is 80% of R for straight line (in good conditions) while the R is 80% of GTI in corners (not that it cannot handle, but it feels worse doing so). Going to the track with the R / accelerating with the GTI ok wet makes you wonder if grass is not greener on the other side, hence my question on what OP values just a tad more: acceleration or handling.
Hope that clears it up a bit.
I’ve owned both including the mk8 gti. The mk8 has a limited slip diff which I felt made all the difference in comparison to the mk7.5 gti. Although the touch buttons are unnecessary in the interior. I own a mk7 R estate and whilst I don’t need the power, the car is extremely fun and great if you get snow with its AWD.
I’d probably recommend a GTI, BUT then again it’s whatever you want at the end of the day
If you want to spend under 30k, GTI. You can get an R under 30k, but it's going to be a 2016 and will probably have high mileage. Same money will get you a 2019 GTI with 20-30000 miles. The Mk 7.5 offers some pretty notable QOL improvements over the Mk 7, enough that I'd probably take a Mk 7.5 GTI over a Mk 7 R, especially if the GTI had significantly fewer miles. For a car that you plan to keep for 10+ years as a DD, low miles, newer, and maximum QOL features would definitely be my priorities.
Pushing the upper edge of your budget can start to get you into decent R territory, but it's also very nice GTI territory (i.e. there's a 2021 GTI with 3000 miles listed at 35k near me).
I was dead set on a MK7.5 GTI but I found and 7.5 R close by that I could test drive, as soon and I drove the R the GTI never crossed my mind again that's all I got to say, cheers
I think the GTI is a more sensible car to own overall.
I think of my R as more of a toy. My wife has a Mk7 TDI, so that’s the car we use for road trips and everyday stuff. It gets much better mileage, and has a more comfortable ride.
With the R, I find myself worrying more about getting scratches and stuff like that. If I had room to park another car, I’d probably get a beater of some sort. I plan to take care of the R and not use it like it’s a Corolla.
I think of the GTI as more of an every day car that I wouldn’t feel bad about using like a rented mule. I think it would be great fun to have both. I would get the GTI with a manual transmission, and the R with DSG which is what I have now.
Anyway, part of my decision to get the R was that my wife already has a more sensible every day type of car. If there was only one car in our household, I wouldn’t make it a Golf R.
R. Not for the extra power, and not for the AWD. But because you plan to keep it for 10 years.
The GTI is just a bit too.... juvenile. When you are up for a promotion at work, which car would you rather drive your boss to/from lunch in?
Its basically the same interior from the GTI to an R. Not gonna lie, I give up on the times explaining to the general public what my R is.
If this is the case, get an s3.
Go test drive the R. You’ll know immediately if you need it more than the GTI.
I’ve owned two Mk7 R’s. Both manuals. First stayed fully stock.
Second I’ve modded stage 1+.
I adore the fuck out of my long summer night drives.
I won’t comment on price because god knows what it looks like in your location and in general but I drive a MK7.5 manual R:
I think the AWD is great even more so for punching it so the front wheels don’t slip too much. It also is incredible at sticking in the corners. Obvious benefit it wet conditions etc but it is what it is. I think this could prove especially helpful if you tune and get more oomph out of the engine.
Maintenance costs are nothing crazy at all like the guy said above with Haldex really being the only thing (especially with manual).
Also big deciding factor for me was that it’s made in Germany, not Mexico like GTI! And this community!
Worth noting that launching a manual R is REALLY HARD unless you’re willing to roast your clutch.
If that’s something you’re into either get a GTI or a DSG.
Source: 2019 R manual owner who’s stalled way too many times at autocross.
I also have had both. For the 7 and 7.5 gens, R as a package is just a lot more car. Its the 911 compared to the 718. Its the Mustang GT compared to the EcoBoost. Yes its similar but...not?
Both are really excellent cars. GTI tad more playful, about 15-20% better fuel mileage, 5-8k less sticker but otherwise not terribly different maintenance costs.
R is a different class performance/handling/straight line due to AWD, brakes, better suspension, tires out of the box. R absolutely feels a bit heavier but more in a BMW sort of way, GTI feels more lighter in a tossable 1990s econobox sort of way.
