Volkswagen Golf R vs. Subaru WRX STI - AWD Performance Review - Everyday Driver
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- čas přidán 22. 04. 2015
- The STI soldiers on as an affordable AWD performance car even after the EVO is going away. But the MK7 Golf R is here to challenge it with stats and price much closer than the MK6 version. Our guys took them both to one of our favorite roads looking or the most fun AWD plaything. There was some agreement. And some disagreement. Like always.
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My brother had a golf R and talked it up, Then he Drove the STI and loved it more. I personally think that they are two totally different cars in how they perform and application. It depends on what you feel you would like to drive. The Sti has really really stiff suspension and you feel EVERY bump where as the golf R is not as bumpy. Sti is manual only! The golf R you get to choose... I hated WRX's until I drove one to compare it to the golf R I was going to buy. Took it for a test drive and I really liked it. Cars are such a personal thing lol.
Julian Sam Sinclair well said bro
the golf r isn't an all out sports car. it's got good performance with a relaxing high quality interior with space for family and an everyday drive. you want speed " I got enough for you" you want space " I got that too" you want comfort "hey I'll keep your cosy and comfortable" you wanna cruise and chill " do you need to ask" !!!!!!!!!!!it's many things all in one which few others can compete , keep in. Ind the price bracket too
did u sit once in the back of it? i bet u didnt... ;)
Well if that's the case, then what is the GTI? I would say that everything you mentioned would be found in the GTI. Once you move up to the R, you get much more aggression and "difference". I'm not knocking VW, I had the same complaint with my GLI. I just wish they would put more into their "more" category.
I bet the golf r is a lot faster than the sti
Tungi Martyn I know it been a few years but I just bought a 2019 Golf R and before that I spent time driving 2019 GTi, and believe me the R is a hell of a lot “more”. It’s way faster, way more planted and has way more performance features like launch mode. No comparison . Also 288 hp vs 228, 0-60 In 4.5 vs 5.5-5.7 sec . Also in the after market, the car can handle about a lot of power upgrades in which I don’t plan to do because mine is fast enough stock .
One of my favorite Car channels on CZcams, only wish you guys made more videos.
Adam McGee We hope you noticed last week's announcement - we are going to weekly videos starting Thursday May 14th. Thanks for liking what we do!
You're right! This channel or this 2 legends are the best and most honest car reviewers in youtube. Thanks guys & keep up the good work!
EverydayDriver This channel is cool but these guys dont understand Volkwagen's targert market for the R. The Golf R is a German performanc hatch thats well rounded not a Japaneses all out performance car. If these guys dont understand that, they will never like what VW brings to the market. The R actually quicker than the STi, they seem to ignore this fact.
AR Taken So the target market for the Golf R are people who like well rounded sports cars that look boring and conservative?
RexSpec06 the target market include the first batch of 500 cars that was shipped to the US that were sold out in 3hrs, you're obviously not part of the target market. So yes I guess so.
I just sold a 2015 WRX (6MT) for a 2016 Golf R (6MT w/DCC). If I compare stock tune to stock tune the WRX did feel a little more pants on fire in the lower RPM range than the R (same can be said for the WRX vs the STI). That said, the stock tune is brutal sometimes. Tons of rev hang, and the torque is all up front and runs out of steam in the midrange where the Golf R pulls really hard. DCC is amazing in the R. The WRX is a great handling car (my suspension was not stock) but it beat you up on bad roads (STI is even worse). If you are looking for more of a track feeling car the WRX/STI is the way to go. If you want just as quick a car that offers far more functionality and loads more refinement the R is the way to go.
I like Todd and Paul but this review really surprised me. The Golf R really has no competition in it's price range. AWD. Tons of performance. Dynamic chassis control (and it really does work). And loads of refinement and features over the STI. I mean really. They did not even touch on the adaptive Xenon headlights, auto rain sensing wipers, much better infotainment system (Apple Carplay anyone?), better materials, Car-net, etc. You are getting upscale German features and fit and finish for the same price and equal performance of the STI. They also did not mention the fact that the R is cheaper to insure and gets better gas mileage. I dunno. I know they focus on the driver car aspect, but I find the R to every bit the drivers car (on the street) as the WRX I owned and the STI I have test driven multiple times.
Paul really seemed to have unrealistic expectations for the Golf R from the very start of the review.
Matt Farah did a back to back test drive of the R vs the STI on some very twisty mountain roads and came to a very different conclusion (the R being the better car over the STI). This review just felt off to me and I usually agree with Todd and Paul more than not. I wonder if it was just a bad press car or something... I would also love to see them drive a manual R.
+thillyard1 The Everyday driver review is both incisive and accurate. The fact you're trying to compare a WRX to the R and indeed the STI is fairly naive.
The WRX and STI may look similar, however they deliver very different driving experiences and performance levels. I have no doubt you're modified suspension gave you a hard time, they usually do as people select springs/coilovers with silly rates and then fail to adjust the damping rates appropriately.
The STI has very well controlled damping and well balanced front rear spring rates. The ride is firm but supple. This means the wheels stay connected to the road surface ensuring max traction and grip in all conditions. Importantly, the AWD system can be adjusted manually through the DCCD system making it much more versatile than the R. The ability to go to full lock or bias front to rear is invaluable to those that understand the system and know how and when to use it.
From a performance perspective the STI is much more dialled in from the get go relative to the R and it gets more rewarding the harder you drive it. In contrast the R is quite elusive and can be vague at the limit. The reality is a lot of people seem to be modifying Rs because they are missing something - I have no doubt you will have done the same. However, if you have done this, your car will be TD1ed by VW despite what you may have been told by which ever supplier provided the reflash/piggyback system.
