Was comparing the GTI to the R and in terms of a lease an R + sunroof is only about $100 more a month than a GTI Performance + sunroof. Almost makes the R a no-brainer.
I do prefer the looks of the GTI though I'm not a big fan of the grey on the leather seats, and none of the colours really do it for me. And the R only comes in three colours which to me really means one (because **** white and black).
Of course, who knows when you could actually take delivery of either one...
I have heard that the GTI is more engaging to drive and almost as quick while rolling. The LSD and 350 less pounds help.
The Lightning Lap times would certainly disagree with that assumption. https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a23319884/lightning-lap-times-historical-data/ I believe both would be from a roll, thus taking away any 0-60 time advantage the R would have. I believe both were DSG. The Golf R is a track weapon now. But as far as engaging, yeah the GTI might feel that way, maybe a bit more drama and communication.
The AWD helps out of corners. I assume they had the same tires? And I said 'more engaging' and 'almost as quick while rolling.' I never said boo about track performance (where the Type R can destroy both).
According to Car and Driver, since you quoted them, the GTI does the 30 to 50 mph sprint in and the 50 to 70 sprint in 2.7 and 3.8 seconds respectively whereas the Golf R is 2.7 and 3.6 seconds respectively. Pretty close - using the same transmission. Most of this has to do with lag on the R with the larger turbo. Aggressive around town and clearly they are close. They also brake identically from 70 mph (151 ft) and there is just .02g's separating them in skidpad performance.
I wouldn't spend a ton on a small hatchback no matter how good the performance is. I think the sweet spot for the GTI is the base and then swap out the tires. You don't need the DCC.
Anyhoo.
It used to be true that the GTI was more engaging to drive than the R in anything other than slippery conditions, but that ended with the Mk8. The added top-end power from the new-generation EA888 Evo 4 (R gets a bigger turbo), coupled with the new torque vectoring rear diff, completely change the game dynamically. For the first time ever the Golf R can be steered on the throttle.
In the dry you can feel the car correct its line in corners - just load it up and feed it throttle. It pivots into the apex in a highly effective way. In slippery conditions, it's dial-a-drift - you can drive it through the side glass on a whim.
Car and Driver's acceleration tests belie the performance gap between the cars. The R feels noticeably quicker in virtually all conditions, and especially at the top of the tach.
This isn't to say it's a slam dunk "just get the R" situation - the GTI remains as engaging as ever, with a higher performance envelope than before. I have one on order as we speak (2023 Performance 6MT w/ sunroof & leather delete in Kings Red). But if I had to buy one tomorrow, I'd personally stretch for the R over the loaded GTI.
P.S. - no doubt the Type R gets the edge on a circuit, but I'd still like to see an equal-tires test. The PS4S Honda uses is a superior tire to the summer boots on our cars, and the 11th gen's rubber is 30 mm wider. Fit an equal set on a Golf R and I suspect the gap might be slimmer than you'd think.