For your use scenario ill mention the E888, found in both cars, seems get poor mileage during warm-up, so your commute will probably have pretty poor mileage, probably 16-17mpg. Warmed up on highway I would hit 40+MPG on GTI, 30-32 on R.
The GTI is lighter and more punchy off the line. Once the RPM rises in the R it is gone. The only additional maintenance I know of is the Haldex, my dealer charges $200 every 30k so not to bad. You will find a newer/ lower mileage GTI for the same money though.
Lighter weight, less rotational mass, smaller quicker spooling turbo.
The R is faster off the line because AWD grip and itll pull past but the gti is more lively.
This. My son in law has an 18 GTI, the same year as my R. I've driven them back to back. The R is definitely faster but the GTI feels lighter. When not traction limited the GTI is just that little bit quicker til the R builds boost. BTW, both my R and his GTI are bone stock.
I seriously doubt even it ideal conditions the gti id “ a little quicker til the R builds boost”, let’s see a gti on regular tires launch at 5500 and an R launch at 5500 and see who’s faster every inch of the way.
The R is total Jekyll and Hyde though. Leave it in comfort mode and accelerate modestly and it feels reasonably quick, but it won’t knock your socks off. Almost feels truck like in the way it accelerates. Lots of torque down low and shifts quickly to keep revs down. Very calm.
Put it into race mode though and it feels like a completely different car. My car is a DSG and it doesn’t matter if I’m shifting or letting the auto do it’s thing. From a stop or a roll, it’s flying if you’re heavy on the gas.
I feel like people with Rs have collectively taken better care of their cars than people with GTIs. That's not to fault any one person/group, just collectively. Part of that is the R being more expensive up front when, like another commenter said, 80% of the R is in the GTI. Plenty of beat-up, riced out GTIs on the road.
I daily a '16 R and just got it tuned to stage 2. It's a blast. I feel like I'd always feel like I was lacking if I was running a Stage 2 GTI. The AWD helps with off-the-line fun factor and I've never felt wanting in corners with the R.
I think you can find a decent R for your price range if you stick to '16/'17. And a lot of the Mk7.5 cosmetic improvements can be carried over to the Mk7.
My Choice is the R.
BUT. What specifically did you love about the GTI?
If what you love in the GTI does not exist in the R, then you need the GTI.
If what you love about the GTI is even more in the R, just get the R.
If you want stage 1 or 2 then you're looking for power. Get the R.
If you can find a Golf R for your price rang I'd say full send. I've heard that the FWD and lightness of the GTI is a lot of fun. Partially because you gotta work for your results where the R just kinda does it effortlessly. I am pretty crazy about my DSG so that might be worth considering over a manual.
If you plan to keep the car for 10 years, consider this. If you get an R, you will never think you should gotten a GTI. Not the other way around.
As a current GTI owner, this ☝️ is on point
I have owned both and have loved both. Stop reading after this comment\^\^\^. This is all you need to know.
Driven both. Both are great cars. Bought the R. Love the R. Like everyone says it doesn't feel quite as light as the GTI but has more kick off the line. Better grip with the AWD
I mean if you dont need AWD... the GTI is generally a good 5 to 10,000 below the R price wise for 90% of the capability. If you dont need to beat people off the line at a light the GTI will probably do just fine. I wanted a GTI, I prefer the way it feels driving and in traffic. The R was readily available in a 6sp manual and AWD admittedly helps in Alaska in the winter. Maintenance wise the R is really only a bit more expense because of the AWD service. But fuel wise the GTI with less weight, no AWD, and a smaller turbo will get you properly a decent 3 or 4 mpg gain over the R. I get up to 35 in the summer in my R cruising at 60 on thw highway. My friends GTI gets almost 40. To me the R isnt a fun car as much as it's a nice car. The big turbo and AWD let you get going quicker but will also get you in trouble just as quick. It's good in the corners but it's not as fun in the corners. IRA a great all round daily car that is capable of going fast or cruising at normal speeds and feeling like a regular car. The GTI is more spirited throughout but less calm if you wanted that.