The reality is, the current STI is a very very effective point to point weapon in all conditions and the dual AVCS EJ257 is a remarkably effective and tractable engine - well matched with the Aisin six speed and allround performance pack Brembo brakes which allow differential torque vectoring.
Your comments on the R are very telling - at the end of the day you want a spirited daily as opposed to a performance orientated car. The R is a very good daily and will suit your needs, in contrast the STI is a very good performance orientated car that delivers exactly "whats on the box".
The reviewers nailed it.
well fucking said sir
+thillyard1 I think they hit it really well. The Golf R is the better daily driver, the STi is the better performance enthusiast machine. Things like rain sensing wipers and lights aren't relevant in performance schema, but do matter when it comes to daily driver status, which they clearly differentiated the two on. One is the better daily driver, the other is the better performance car.
The DCC is very cool, and tuning has a lot to do with how it feels, however the STi has a DCCD transmission which has it's own merits as well. They are both wonderful cars with slightly different target audiences, and I think they nailed that pretty clearly. Comparing both in the same light is flawed because they are designed for different markets and applications, even if their performance is similar on paper.
The numbers disagree with you. Also, the Golf lacks an adjustable center differential. They are both great cars and the review indicates what they are good at. Check your fanboy.
MrThePrivateer Your insistence in telling me all about your knowledge and ownership without any numbers indicates you have none. I don't care how much experience you don't have. Show me how the car is better, objectively.
These guys are not fond of VW's and their reviews of every VW on this channel proves this point.There is nothing wrong with that but why even review VW's if thats the case? Whats the point of this review, did they think the Golf R was going to be a stripped down racer? Did they think VW was going to change the way they do things and make this car a super aggressive awd race car for the street? Is the purpose to say that they prefer/recommend the alternative product to VW? This review in short: Golf R is boring, not worth the premium over the GTI (which is also boring) and not as good a car as the STi( or any of VW's competitors), They neglected the fact that the Golf R is quicker and stops better than the STi, they didnt even mention it. Its clear that they are biased to the STi, but thats fine, not everyone appreciate VW's. I just find it funny that they were saying positive things about the GTI while reviewing the R, they didnt seem to like the GTI much (watch GTI/Fiesta review). Its also hilarous that Paul acts as if he likes VW's, he should try tv, could be a good actor. If you want an all out aggrssive awd boyracer car, why review the Golf R, why review any VW product? Thankfuly the Focus RS is coming, right.
AR Taken Or you can put it this way: The Golf R is more refind, more comfortable, has a more premium look and feel. It has a much nicer interior with better materials where they count and is easier to live with on a day to day basis. Its quicker than the Sti but does not feel as nimble or as aggrssive as the STi. You need to push it more to get the performance out. Its a better daily driver thats not as track focused as the STi.
AR Taken To quote Paul,"The R is kinda keeping up with the STi" oh really? www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1503_2015_subaru_wrx_sti_vs_2015_volkswagen_golf_r/
The article you linked by motortrend came to the same conclusion as these guys. Did you just not read it? They said that the STI is a lot more fun and aggressive feeling. Feeling go is the keyword here. Also as much as I hate to admit it the dsg is probably superior to a manual gearbox.
AR Taken my boss has a Jetta. A small piece of the smog system was broken, said piece only functions--when it's working for 15-20 seconds. It was necessary to pull the engine to replace the piece. They wanted several hundred dollars to repair a part that operates for 15-20 seconds.
I don't really like VW either.
Matthew Fang Superior for what? The driving life is more than driving on a racktrack or in stop and go traffic
I miss the look of the hatch back STI... Too bad they didn't sell :(
You mean the one in the Fast and Furious movie? Running the smuggling tunnels? That was a cool car. Still want one.
Doug T I don't remember much about that movie.. I saw the hatchback sti's in rally, they looked great
Dee Jay Those are the only Impreza scubbies other than the hawkeyes that I like :/
Do you think the newer impreza hatchback would make a good base for a WRX/STI hatch? I'm having a hard time imagining if it would look as good as the old one or not
SoSickWidit As far as I know they won't be making a hatch back version anymore
Great review guys, always more articulate than anyone else!
Fantastic review, guys! The way you're able to convey a car's character through a combination of intelligent and emotionally descriptive automotive journalism is unmatched!
w q❤
I see the Golf R filling a need. A need for maturity and refinement while still allowing performance and fun. That's why I got the Golf R. I love it, although the child side of me still wishes I had an STi.
zed4me Maybe you're right about the maturity part, But I'm 60 and I wouldn't buy one. The Rs best virtue is as a q-ship
zed4me Fun Maybe. Performance hell no, Golf R is better in performance straight line and also track stock vs stock.
zadjaliz DSG yes, Manual no.
zed4me the STI will be waiting for you when you're ready :) Unlike Mitsubishi, we're not going anywhere.
zed4me Btw, love your videos, keep making em
When your testing the DSG Golf R.. use the paddles. Then you wont cry about it not having power when you want it.
He's talking about the throtle mapping not the gear selection
@@dallasmellsop5488 yea fr people need to chill
It actually goes faster when in sports shift mode
You guys are making good reviews, the sceneries are beautiful and I thank you for it, I just hope that you variate your presentation, I want to see drag racing test, braking, etc.
You guys run one of the best car review channels I've seen. Top work !!! I enjoy each and every review and comparison you publish. Hope one day you can also publish your feature films and just spam them with adds to get your production money back, I for one would really like to see them on your channel.
