[z335is]

I test drove a 22 Golf R and it was fucking fantastic, it honestly blew my mind.

As good as the G8x though? No... but damn closer than it has any right to be. Keep us updated!

[BryanCO]

Originally Posted by blinkme323

As someone that's owned both a G80 and a Golf R in 6MT, I think I can give a decent rundown for you...

Golf R Pros:

- The new trick AWD system is direct from the RS3 and is absolutely bonkers, you really can't compare it to anything out there. I wasn't a fan of the old haldex in the MK7, so this is a big, big improvement for me.

- As someone else said, only about 10-20% of the Rs are 6MT, so if rarity is a factor for you, then the lean would be there.

- The car is so tossable and fun. It makes the M3 feel like a behemoth (which in truth, it is)

- Resale value is through the roof because of the demand/relative scarcity

M3 Pros:

- Power for days. The thing is an absolute wagon, even in 6MT form.

- Interior/infotainment. This is closer than it seems, but the M3 just has better materials and a friendly UI.

- Cargo room. At the end of the day, the M3 is a large sedan and the Golf is a small hatch. If you are hauling tons of stuff around, then the R might be a tough sell.

You really can't go wrong either way though. Two excellent choices. Feel free to DM me if you have any questions.

Thanks. This is very helpful. Enjoy your cars!

[BryanCO]

Originally Posted by z335is

I test drove a 22 Golf R and it was fucking fantastic, it honestly blew my mind.

As good as the G8x though? No... but damn closer than it has any right to be. Keep us updated!

Thanks. Will do.

[BMWsully]

Originally Posted by blinkme323

As someone that's owned both a G80 and a Golf R in 6MT, I think I can give a decent rundown for you...

Golf R Pros:

- The new trick AWD system is direct from the RS3 and is absolutely bonkers, you really can't compare it to anything out there. I wasn't a fan of the old haldex in the MK7, so this is a big, big improvement for me.

- As someone else said, only about 10-20% of the Rs are 6MT, so if rarity is a factor for you, then the lean would be there.

- The car is so tossable and fun. It makes the M3 feel like a behemoth (which in truth, it is)

- Resale value is through the roof because of the demand/relative scarcity

M3 Pros:

- Power for days. The thing is an absolute wagon, even in 6MT form.

- Interior/infotainment. This is closer than it seems, but the M3 just has better materials and a friendly UI.

- Cargo room. At the end of the day, the M3 is a large sedan and the Golf is a small hatch. If you are hauling tons of stuff around, then the R might be a tough sell.

You really can't go wrong either way though. Two excellent choices. Feel free to DM me if you have any questions.

Dang, that's a beautiful color. Reminds me of San Marino Blue.

[FrankieNuo]

There is no comparison. I made the mistake of purchasing a VW in the past and will not make the same mistake twice.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by blinkme323

As someone that's owned both a G80 and a Golf R in 6MT, I think I can give a decent rundown for you...

Golf R Pros:

- The new trick AWD system is direct from the RS3 and is absolutely bonkers, you really can't compare it to anything out there. I wasn't a fan of the old haldex in the MK7, so this is a big, big improvement for me.

- As someone else said, only about 10-20% of the Rs are 6MT, so if rarity is a factor for you, then the lean would be there.

- The car is so tossable and fun. It makes the M3 feel like a behemoth (which in truth, it is)

- Resale value is through the roof because of the demand/relative scarcity

M3 Pros:

- Power for days. The thing is an absolute wagon, even in 6MT form.

- Interior/infotainment. This is closer than it seems, but the M3 just has better materials and a friendly UI.

- Cargo room. At the end of the day, the M3 is a large sedan and the Golf is a small hatch. If you are hauling tons of stuff around, then the R might be a tough sell.

You really can't go wrong either way though. Two excellent choices. Feel free to DM me if you have any questions.

Thanks for the very valid comparison. I owned a Mk7 GTi for nearly 3 years so have general familiarity with the car.

Based on the OP's question and his ability to get the Golf R 20th at MSRP, the rarity and the resale value, I'd definitely take delivery of the 20th. Drive it, wait for the G80 LCI to drop and see what's what. Then make a decision. The miles put on the 20th will be very, very cheap given what these things are reselling for. Hell, my 2017 GTi was like 26-27k new and they're selling, NOW, for like $19k!

They are definitely different cars but will allow the OP to experience perhaps both with very little financial penalty.