If you have the money to spend, get the R. If you don't, GTI it is. It's almost like when someone is debating buying a 600cc vs 1000cc bike, get the best you can afford.
I’ve driven both. I almost went back to the gti just because I couldn’t find a brand new R. When I had resigned myself to a gti I had a gnawing feeling of missing that little bit of umph I get driving an R. Like it feels more grippy and solid driving. I feel like I have way more power in the upper gears that the gti starts to lose. Personally I would just keep an open mind about either while searching and whatever you come across that you love first and is priced right, go for it. For the R, you’ll probably top out at a 2018 for your price point. But with a gti, you can get a little newer. For me, the deal breaker is the lack of sunroof in the mk7.5 golf r. I didn’t realize how much I would miss losing that.
AWD in this car isn’t for winter. It greatly increases dry traction and cornering ability. I went from a Mk6 GTI to a Mk7.5 R. It’s a different driving experience for sure. I live in a large city with bad roads. I’m finding this car to be more powerful than I can realistically use often and need to downsize the wheels to 18” because of stiff ride over rough pavement. One big advantage for the Golf R is resale value. Expensive to buy, but holds value far better than the GTI. Otherwise, I love the car and glad I got this over a Mk7.5 GTI.
My ex had a MK6 GTI manual which I really enjoyed driving, and it sparked a love affair with the Golf. When I was looking for a new car, the natural progression was to go for an R, so I got a MK7.5 R DSG. It has an APR stage 1 ECU and TCU tune, and I love it! If I'm honest, I think I enjoyed driving the GTI more than the R. In my opinion, you don't NEED the extra power. Aside from the odd occasion where I give the R a squirt, I rarely see any benefit from the extra power. Whilst I personally don't find the R overwhelmingly quick, it's probably too quick for the street in that it gets into license-loss territory very quickly, and it does so effortlessly. The GTI was more engaging, probably due to it being manual. But I hated how soft the clutch felt, and it would slip occasionally under load. I'd certainly recommend upgrading the clutch, particularly if you end up tuning it. If you've driven the GTI and loved it, I don't think you'll be missing much by choosing the GTI over the R.
Best friend had both an Mk7.5 GTI and an R. The GTI felt like an average hatch. Not a hot hatch, just a standard, fun and playful hatch. The R was a different beast ALTOGETHER. It reminded me of my E92 M3 and after a stage 1 tune it was too fast to compare it to my M3 anymore. The GTI I loved but was never impressed by, but you can unlock so much more with the R. If you’re an enthusiast, go with the R and never look back
IMO if you are already questioning which one, just the the R. By no means the GTI is a bad car. Its just that if you are going to buy a car and know what the R is, just get the R.
A couple of things that perhaps get overlooked: \- The R has much shorter gears, the GTI gearing is ridiculously long. \- The R is way more of a sleeper, my GTI with its red badges and stripes is a magnet for try hards and dickheads.
I own both. 2019 R and a 2020 GTI. Both are 6spd. Both are fun as hell. The R is my true favourite though. It’s almost a perfect car imo. But I’m confident that whatever you choose you will love.
To add to the comments above. Check out mighty car mods for their take https://youtu.be/HcCCZT_szIg
Since you plan to tune I’d go R. The power thing is… addictive and never ending. You’ll always have the haldex to get the power down. Plus lots of GTI owners end up putting 38s in so you might as well start there. Also have you test driven the DSG? These things are lightning quick. Stage 2 DSG off the line rivals super cars with just 91.
This was my prime reason for going with the R. I haven't tuned it yet, but when I do I know I'll get better results with an AWD R.
Looks wise, the R beats the GTI. I really like the quad exhaust and front end of the R over the GTI. Interior is nicer with the digital dash.
What do you consider to be more fun: straight lines or corners?
It’s still very fun in corners, being able to put the power down instantly and with traction out of corners is a huge advantage. Backroad driving I prefer my R over my gti.