For those of us in Seattle, would be nice give a wet road behavior comparison (where awd actually matters).
You guys kept talking about how the Golf R isn't much greater than the Gti, but the exact same thing can be said about the Sti over the base Wrx
Gt3 Fire Do you have a massive head injury or something
***** Agreed. Although, changes to the interior, which can cost literally hundreds of millions of dollars are unlikely in the near term for the simple reason that they have to bring the engine into the newer architecture first
***** wym
***** Agreed, and this is to say nothing of actually finding an R for sale and affording the markup--never mind (and a buyer won't.) the maintenance and repair bills
***** If you order one, you can definitely get a GTI for $25,000
That 'neigbor's dog' analogy was top notch. Great reviews, guys!
I've said it before, I'll say it again. You guys are the very best car reviewers on CZcams by a long shot. I've seen just about every video, and I never get tired of watching, and I never will. I love cars, and I love your videos. Ironically, I bought a car you guys have never reviewed (Volkswagen GLI Edition 30), but it was largely BECAUSE of your reviews- they showed me what I should look for in a car, and for my needs, I've found it. Although, I'm now looking at getting an STI lol.
The things they didn't like about the Gulf R are what makes it a Gulf. It's not a boy racer car, it's supposed to be a fun hatchback for adults. It's not over the top, it's interior is high quality and and it's comfortable.
You should try manual on Golf R, DSG takes out all the fun. I owned 2006 WRX and now 2012 Golf R with manual.
Awesome review of these two rivals. I really liked how you guys expressed your true feelings about these two cars and I'm glad you guys didn't just compare spec numbers because we all know it already from these two capable machines. Can't wait for the Focus RS to join in. Keep up the great work.
Great review, it's always better to know what a car drives like than just reading the statistics on paper especially when we're talking about those driver's car.
You keep talking about the GTi compared to the R
What about talking about the WRX compared to the STI
Microphone issues on this episode are hard to ignore. Great vid, but production could use a nice boom mic with popper-stopper/wind blocker.
Revoe Lucion - Thanks for watching and we appreciate your thoughts. But know that we had two dedicated shotgun mics with heavy duty wind-stopper/dead cats on them. Unfortunately, the wind was bad enough we had to resort to the guy's backup body mics to get consistent audio for this closing. Would benefit from a dedicated sound person and a super long boom pole... Always something to improve!
EverydayDriver Absolutely, a dedicated sound man makes all the difference in the world and I'd volunteer these sound engineer's hand if you ever get out to NY. I completely understand the issues given the conditions and a dub over would probably be the only recourse.
EverydayDriver The shirt noise was bearable... But the high-pitched bleeping noise in basically every static fly-by shot made my ears bleed...
It's official: I like you guys now. It took me a while, but now I accept the format of your vids and want to see/hear more.
Terminal Velocity - We're glad you've explored our work and gained a sense of what we do. We're very pleased to have you with us! Thanks for watching.
Thank you guys for making this vid! Its awesome
great review guys. Solid video. We need the Golf R400
I loved the candid review on the automatic R. The manual is on my radar.
Did you get it
@@nigelholland1714 no, I ended up getting a BMW M235i.
It is the rwd, 6MT version, with N55 engine. Great value for the money.
Love your channel! Regarding this video, I can't help but listen to both of you talk about the new STI and think you guys are talking about an Evo X. How much more honest, focused, sharp driving, etc...close your eyes and picture the car you are describing and it's an Evo. The new STI went more Evo than it did before. Thanks for your work and keep them coming!
Great video. You guys do simply fantastic reviews IMHO. Like others have said, will be interesting to see how the Focus RS does against these 2. It seems like many reviews prefer the Golf R, so nice to see a different perspective from guys who are biased more towards the sports side of the equation and don't necessarily chose the best 'all around' car. Thanks!
Great review, but some of the analogies are a bit over the top.
I wonder if TopGear would have said the same thing about these two...
ravesilly breaking news top gear is no longer a thing
Ara J I am very aware of this
ravesilly The last Top Gear ep will be getting aired after all, apparently its the STi Vs the R. Cant wait.
aaronprakash I thought it was all 3 remaining episodes?
ravesilly I LOVE TOP GEAR, but one thing I will say about them. They are an entertainment show. A lot of what they say is balanced out on a scale of what will stir up the biggest uproar. Look at what JC said about the RCF. Then read what the entire of the rest of the automotive press says. OK a lot of people aren't in love with it. But has anyone dismissed it as flatly and thoroughly as JC (and did anyone else noticed how firmly JC's tongue was planted in his cheek). I mean honestly, he didn't even "show us" if Stig ran it around the test track. That alone sounds far more like entertainment than honest opinion to me.
They themselves, in interviews, constantly poke fun at the show as an authority on the automotive industry. Just look at their news skit. I say skit rather than report quite on purpose. They could get work on Saturday Night Live without changing anything of their content
Mind you, as soon as JC announces his promised new show I will rejoice and I will eat up every minute of it.
One of the best car-channels on YT.
Keep up the good work, guys.
SUBSCRIBED!
Watched a video or two from your channel a couple of days ago and I'm hooked. I love this channel, the reviews you guys do on cars are so real and unscripted. Also i feel like you guys aren't afraid to say what's wrong with a car instead of doing a review and praising every little thing. I'm from South Africa and recently been toying with the idea of a new car. the cars I've been considering are: A New CLA45 AMG, 2015 C63 AMG S or perhaps a used (low mileage) 2010- 2012 Nissan GTR. The used GTR go for a little more than a brand new CLA45 but less than a 2015 C63. Oh well, looking forward to more content from you guys. Keep up the great work!