[Mr Friese]

Originally Posted by blinkme323

As someone that's owned both a G80 and a Golf R in 6MT, I think I can give a decent rundown for you...

Golf R Pros:

- The new trick AWD system is direct from the RS3 and is absolutely bonkers, you really can't compare it to anything out there. I wasn't a fan of the old haldex in the MK7, so this is a big, big improvement for me.

- As someone else said, only about 10-20% of the Rs are 6MT, so if rarity is a factor for you, then the lean would be there.

- The car is so tossable and fun. It makes the M3 feel like a behemoth (which in truth, it is)

- Resale value is through the roof because of the demand/relative scarcity

M3 Pros:

- Power for days. The thing is an absolute wagon, even in 6MT form.

- Interior/infotainment. This is closer than it seems, but the M3 just has better materials and a friendly UI.

- Cargo room. At the end of the day, the M3 is a large sedan and the Golf is a small hatch. If you are hauling tons of stuff around, then the R might be a tough sell.

You really can't go wrong either way though. Two excellent choices. Feel free to DM me if you have any questions.

Fuck yes, these Rs are so sick. I would take one over a CTR or GR in a heartbeat.

blinkme323 I heard somewhere that they use the same AWD system as the RS3 now? Or am I imagining things.

[MichaelB1969]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

Thanks for the very valid comparison. I owned a Mk7 GTi for nearly 3 years so have general familiarity with the car.

Based on the OP's question and his ability to get the Golf R 20th at MSRP, the rarity and the resale value, I'd definitely take delivery of the 20th. Drive it, wait for the G80 LCI to drop and see what's what. Then make a decision. The miles put on the 20th will be very, very cheap given what these things are reselling for. Hell, my 2017 GTi was like 26-27k new and they're selling, NOW, for like $19k!

They are definitely different cars but will allow the OP to experience perhaps both with very little financial penalty.

Are you taking sales tax into consideration here?

[BryanCO]

Originally Posted by MichaelB1969

Are you taking sales tax into consideration here?

I don’t pay sales tax and registration is very inexpensive.

[BryanCO]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

Thanks for the very valid comparison. I owned a Mk7 GTi for nearly 3 years so have general familiarity with the car.

Based on the OP's question and his ability to get the Golf R 20th at MSRP, the rarity and the resale value, I'd definitely take delivery of the 20th. Drive it, wait for the G80 LCI to drop and see what's what. Then make a decision. The miles put on the 20th will be very, very cheap given what these things are reselling for. Hell, my 2017 GTi was like 26-27k new and they're selling, NOW, for like $19k!

They are definitely different cars but will allow the OP to experience perhaps both with very little financial penalty.

Literally have been waiting 1.5 years (but bought two cars in the meantime) for the R and strongly considered taking the DSG R since it was at MSRP. Maybe car guy karma by passing on the DSG then unexpectedly getting a manual.

Agree, probably the thing to do it take the R then see what the LCI brings. And, not to complicate things even more, I would pull the trigger on a reasonable lowish mile RS6 Avant if/when they drop below $100k. I’m not saying it’s ‘better’ than a g80 so no need to post that the RS6 is garbage, etc.

[BryanCO]

Really do appreciate the perspectives!

[secretariat]

Originally Posted by FrankieNuo

There is no comparison. I made the mistake of purchasing a VW in the past and will not make the same mistake twice.

I had a VW Sirocco 16v 1988 manual. It was almost the most fun car I've ever owned. An absolute blast.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by MichaelB1969

Are you taking sales tax into consideration here?

Where I am, you can deduct trade in value of sales tax when making a new purchase. So usually you're coming out whole. Plus sales tax on this car would be about $2,500. If the OP is in a position to purchase a new F8X, I don't think that's moving the needle.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by secretariat

I had a VW Sirocco 16v 1988 manual. It was almost the most fun car I've ever owned. An absolute blast.

Yeah, I still miss my Mk 7 GTi in some respects. Fun as hell, practical, under the radar. Is it as nice as a BMW or Porsche? No, but it's a 1/3 to 1/4 of the cost too.

[DFW_M]

I've had many VWs in the past...Golf 1.8T, a few GTIs...
One thing in common was that they are felt loose and started breaking down after about 2 years.
Every BMW I owned, last few a lease, looked and felt like day 1 after 36 months when I turned them in...

Not sure i VW improved that over the last 2 generations...