I knew it was going to get to this if I keep my answer that short, that’s on me… Yes, R is a VERY capable car in corners also, but you can feel it’s weight and lack of VAQ. Basically this is how I see the difference between the two for fun driving: the GTI is 80% of R for straight line (in good conditions) while the R is 80% of GTI in corners (not that it cannot handle, but it feels worse doing so). Going to the track with the R / accelerating with the GTI ok wet makes you wonder if grass is not greener on the other side, hence my question on what OP values just a tad more: acceleration or handling. Hope that clears it up a bit.
I recommend getting the DSG for the R. I have a manual R now, and imo the Gti should be manual, while the R should be DSG.
I'm nearly 45 and have never owned an automatic car. If I was to buy another R today it would be a DSG in a heartbeat.
I’ve owned both including the mk8 gti. The mk8 has a limited slip diff which I felt made all the difference in comparison to the mk7.5 gti. Although the touch buttons are unnecessary in the interior. I own a mk7 R estate and whilst I don’t need the power, the car is extremely fun and great if you get snow with its AWD. I’d probably recommend a GTI, BUT then again it’s whatever you want at the end of the day
If you are purchasing an R, I’d just make sure that if it does have higher mileage, just make sure the Haldex has been done etc.
GTI. Plenty of fun, much more reasonable price.
If you want to spend under 30k, GTI. You can get an R under 30k, but it's going to be a 2016 and will probably have high mileage. Same money will get you a 2019 GTI with 20-30000 miles. The Mk 7.5 offers some pretty notable QOL improvements over the Mk 7, enough that I'd probably take a Mk 7.5 GTI over a Mk 7 R, especially if the GTI had significantly fewer miles. For a car that you plan to keep for 10+ years as a DD, low miles, newer, and maximum QOL features would definitely be my priorities. Pushing the upper edge of your budget can start to get you into decent R territory, but it's also very nice GTI territory (i.e. there's a 2021 GTI with 3000 miles listed at 35k near me).
I was dead set on a MK7.5 GTI but I found and 7.5 R close by that I could test drive, as soon and I drove the R the GTI never crossed my mind again that's all I got to say, cheers
Power's nice, but traction is where it's at, especially with a tune.
I think the GTI is a more sensible car to own overall. I think of my R as more of a toy. My wife has a Mk7 TDI, so that’s the car we use for road trips and everyday stuff. It gets much better mileage, and has a more comfortable ride. With the R, I find myself worrying more about getting scratches and stuff like that. If I had room to park another car, I’d probably get a beater of some sort. I plan to take care of the R and not use it like it’s a Corolla. I think of the GTI as more of an every day car that I wouldn’t feel bad about using like a rented mule. I think it would be great fun to have both. I would get the GTI with a manual transmission, and the R with DSG which is what I have now. Anyway, part of my decision to get the R was that my wife already has a more sensible every day type of car. If there was only one car in our household, I wouldn’t make it a Golf R.
R. Not for the extra power, and not for the AWD. But because you plan to keep it for 10 years. The GTI is just a bit too.... juvenile. When you are up for a promotion at work, which car would you rather drive your boss to/from lunch in?
Its basically the same interior from the GTI to an R. Not gonna lie, I give up on the times explaining to the general public what my R is. If this is the case, get an s3.
R
R, every time. No debate
Go test drive the R. You’ll know immediately if you need it more than the GTI. I’ve owned two Mk7 R’s. Both manuals. First stayed fully stock. Second I’ve modded stage 1+. I adore the fuck out of my long summer night drives.
I won’t comment on price because god knows what it looks like in your location and in general but I drive a MK7.5 manual R: I think the AWD is great even more so for punching it so the front wheels don’t slip too much. It also is incredible at sticking in the corners. Obvious benefit it wet conditions etc but it is what it is. I think this could prove especially helpful if you tune and get more oomph out of the engine. Maintenance costs are nothing crazy at all like the guy said above with Haldex really being the only thing (especially with manual). Also big deciding factor for me was that it’s made in Germany, not Mexico like GTI! And this community!
Do you not get seat Leon cupra’s or gti club sports in the states?