I love how you guys pointed out about stock performance vs stock performance. If i am buying a performance car, i want it to be fast right off the lot without thinking "hmm its fast but if i tune it will be faster". No. Just no. First of all whenever you begin to mess with a cars engine, you run the risk of not only avoiding the warranty but also the reliability of the vehicle. Not to mention the value on your vehicle goes down as soon as you mod it. I never understood why people do that. If a car isnt fast enough for you then invest in something else that completely satisfies you yet stock. Then you are able to have a sense of peace and not worry about all the things mentioned above.
Tim Davidson The thing is tho, that something as simple as a remap of the cars ECU can really "wake up" a car. In my own case, I went from 150hp to 225hp and 300nm. Cost me 400 dollars. Most turbo cars run a really conservative tune from the factory. Increasing the boost can really make a difference. In my case it was 0.5 BAR, which was increased to 1.2.
Most turbo cars have forged internals or at the very least, pistons, so they can easily handle the added power from a remap, without reliability issues.
That may be true but to me its not worth jeopardizing my peace of mind knowing i havnt gone screwing around with the engine.
Tim Davidson "A sense of peace" is not what street-tuners are going for. I have never owned an unmodified car (I'm 65). If you're worried about trade-in value, take up Competitive Sewing. The whole point of modifications is to make your car higher-performance, and different, from the stock version. Resale value is way-, WAY- down on the list of worries. I race with guys that take a $50,000 Corvette and put $50,000 in mods into them. It's called SCCA "Unlimited" class.
Whatever makes your boat float old timer but its a fact : If you mod a vehicle, doesnt matter how much money you spent in doing so, when you try to sell it, its not worth as much as it is if left stock especially with dealers and i personally would not buy a modded vehicle from a private party because chances are it was heavily abused . Only an ignoramus would disagree.
Justo Talkalottashit No, it's an '02 Audi A3 1.8 turbo, and not a diesel.
In some ways I agree with what they said (that the R is too sensible and doesn't look different or drive different enough from the GTi). BUT, I also think it's fair to say that the person who is attracted to the Golf R, or any Golf for that matter, wants a sensible all-round car anyway.
After all, isn't that what the Germans excel at? I know they are similar in price and power but they are sooooooo different in character and image, and hence the demographic they appeal to, I don't think most STI fans would even be tempted by the R, or vice versa. So marking the R down for not being enough like the STI is kinda missing the point really. A simple "R" button does sound like a great idea though, and maybe it could tweak the throttle mapping too?
+soundseeker63 I think what they are going for is that some of us want something closer to the middle. Something less sensible than the R, that can really flaunt itself when asked, but less ostentatious and obvious than the STi, less track oriented. They both went too far in either direction. The STi is too hard and track oriented, the Golf R is too...dry. Someone needs to take both cars, look long and hard at them, and make something right in the middle. The car for the mature fun loving enthusiast who also likes practicality and a bit of mad fun on the side.
DarklightRebel
Enter new Ford Focus RS.
soundseeker63 That thing is what dreams are made of.
Thinking hard about buying a WRX this year, and your videos have pretty much convinced me. I will put sway bars on though, since body roll seems to be an issue.
Great job guys!! Keep it up!
That sti looks amazing and they sound great too, id choose the sti over the golf r but both good cars 👌👍
They've made the GTI so good especially with the Power Package (R brakes and 10 more HP and the E-diff) that its hard to differentiate it once the car is moving . The R eliminated one fatal issue with the GTI, and that's wheel spin and torque steer. Don't "fault" it for being not that much different than the GTI, the GTI is that good that the gap is closed. I'm sure once the MK8 version is out, we'll see more power added to meet up with the Focus RS. Another thing I wanted to touch up on is the fact of the front bias on the AWD system, it does what its supposed to, fuel efficient on the highway and extra traction when you need it. Overall, I think the review is done very well, but don't dwell on the minor issues, focus on the big pictures. Oh and people that are saying that we shouldn't look at the modifying tuning these things, I laugh at because if you own one of these cars, chances are it will have APR, JB1, COBB or equivalent installed. I know my R will at some point, just like my previous Rs.
it's a good car. the problem is paying 15 grand more for something that is only marginally better than the gti...
I would say hardly $15k difference, the top trim GTI is $34k now, and a Golf R is $40k, so that's $6k ;)
Schwabo my se gti with dsg came with a apr tune. Car had only 12k miles on it and love the power. Got mine for only 22k while the cheapest used r still is about 34k and that's a big difference for only extra traction.
Ismet Zonic Yeah thats not comparing apples to apples. An autobahn trim is equivalent to the R interior amd exterior features (sans moonroof).
Either way, I'm sure your traction control light is flashing at you quite a bit on more spirited driving.
Schwabo the autobahn is kinda a rip off. All you get over the se is navigation, climate control, the driver seat is adjustable in more ways. Those options are in my opinion useless. The things i wish I had is the limited slip differential. My traction got better after I put ultra high summer performance tires on. I got the big sunroof, leather and fender sound system.
Love how you guys are able to articulate the previously unarticulateable
What a fantastic video. Great job.
I have failed to understand why you think the R has to have the same characteristics as the STI to be a worthy competitor. VW has NEVER built this car to compete with the STi or the Evo. VW built this car to be the best performance Golf that they feel is right for those who appreciate what it has to offer.
In other words, they don't care what the "competition" offers. And rightly so.