[Powerbeast]

If you can afford it definitely the G80M3 I don’t think it’s even a comparison.

[BryanCO]

Originally Posted by BryanCO

Literally have been waiting 1.5 years (but bought two cars in the meantime) for the R and strongly considered taking the DSG R since it was at MSRP. Maybe car guy karma by passing on the DSG then unexpectedly getting a manual.

Agree, probably the thing to do it take the R then see what the LCI brings. And, not to complicate things even more, I would pull the trigger on a reasonable lowish mile RS6 Avant if/when they drop below $100k. I’m not saying it’s ‘better’ than a g80 so no need to post that the RS6 is garbage, etc.

The 20th anniversary R DSG that I passed on arrived and was listed for $5k over (MSRP of about $49k) and is sold.

[e30 4 life!]

following

[akkando]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Something tells me you're going to do what you always seem to do.... doesn't matter which one you're going to buy, you'll just sell it after a few months and get something else. So just get both

Yeah that's what I was thinking. He's going to dump either in a year or less so what's the difference?

[BryanCO]

Originally Posted by akkando

Yeah that's what I was thinking. He's going to dump either in a year or less so what's the difference?

Addressed this earlier but I generally keep my DD for at least three years. In the recent past, totaled a Focus RS 15 months into ownership, sold the F80 as it seemed like a German muscle car, sold the CTR after 27 months only because the crazy used car market enabled me to get more than I was all in it $$ wise and bought and sold the GT350 while I was waiting for the manual Golf R. We’ve also had a GTI in the family for 4 years.

This thread was intended to get feedback re the G80 (a fantastic car but bigger and heavier M3 - I also owned an E30 M3 for eight years and DD E46 M3 for 3 years) vs a smaller, somewhat lighter, less powerful car.

[bri1042]

Originally Posted by BryanCO

Addressed this earlier but I generally keep my DD for at least three years. In the recent past, totaled a Focus RS 15 months into ownership, sold the F80 as it seemed like a German muscle car, sold the CTR after 27 months only because the crazy used car market enabled me to get more than I was all in it $$ wise and bought and sold the GT350 while I was waiting for the manual Golf R. We’ve also had a GTI in the family for 4 years.

This thread was intended to get feedback re the G80 (a fantastic car but bigger and heavier M3 - I also owned an E30 M3 for eight years and DD E46 M3 for 3 years) vs a smaller, somewhat lighter, less powerful car.

Well, all of that being said, the G80 manual is, to put it simply, a modern interpretation of an e39-sized M car with the lessons of the F80 learned and dealt with, for the most part. With either two screens or one big one, depending on which year. And it meets the current emissions and safety standards.

Outside of that, wheelbase is wheelbase, even more than weight is weight in the modern world. The Golf R's shorter wheelbase should be telling unless VW messed it up, just like the M2's should be. I do not think that chasing E30 M3 memories is a functional path with this car, but chasing E39 M5 memories is.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by bri1042

Well, all of that being said, the G80 manual is, to put it simply, a modern interpretation of an e39-sized M car with the lessons of the F80 learned and dealt with, for the most part. With either two screens or one big one, depending on which year. And it meets the current emissions and safety standards.

Outside of that, wheelbase is wheelbase, even more than weight is weight in the modern world. The Golf R's shorter wheelbase should be telling unless VW messed it up, just like the M2's should be. I do not think that chasing E30 M3 memories is a functional path with this car, but chasing E39 M5 memories is.

My dad owned an E39 530i and the M5 of that era was my dream car. V8, manual, 400 HP in THE most understated muscular Teutonic body with those absolutely STUNNING wheels. Still have never driven one.

In a way, the G80 IS the modern interpretation of that car. It actually has more rear seat legroom (those E39's are TIGHT in the back). So it's no wonder I gel with it more than the F80 I desperately tried to make myself like. I think it's why I find myself drawn to the car.

In any event, as I said having owned a GTi, they are chalk and cheese to the Golf R. If we weren't in the crazy $ / car times we are now, I would tell the OP to skip it. But with the market the way that it is, as I said, he can afford to sample the flavor without losing much, if any, money. And even though it's not an M3, it still is by all accounts a fantastic car. And if you're a Petrolhead, you must own a GTi / Golf R at sometime in your life. They are iconic for a reason. Even the Mk 5 Golf Diesel I rented in Germany in 2004 still resonates with me.