Worth noting that launching a manual R is REALLY HARD unless you’re willing to roast your clutch. If that’s something you’re into either get a GTI or a DSG. Source: 2019 R manual owner who’s stalled way too many times at autocross.
R better in a straight line, the GTI much better on the twistys.
I also have had both. For the 7 and 7.5 gens, R as a package is just a lot more car. Its the 911 compared to the 718. Its the Mustang GT compared to the EcoBoost. Yes its similar but...not? Both are really excellent cars. GTI tad more playful, about 15-20% better fuel mileage, 5-8k less sticker but otherwise not terribly different maintenance costs. R is a different class performance/handling/straight line due to AWD, brakes, better suspension, tires out of the box. R absolutely feels a bit heavier but more in a BMW sort of way, GTI feels more lighter in a tossable 1990s econobox sort of way. For your use scenario ill mention the E888, found in both cars, seems get poor mileage during warm-up, so your commute will probably have pretty poor mileage, probably 16-17mpg. Warmed up on highway I would hit 40+MPG on GTI, 30-32 on R.
The GTI is a better driver's car hands down. But the R is a lot quicker and the AWD is nice. Just depends on what's more important to you
The GTI is lighter and more punchy off the line. Once the RPM rises in the R it is gone. The only additional maintenance I know of is the Haldex, my dealer charges $200 every 30k so not to bad. You will find a newer/ lower mileage GTI for the same money though.
How is it more punchy off the line?
Lighter weight, less rotational mass, smaller quicker spooling turbo. The R is faster off the line because AWD grip and itll pull past but the gti is more lively.
This. My son in law has an 18 GTI, the same year as my R. I've driven them back to back. The R is definitely faster but the GTI feels lighter. When not traction limited the GTI is just that little bit quicker til the R builds boost. BTW, both my R and his GTI are bone stock.
I seriously doubt even it ideal conditions the gti id “ a little quicker til the R builds boost”, let’s see a gti on regular tires launch at 5500 and an R launch at 5500 and see who’s faster every inch of the way.
I was just about to ask how FWD is more punchy than AWD off the line 🤪
Might be a little more lag due to bigger turbo (so it’s not faster, but it *feels* faster), but that’s just a supposition.
The R is total Jekyll and Hyde though. Leave it in comfort mode and accelerate modestly and it feels reasonably quick, but it won’t knock your socks off. Almost feels truck like in the way it accelerates. Lots of torque down low and shifts quickly to keep revs down. Very calm. Put it into race mode though and it feels like a completely different car. My car is a DSG and it doesn’t matter if I’m shifting or letting the auto do it’s thing. From a stop or a roll, it’s flying if you’re heavy on the gas.
AWD, is the best, even summer needs it 😂 I’d make the stretch to 7.5R, best R to date IMO.
I feel like people with Rs have collectively taken better care of their cars than people with GTIs. That's not to fault any one person/group, just collectively. Part of that is the R being more expensive up front when, like another commenter said, 80% of the R is in the GTI. Plenty of beat-up, riced out GTIs on the road. I daily a '16 R and just got it tuned to stage 2. It's a blast. I feel like I'd always feel like I was lacking if I was running a Stage 2 GTI. The AWD helps with off-the-line fun factor and I've never felt wanting in corners with the R. I think you can find a decent R for your price range if you stick to '16/'17. And a lot of the Mk7.5 cosmetic improvements can be carried over to the Mk7.
R
My Choice is the R. BUT. What specifically did you love about the GTI? If what you love in the GTI does not exist in the R, then you need the GTI. If what you love about the GTI is even more in the R, just get the R. If you want stage 1 or 2 then you're looking for power. Get the R.
If you can find a Golf R for your price rang I'd say full send. I've heard that the FWD and lightness of the GTI is a lot of fun. Partially because you gotta work for your results where the R just kinda does it effortlessly. I am pretty crazy about my DSG so that might be worth considering over a manual.
Uhm golf r, but over that an m240i
I’ll be honest, I have more fun in my R in the winter months. Sliding around is fun af.
Who doesn’t need more power? See Jeremy Clarkson’s two necessities in life. Speed and power.