The STi and the R are not competitors! And I'm willing to bet that Suburu and VW are not even concerned about what the other offers to perspective buyers. These cars are for two different demographics so these type of comparos are essentially pointless. Personally, I like what VW has done with the R for what it is so that's my choice. Yours may vary but buy the car that suits what you want from it, not because one is "better" than the other.
Randall Collins ill take you up on that bet
Outdoor Layne I have read somewhere that they are going to make a golf R mk7 with 400hp. Might be just the car that will press that statement.
For everyday use the Golf R would be the better choice.
Tony Edwards I think the cabin is nicer and a more comfortable place to be in over time and is the one that will drive most like a regular car when you're in everyday traffic and public roads. Which is 95% of the time for me. That is my own personal opinion and why I would choose the R over the STi. You may have another opinion.
Yippie for an everyday driver i think the regular WRX would make a better comparison to the golf R. its a very conformable car, i have one and commute 70+ miles a day. The R has a bit more power but the WRX handles better. and its 10k cheaper.
Alex Chan-Kai I agree with your WRX comment, especially if you live in the snow belt. However, if you live where it doesn't snow then the same argument could be made for the standard VW GTI.
I bought a 2015 VW GTI S Base 2-Door about 2 months ago and I am in love with it. I wanted a more grown up enthusiast car that can do and be everything I need it to be. I was looking forward to this video when you announced it on your most recent podcast episode. I was eager to see just how much better the Golf R was than the GTI. I am even happier to see that the difference is slight at best. All your criticisms about this car are valid, having owned the GTI for just 2 months I have these same criticisms. You really have to be mean to it to get it to go, but once you do, you are in the triple digits without realizing it sometimes lol. Great video as always guys!
Love the show guys. Keep up the good work.
Gotta revisit this when Focus RS arrives
The RS will blow them out the water.
KillerJay17 By the time the RS come out, Subaru will probably be on the next gen with the FA motor.
I hope you're right. Competition is good for consumers. But to be honest I doubt Subaru will refresh the new STI in the next year or two. Would be dope tho, just a huge kick in the balls to anyone who bought the 2015 model year.
VW will be making the R400, not sure if it's north america bound though. It'll be interesting to see how the playing field shifts.
KillerJay17 Honestly, wouldn't be sad. I'd be happy Subaru is improving the line. The 2015 has more than enough power to enjoy... and I'm quite happy knowing that I have one of the last cars with the Subie Rumble Pack installed...
These guys have no clue. Can't feel the awd on the golf? That's the point. Try it in the wet against a golf gti, you'll feel it then. And the bald guy wanting it to look like a German wrx, has missed the point of the R entirely.
WiseGuy02 I don't think he has. It's like Todd said, it's like a somewhat higher performance GTi, when what it should be is something entirely unique. Something really badass and separate from the GTi. Or why bother paying $40k for it? The power bump over the GTi is not that much, and you can just get an API stage 1 for the GTi if you want more power. Yes you can also do that to the R, but the point is that since the differences between the GTi and the R are so relatively slight, doing an APR stage 1 on the GTi is almost the same thing as getting an R. Just cheaper.
Vernon Price Except then you can't put that power to the ground in the GTI. That is the point of AWD. And if we use that logic, then just stage 1 tune the Golf R and you have almost 400hp..
David Proux At which point you have a golf R that is only slightly better than a GTi stage 1. Point still stands. And you missed the point entirely, we all know you can chip a golf R. That's not the point. The point is that the R is not enough of an upgrade over the GTi to justify the cost.
As far as AWD, yes I know what AWD is for. And it's not just for straight line acceleration either. But saying a chipped GTi CAN'T put power down is ridiculous. Of course it can. Yeah there's a little bit of wheelspin in 1st gear, big deal.A chipped GTi is not making 500 HP.
Way more than a little wheel spin. Have your driven a tunes 15 GTI yet?
David Proux No, but I have a 730 HP CTS-V and I used to have a 400+ FWHP Sentra SE-R. THAT is a lot of wheelspin. A chipped Golf GTi is not spinning the wheels through 3rd gear.Or 2nd. Or even all of 1st.
Paul, and Todd great video! Your guys video quality, and commentary keeps getting better. I liked Paul's analogy of the STI being a "happy dog" wanting to play with its owner very creative! PS: I love the podcast discussion, and car debates.
Loved it!! You guys are great.
never though id see the day a golf wud be compared to an sti... come on subaru. up that power already :)
the golf is only catching up like crazy nothing wrong with Subaru, unless you put a bigger engine in there isn't much on making it faster other than giving it a better turbo.
I wonder if the STI had a ringland failure after the review
Frank Nero Funny... that horse is been beaten to death. Leave it alone
My car is AWD lol, it's okay STI blow up stock and are slower than golf r and s3. Be mad
I have a 2015 audi s3 you dumbass lol.
No my forza garage has a veloster turbo lol with 800hp. Close though
Zero No point in arguing with him Zero. He is 15 years old and doesn't own jack most likely. You can easily read a few of his comments and see the level of education is low.
good review, keep them coming
I like your videos man these are well thought out and ext
The golf R will never be as as stiff and raw as the STi, why? well u guys said yourself that u liked driving it more when you were done testing both cars. thats what the R is, its an everyday car for everybody, unlike the STi, its not just about performance but also comfort maturity and refinement. Both great cars but id take the R anyday..
I'm not being biased since I like Subaru, but the Golf just looks really boring to drive. It's auto, doesn't sound appealing, and looks like any other Volkswagen eco car, just with a nice set of wheels that looks really good. The STI looks, sounds, and drives aggressive. It's a car that screams PERFORMANCE at your face. You know what it's suppose to do once you look at it. The golf drives well too, but it lacks that racing personality. It's too comfortable, rather than sporty. Once the manual comes out, we'll see how it turns out. So far, this car doesn't interest me.
