If you want a fast VW Golf nowadays you need to make a decision between the GTI and the R. If the price difference didn’t make the decision clear for you, then perhaps the video posted below will.
While at the wheel of a Golf GTI with the Performance Pack, Matt Farah of TST makes an excellent point make the choice easier: if you aren’t planning on modifying it any further, the GTI is good, but if you want to buy the car then invest your life savings into modifying it, then the R is your better bet.
That’s a valid way to look at things, as there are so many high-powered Golf Rs nowadays, some pushing 600 hp with turbo upgrades and stock internals, and they have the advantage of being able to put the power down much better.
The GTI is much nicer stock, so if you’re not into modding and can live with its conservative (by competitors’ standards) 210 hp output, then its cheaper price, as well as the lower weight and complexity render it a better choice.
Check out Farah’s full GTI drive in the video posted below.