To the untrained eye there’s little difference between the Golf GTI and Golf R. Under its subtly styled skin, the Golf R packs all-wheel drive, considerably more power and a more upscale interior. The GTI, however, stays true to its roots with its torquey engine and front-wheel-drive layout. So which of the two cars offers a better driving experience? Road Test Editor Kurt Niebuhr drives them back to back to find out.
Q: What are the main differences between the GTI and the Golf R?
A: The Golf R has all-wheel drive and more horsepower, but most of the differences setting the R apart from the GTI are subtle. For example, the Golf R has different exterior styling, different seats and a digital instrument panel. Oh, and depending on how the GTI is equipped, the Golf R can cost nearly $15,000 more.
Q: Does the Golf R get a different engine?
A: Kind of. The engine is the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (EA888 in VW-speak) as what’s in the GTI, but it uses a different cylinder head, turbocharger and exhaust valves and has a host of other tweaks to give it more power.
Q: What’s the difference in price between the two?
A: A basic VW GTI will set you back just over $26K. The GTI in this video, with the Autobahn trim level, cost nearly $36K. The Golf R starts, and finishes, around $40K. The one in this video has the optional dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Read our Golf R review here:
Read our GTI review here:
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I would assume the golf R Will 50% to 65% more gas than the GTI so it might really cost too much in gas money if you drive the car a lot for work and travel on the weekends
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The GTI is the Baby version. Pretty much like the Mustang V8 GT and the Mustang Pony.
Funny thing is the first time I saw this vid I had the GTI exact dark iron blue dsg and now I have a 2018 Golf R. I think it’s the most mature looking hot hatch perfect the older enthusiast 40-50’s
I suspect the tires GTI comes with aren't the best for performance, but I wouldn't dismiss them that quickly. I get amazing fuel economy, they are better than what I'm used to , regular cars, and they are probably the cheapest premium tires I found in my area in the proper size. Compared to other tires, they seem to lag behind on paper, but behind the wheel, if you drive like a normal person, they seem to be above average, no question about it. I might choose a different type at least once, but I'm not in any hurry to do that. One year later they are perfectly fine.
I Loved The Golf R & The GTI, But The 6 Speed Manual Is Lovable.
But Girls loves the GTI more 😂
is the gti called mk 7 and r mk 7.5?
The people’s car eh ?!
Beautiful cars
Buy a civic type-r instead. Thank me later.
Throttle overrun "rev hang" in our 2019 GLI manual is HORRIBLE, does the GTI suffer from this as well? My 2016 does not have this issue.
the Pirelli P7 on the gti is so shit, feels like driving on wood
overpriced overpriced overpriced
made in mexico vs made in germany —–R is the choice
if you get a Volkswagen the R Line is the fastest version you can get of that perticular car?
Drive a manual golf R and love it! Manual is really engaging to drive but at higher speeds can be tough to keep up the pace with the car! Still an amazing car!
If you're going to spend 50k on a golf lol might as well sack up and spend a bit more for a M4
FWD automatically pushes me away.
I got 2017 gti s model with the dsg for only $18500 new to make room for the 7.5 and 2019 coming out soon
APR Stage 1 a GTI and you will be quite satisfied by spending the $600 for the tune.
Are either cars reliable?
$40,000 for an R is a lot. Just get the GTI and you'll be completely happy. You will never reach the limits on regular roads where the difference between the R and GTI matter.
Why buy golf R when you can get v8 mustang for that money ?
Different ingredients but same receipt makes no sense
Good review! Hope we eventually get the Scirocco though!!!!
1:12 "The Golf R weighs 200 pounds more, but you wouldn't know it based on the way it accelerates"
2:36 "If I had one complaint about the Golf R, is its weight"
…which is it?