Boosted Subaru as an audi owner and a huge VW fan i completely agree. the MK IV 337 was the last awesome golf
Boosted Subaru the point VW has been trying to make since the early 2000's is they offer cars the everyday person can still afford that feel a class above. like take a regular golf or jetta and compare it to a regular impreza. its a night and day car in terms of refinement, they seem to have carried this trend over to their performance vehicles and while yes it may not be as rewarding when you want to go hard, it makes up for it when you just want to get in the car and haul without constantly having the vehicle nag you. Now as an auto enthusiast i know that sounds ridiculous but i can see why VW does the things they do. the golf R is on my list for a new vehicle purchase when i graduate college solely because i will have my current car, and that to drive every day. i'm a bias Japanese car driver as well but lately i have been looking more at how well rounded a brand new car over 30 grand would be as a daily driver versus just as a performance machine.
Could not agree more with this comment. As a performance car, the Golf R looks so dead boring that it feels like it was designed for old conservative people in mind, who happen to like fast cars. Whereas the STi looks how a performance car should look.
***** Nearly everything on a VW is optional.
Not in a good way either.
Boosted Subaru im not a vw fan but the r is not boring
You guys are the Game Sack of cars, and I love that.
This is the most underrated Automotive CZcams Channel... These guys are great.
The understated nature of the R is what makes it a brilliant choice. I can't afford a loaded Audi S4, but I can afford a Golf R. I am older and I don't want something shouty. I just want a nice German, fast, fun car.
Yes. That's exactly the point.
Exactly, STI looks like an upgrade from a tuner's Civic
Subaruuuu! Bring back the hatchback :(
Great video guys!
Please make a video comparison of the STi and WRX.
Should be very interesting considering the 2015 WRX is all new.
I'd love to watch your comparison between the 2 cars.
Nice review guys!
Kind of weird that they're holding back on the MT for the R.
EagleLogic Not really. Automatics, even in terms of performance vehicles are far more popular than manuals; you only need to take a look at Subaru's WRX sales to see that, despite it having what the purists would call a "shitty" CVT (spoiler: It's actually pretty impressive).
SICEM_Rex have you driven a manual transmission on thesti
SICEM_Rex Yeah you're right. I owned the 2015 CVT WRX for a while. It's a solid transmission, but certainly nothing like a manual. Part of the reason I traded the CVT WRX for an STI.
jay czyzyk Yes of course, for all generations. Not sure what that actually has to do with the sales of CVT WRXs or the performance of that transmission; the STi is a considerably different beast to the standard WRX.
***** The STi is still a better car when you really get up it; the WRX is certainly very competent as a road car, however - The 6-speed manual is still considerably weaker (and still not as good in shift quality either) than the STi unit and the Lineartronic does blunt off-the-line acceleration slightly.
The STi is also stiffer, has better brakes, better diffs, it's only real downfall is that the EJ25 is of course old tech. When you're tracking the MY15 STi as I suspect many owners would, the only real competition for it is the old Evo X for which they both feel very similar.
Most of the response from the FA20DIT in the WRX is from the Honeywell twin-scroll turbo. which, like older WRXs with the old-school Mitsubishi TD04, starts to run out of puff at the top-end where the VF52 still kicks you up the arse and sends you down the road.
The Golf R is not meant to be like an STi, it has it's identity just like the STi has it's own. R= plush, soft, and luxurious and sporty. the STi= RAW, aggressive, look at me race car. Two different cars with two different types of owners.
My favorite car reviews. I check this channel first, then I go take a look at Motor Trend's channel if there's nothing new here.
This is a very great review. I will reference this when the RS comes out to make my descisions. Great job guys. "You can't feel the all wheel drive" statement says alot and I mean alot in my book as a Evo 8 owner....yikes! In addition that pulsating comment I def. cringed.
There is no competition here for me. subaru looks better inside/out, makes a nicer sound, and i like myself a stick shift. the golf is just boring for me
The Subaru is cheap plastic garbage on the inside. You've clearly never been inside a GTI/Golf R
It's funny because almost everyone that owns one of the new STI's hate it, and everyone that reviews a Golf R likes it. Except these guys.
There is no denying that a Golf, no matter the trim level, will never get as much "street cred" (whatever that is) as an Impreza. Golf's are far too common, and considered boring by internet forum mechanics.
An Impreza on the other hand is apparantly some exotic Rally car, for the street, because it has a big wing. I do like the old Imprezas a lot tho.
Anders Kristensen Lol I own the new STi, i've owned many subaru's and driven many old STI's, this one in my opinon is fantastic, handles, drives & feels great. My mates blob eye is just as quick but not as nice to drive.
I've owned the 335i and driven numerous M3's, so versus Euro still very nice, but not as refined obviously :)
Great review! When the manual version of the Golf R comes out please re-compare. I want to see the manual vs manual comparison of these cars.
Awesome review guys
I've heard generally negative things about Haldex AWD systems on most non-performance cars that have it. The feedback I've heard basically is that it isn't remotely predictable when it will kick in and it doesn't do well when it actually does kick in, especially in weather conditions. Since it is almost universally adapted to cars that are normally FWD, it doesn't do a very good job. What's interesting is that I've heard much better things, and even owned cars that received AWD from a Transaxle off the transmission because they were normally RWD, and that seems to do a much better job.
