
The GTI is lighter on its feet and more willing to rotate, and it offers more steering feel than its R sibling, too. Yet what really sank the VW bros' chances as finalists was regression in clutch feel and overall ergonomics.
Full Answer
Is the Volkswagen Golf R better than the GTI?
The more powerful Golf R enjoys bigger fistfuls of noise pumped through the speakers, and it releases more exhaust rumble, but it feels a little flat and synthetic. The GTI’s soundtrack is more muted and not bad, but it’s hardly worth saving to the playlist.
What makes the Volkswagen Golf GTI different to other hyper hatch models?
The Golf GTI is more playful: it may be outgunned by the current crop of hyper hatches, but it has a lightness of touch to its movement down the road, with accurate steering and a slick shifting action to its six-speed gearbox.
Why aren't Volkswagen's GTI and Golf R car of the Year finalists?
Volkswagen's GTI and Golf R have long set the standard for spicy hatchbacks, and the new 2022 versions are as well assembled and fun to drive as ever, not to mention as practical as a shipping container full of closet organizers. So why weren't they Car of the Year finalists? Simple: They fell victim to their own history of excellence.
What is the difference between a GTI and a regular GTI?
Several major differences... The GTI is spooled up at about 2,000RPM, meaning almost anytime you hit the gas it will respond instantly and tremendously (because the gearing almost ensures the car is above 2,000RPM).

Is it worth getting a Golf R over a GTI?
This time around, thanks to VW fixing all of its shortcomings (namely those stemming from its old AWD system), the Golf R is now sufficiently more fun and capable of confidently justifying the price jump over the GTI, and it's the one you should go for if you're looking for the epitome of a practical yet fun daily ...
Does Golf R handle better than GTI?
The Golf R is that kind of car that masks the imperfections of the road thanks to its AWD system. The GTI, meanwhile, is more incisive, more responsive in its accelerations even if it has fewer horses to play with under the hood. On this day, the four-wheel drive of the Golf R gave it an unsurmountable advantage.
Is a Golf R faster than a Golf GTI?
The GTI does 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds, while the Golf R sprints to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. More horses and more torque spread on all four wheels make the Golf R the faster car. Both cars come in the manual, which is fun to drive but not as fast as the DSG.
What is the GTI Autobahn edition?
Powering this 2022 Golf GTI is Volkswagen's proven, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that puts out 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. There's a 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed DSG automatic transmission available. A fun fact is that 60 percent of GTIs sold are with the 6-speed manual.
Why the GTI is better than the R?
The GTI gains a few horses this year with 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The Golf R, on the other hand, is also more energetic with 315 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque (manual transmission) or 295 lb-ft (DSG transmission). Frankly, the GTI's engine is more than enough to satisfy the performance enthusiast.
What are the differences between GTI and Golf R?
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R will have a nearly identical interior and similar modern tech to the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI. However, the 2022 Golf R will have more power, standard 4Motion® all-wheel drive, a few extra driving modes, an array of exclusive equipment and some different design details than the 2022 Golf GTI.
Is the Golf GTI and R engine the same?
The 2019 Golf R doesn't mess around. It has the same transmission options as the GTI, but they are paired with a more powerful version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. To go along with that improved performance, the Golf R also has AWD, adaptive suspension dampers, and performance tires.
How reliable is Golf R?
The hot Golf R should be as reliable as any other Golf However, electrical niggles are known to be an issue. In the 2019 survey, the Golf achieved a 41st-place finish with an overall score of 91.03%, but dipped to an even lower 50th placing in our 2020 poll.
Is the new Golf R worth it?
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What's the difference between GTI SE and Autobahn?
While the S and SE trims let you choose whether you want two doors or four for a minor price difference, the Autobahn trim is only available with four doors. After all, this is the trim for people who want the ultimate in convenience options.
Which GTI trim is the best?
Volkswagen offers the Golf GTI in three trim levels: S, SE, and Autobahn. The SE is the most popular model, but we recommend the base S trim.
What is the 2012 GTI Autobahn package?
The 2012 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn rides on a set of Serron alloy wheels. The Autobahn model comes with an upgraded Dynaudio 300-watt audio system. The 2012 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn includes black leather paneled seats, keyless entry and push button start.
Golf GTI Vs Golf R Specs
The 2022 Golf GTI will carry a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection TSI engine, making it the most powerful Golf GTI to ever hit production. This engine can be paired with a 6-speed manual or a 7 speed DSG automatic transmission. The Golf GTI produces 241 horsepower, 13 more than the MK7 GTI and 273 lb-ft of torque.
Exterior Comparison
From the exterior, there are a few differences that make the Golf R a bit more aggressive thanks to its sharp side skirts and more aggressive diffuser that features a quad-tipped exhaust system. The front-end gets more aggressive on the Golf R and allows better airflow to the radiator.
Real-Life Performance
On the road, both cars are super performers. Being a hot hatch is not only about going quick on the quarter-mile drag strip but giving the driver a nice feeling behind the wheel. The GTI and Golf R both do that thanks to their responsive throttles and very adaptive driving modes.
COMPARISON: GOLF GTI and GOLF R ON THE ICE
You choose volkswagen Golf GTI vs Golf R? When we do a car-vs-car comparison, we usually want to compare the strengths and weaknesses between two models. Not close relatives under the same banner.
Two- or four-wheels drive
This is the obvious answer to the question. The 2019 volkswagen Golf R offers more horsepower grip on frozen lakes, such as the one we visited in Quebec at Volkswagen Canada’s invitation to test the 2019 versions of several VW models. Volkswagen used studless winter tires to shod the cars for this day of driving.
2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI Rabbit Edition
We were given a volkswagen golf GTI and golf r to test on the day. It is a mid-level trim of the GTI hierarchy. It is less well-equipped than the Autobahn version and is targeted at driving enthusiasts. The GTI has the Rabbit-exclusive set shocks and DCC (Dynamic Chip Control) system that can change the car’s driving behavior with one touch.
2019 Volkswagen Golf R
The Golf R, on the other hand, is dressed in a more elegant outfit without being too extravagant. The four exhaust tubes at the back signal the car’s intent. The fender is unique to this model. And the wheel arches are well filled in by the 19-inch alloy tires.
Our verdict
The Golf GTI is a great choice for those who don’t mind driving a sporty car with 2-wheel drive. If your budget allows or good estimated credit score in dealer, the Golf R may be the perfect car to your life. Exactly what your need.

Golf R vs GTI – The Basics
General Golf R & GTI Topics
Golf R vs GTI – Which Is Better?
Golf R vs GTI Conclusion