Based on this review, it sounds like Haldex doesn't perform that much better in the Golf R for the intended purpose of driving the car from all wheels.
I'm over 30 I'd look like a wannabe driving the Subie. It's too over the top for my tastes. I need something that I can get dressed up and take a date in and not look like I'm driving my sons car.
Great video. I own and love the 2015 WRX and your driving impressions of the Golf R make it seem like it might compare better against the WRX instead of the STi.
Garrick Merrill Except the Golf R beats the STI in any sort of performance tests.
The golf R puts down better track times than the STI? Really?
SoSickWidit Yes, it does. From the Motor Trends track test:
Around the undulating 2.21 miles of MRLS, the STI gripped and drifted for an impressive time of 1:47.16 -- quick enough to place it 0.42 second ahead of the 2006 Porsche Cayman S and just 0.44 second behind the 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed but an eye-opening 1.15 seconds behind the Golf R's 1:46.01. Why is the more powerful STI that much slower?
Read more: @1503
wow, and Randy Pobst behind the wheel at that. Wouldn't have guessed it, but good to know... subaru really needs to update that engine
SoSickWidit It's not the engine's fault... the Gulf R is using a DSG with double clutch Transmission... there's 0 lag between shifts... that alone is enough to change the course of lap times...
I test drove both cars and one of the main reasons why I chose the STI is the interior. It's much more civilized and not a cardboard rough seating like you get in most European models. The VW had seats like I was seating on a surfboard. I'm 56 and just love the drive of the STI.
no offense but you sir too old for these kind of cars.. get a chevy
+Earth Since Birth some of the best drivers on the track days and autocrosses that ive been to were oldies haha
+Christian Herrero
Thanks. I just happen to be old enough to get me this great toy and enjoy it. I plan to take some lessons in Rally driving as I have never drifted before and I got interested in this after seeing a bad movie "fast and furious Tokyo Drift" Before then, I was cruising in my 2003 Z06 which was modified and doing 600 horses. Too old? I think that was funny
You guys are knob heads. Why can't you just accept the fact that the two cars have very different personalities that are designed for two very different buyers. The STI appeals to the brash, in your face, look at my giant ass wing and hood scoop buyer and the Golf is for more stayed and reserved buyer who wants the performance but doesn't want to pull into work looking he just drove off the set of Fast and furious. They are both great cars and each person can chose the one that appeals to their sensibilities. For my money I'd buy the Golf as I've always found the Subaru engines to be too unrefined. Your milage may very.
+herrdoktorknowitall staid
I drive in to work looking and driving like I just came out of fast and furious. And I fucking love it
herrdoktorprofessor good comment that. Personally I prefer the Subaru brand as a whole, as I like the offbeat sound of the boxer engines. Dont see many on UK roads either, so it would feel more special in one. A rare sight actually, and thats the appeal
I wish Subaru would stop letting 12 year olds design and build their interior/exterior.
awesome! more shows coming
Great video, another thing not really emphasized is that a nicely equiped 2015 STi can be had for about $5k less than a '15 Golf R. Also. Holding the 6MT out of the US market meant I didnt even test drive a Golf R and now own a silver STi.
If Subaru stepped the interior up they could have a real winner. I feel like the Focus ST is going to take the best of these two cars and be a real problem.
RS
*****
No reason why the car would have to cost any more. VW has a much nicer interior for the same money. A lot of it is just design. The STI interior looks like something out of the 90s.
future62 have you sat in one? Functionality wise, it feels like a 2015 car... Everything I've ever wanted in a sports car is in there. It has cup holders for days ( 4 up front, 2 in the rear )... it has 2 cubby holes and every single radio input you could want ( iPod / USB / Aux / Bluetooth / XM / CD ). Both the gear shifter and the steering wheel are wrapped in leather. All the buttons have a very satisfying "click" to them without making any noise and the sounds made are pleasant, not annoying.
Honestly, I'm tired of people saying the interior on the STI looks like trash and old styled... It looks fantastic and feels fantastic. The box look of the Gulf R just looks... like something out of the 80s...
Sparatan117
Golf has a better interior than the Impreza, period. Much higher quality materials and it doesn't have that garish cheap silver plastic like a 10 year old Hyundai. Impreza interior isn't bad for an economy car but for $40K they need to do something with the STi, period. If STi interior is good for you, cool, I am happy with my Civic interior, but I'm not going to sit here and say my Civic interior is comparable to that of a Golf. It just isn't.
Why so defensive lol. Are you going to pretend like the GD WRX 5 speed transmissions werent made out of glass or the EJ doesnt chew through head gaskets like Cheese Doodles? Lol. No car is perfect, the WRX interior is its worst asset. Its a better driver's car than the Golf though so I dont see why youre upset
I had an STI for 3 years and it's raw, mechanical, pure performance aspect drove me insane, so noisy, uncomfortable... So, I bought a R because, I drive this everyday, and I don't care it's not a untameable beast like that STI, it goes fast, it's refined and its balanced and this is what people who buy the R are looking for
Very true I hav the latest r Wolfsburg and it suits every day driving and does need a bit of waking up,I find a car annoying that wants to be driven hard when not in the mood,VW has designed it to suit to perfection
I love all of your review videos.... Love to see you guys doing a comparison video of 2014 mustang GT vs 2015 mustang GT... Ford has changed a lot of things in their new 2015 mustang gt (Independent Rear suspension is one of them).. Eagerly looking for this comparsion :)
Great video as always, guys. Having owned 2 GTI's and 3 WRXs and 1 STI, I personally feel like this comparison isn't as tight as the closer head to head that the Evo/STi debate has been in the past. Golf R is a refined compact car they added in a sporty nature. The STI is a sports car they added practicality. If one were to drop $35-40k, they should be well aware of what they're getting in to. I think this video does a fair job of that.
As old as this review is, I completely agree with all the sentiments.
I traded my 2017 Golf R in for a 2015 WRX STI, and it was nearly transformative in my enjoyment of driving. Yes, the Golf R was quicker from 0-60, especially with the DSG, but it was like driving a GTI in the corners. There was just no enthralling factor, only numbness and a daily driver attitude.
I'll more than happily tow the Golf R owners out of a snowy ditch in my STI.
With the Golf R being AWD, couldn’t it handle itself with getting out of a snowy ditch?
Is it just me, or does the STI look like a Toyota Corolla with a wing on it?
BurnDuration It's just you.
BurnDuration and doesnt the golf look like any other boring ass golf for half the price? Yes.
BurnDuration Toyota did copy Subaru in a lot of aspects in their new cars, but it's not surprising since Toyota owns a share of Fuji Heavy Industries
BurnDuration Are people really still calling it that ? Drop that nonsense already. The car looks like a beast in person and drives like it too although i would just recommend a wrx. New engine, New twin scroll, New transmission, tighter suspension and chassis. Better gas mileage as well.
BurnDuration Yes it does lol. It looks good in person though.
Another great review, guys. And you both definitely were taking faster in the STI. Dead giveaway.
Very nice vid. YT should pay guys like you more.
>not reviewing a manual golf R
What the fuck is this ? what's the point ?
If you watched the whole video you would have heard them saying that the manual Golf R wasn't available at the time for shooting
David Kerry I tried watching the whole video but the whistling noise annoyed the fuck out of me and made me pause the video and leave XD. Either way, a true Golf is a manual Golf.
My MT Golf R is on it's way... :-)
Owismael the dsg is faster than the manual....trust me.
Golf is a minivan with turbo.
Jaylo 2873 RexSpec555 I wonder why Volkswagen Won the 2016 GRC World champs and the 2016 WRC world champs... didn't see any rice cookers anywhere near the top
I've owned my 2005 Sti for ten years now. 83K miles and All stock.. great fun when I want to go there. Easy to drive the family when needed. I guess you adapt to what you buy. At $42K mine is paid off and is now the road trip family car. My daily driver is a 1983 Toyota 4x4 pick-up. It great fun to switch between these two completely different ways to drive a road. My Honda (327K miles) and VW (587K miles) have been some of the best long term drivers. We'll see on the STi.
Great review, both great cars. I own the 15 sti because it came out first.
Sti>golf bc
1. Reliability
2. Tuneability
3. Maintenance-bilty
4. Likeabilty lol
vaajchang sti is not reliable and not tuneable because is blows up
GTI/Golf R is the easiest car to tune out of every car in the world. Just about everyone gets at least a Stage 1 flash because its affordable, easy, and reliable. Enjoy your blown head gaskets on the STi. The engine hasn't been updated in well over a decade.
STi is the best along with EVO X
The dog comparison is perfect. STi is an athletic, muscular, loyal, honest, and up for anything dog (boxer, ridgeback, rotweiler). The R is a comfortable, relaxed labrador or golden you want to lay on the couch with. The latter can still be an active dog, but you have to convince it running/fetch/swimming IS fun. Great content guys. Love both of your mediums (went with STi as my only car, and love it)
Being a former scooby owner and enthusiast, I still chuckle at the way some still think of the mass produced road going unit as a very close relative of the proper rally counterpart. They are galaxies apart in both how they drive and what they cost to produce.
Focus RS wins
ER B We'll see.... you still have an Electronic Power Steering and lack LSDs .... the key is going to be putting that claimed 340 HP to the ground...
Can't wait to find out. Hopefully it's not a letdown like the R is
ER B Can someone explain to me the appeal of the focus RS and the Golf R. Is it specifically because they're hatchbacks + performance?
ER B that remains to be seen
ER B As a Subaru guy, I really hope so. The power plant in the STi is over a decade old and I would hope that the new Focus RS would be able to match it. Subaru needs someone to challenge them on the 'fun factor'. That being said, I had a chance to drive an ST a couple weeks ago. I loved the noises it made, seemed to pull very nice too, but something just felt off. Maybe the steering was too tight, or the clutch didn't engage how I liked or something. I couldn't point out the fault, but sitting in a Subaru just felt more like home.
typical poor german engineering.
German engineering is top quality only Japan comes close
jacko Too bad quality in German doesn't also mean reliability.
jacko I went from Evo X to Golf R and it's not even close.
***** Oh, please stop with the jokes and troll attempts.
kenmastersmaster And how many 10 year old $30k mustangs do you still see on the roads compared to 10 year old BMWs?
Oh yeah oops, they're all in scrap yards.
Great video guys! THIS is why I subscribe to your channel. I have had the chance to drive a 2015 STi extensively along with numerous VW's..your comments are right on...STi always comes to fight...the VW once awoken is awsome.but it does take some work. Question: How much of letdown with the VW is the transmission (DSG vs manual) or the lack of displacement of the R 2L vs 2.5 of the STi? Do you think your analysis of the R would change with the 6spd manual?
Eek the audio in the end was scratchy but great review :)
Each to their own but, I'll take the Scooby thankyou. The rally legend lives on, right? 😉
Very nice video. Where did you guys do the test drive BTW? Thank you.
Love both these cars. Can't go wrong with either one.
Looking forward to seeing you review the Golf R400.... now that looks like it is going to be rightfully "insane" !!!