2008 VW R32 vs 928 impressions??
12-19-2007, 10:19 PM
#1
Race Director
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2008 VW R32 vs 928 impressions??
Today I test drove a 2008 VW R32 with the 6 speed DSG automatic with paddle shifters.......
1st impressions:
The tranny in that thing is SWEET...super quick shifts and it "blips" the throttle on downshifts......
The steering has a nice feel to it.......but would weight up oddly in quick transitions?
everything else pretty much sucked....the ride was a touch harsh, the handling was just okay..with quite a bit of body roll......& the engine responded really quickly to throttle, but once floored felt a bit lacking.....but 250hp & 236 ftlbs in a 3400lb car will feel slow next to an S4!
I remember driving the 2004 R32 and it was sweet...BUT that was BEFORE I bought the 928!!!
For $33k....no thanks....I'll take a GTS
1st impressions:
The tranny in that thing is SWEET...super quick shifts and it "blips" the throttle on downshifts......
The steering has a nice feel to it.......but would weight up oddly in quick transitions?
everything else pretty much sucked....the ride was a touch harsh, the handling was just okay..with quite a bit of body roll......& the engine responded really quickly to throttle, but once floored felt a bit lacking.....but 250hp & 236 ftlbs in a 3400lb car will feel slow next to an S4!
I remember driving the 2004 R32 and it was sweet...BUT that was BEFORE I bought the 928!!!
For $33k....no thanks....I'll take a GTS
12-19-2007, 10:32 PM
#3
Race Director
Thread Starter
http://www.vw.com/R32/completespecs/en/us/
Damm that thing weighs almost 3600lbs.....even more than a 928!!! No wonder it felt slow......
It honestly felt slower than my Acura......which makes sense since the weigh the same, but the Acura has a little more HP and torque!
Damm that thing weighs almost 3600lbs.....even more than a 928!!! No wonder it felt slow......
It honestly felt slower than my Acura......which makes sense since the weigh the same, but the Acura has a little more HP and torque!
12-19-2007, 10:36 PM
#4
Instructor
Is this serious? Tell me it is not..
To me, comparing a VW to a 928 just does not make sense..
A car is really not just about performance numbers, what really matters in the end is feel, and if you like to drive a shark, you just will not be equally happy in a VW.
But you knew that already, didn't you.
To me, comparing a VW to a 928 just does not make sense..
A car is really not just about performance numbers, what really matters in the end is feel, and if you like to drive a shark, you just will not be equally happy in a VW.
But you knew that already, didn't you.
12-19-2007, 10:37 PM
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I have also driven an 08 R32 and had similar impressions. In my opinion, it felt way slower in acceleration terms than the last gen R32. The transmission is fun to use, intsant upshifts and downshifts. I also like the engine note but, I totally agree with all of your points, especially price. Park the 928 and a new R32 next to each other and I would pick the 928 every time. Joe
12-19-2007, 10:40 PM
#6
You need to go drive a Z06 Brian.
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12-19-2007, 11:23 PM
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12-19-2007, 11:27 PM
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I test drove an Audi TT with the DSG box a few years ago.
The DSG rocks. My next TT will have it. (As a DD in stop-and-go traffic the DSG is the perfect tranny. Otherwise I prefer to row.)
Easy - 15 zillion airbags and the wiring and ECUs to run them. 14 zillion infotainment gadgets you don't need. Power everything. Refrain from the use of aluminum. All-wheel drive (IIRC). Etc.
I had a 95 GTI. It weighed in at something like 3300-3400 pounds. I'm just surprised the new one is as light as it is.
The DSG rocks. My next TT will have it. (As a DD in stop-and-go traffic the DSG is the perfect tranny. Otherwise I prefer to row.)
Easy - 15 zillion airbags and the wiring and ECUs to run them. 14 zillion infotainment gadgets you don't need. Power everything. Refrain from the use of aluminum. All-wheel drive (IIRC). Etc.
I had a 95 GTI. It weighed in at something like 3300-3400 pounds. I'm just surprised the new one is as light as it is.
12-19-2007, 11:36 PM
#11
Nordschleife Master
I think the GTI without the AWD and weight with a chip getting that I4 Turbo around 300hp s the way to go in the Golf family. The R32 is overweight and uses the crap V6 thats not nearly as tuneable as the T4
12-20-2007, 12:42 AM
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For under 30k you can go buy a 1999 996 that weighs 2900 pounds, and has 296 hp. Handling is amazing build quality is 10 fold any vette, and goes as fast as you will ever need.
12-20-2007, 01:42 AM
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It is kinda out of control (new car weights). Despite amazing new materials, the overall vehicle keeps getting bigger and heavier.
To some extent, it's the increased safety, and all those little bits of equipment. Heated, cooled, massaging, 27-way adjustable seats with built-in-speakers, and an LCD for the rear passenger DO weigh more
And honestly, cars are getting physically larger.
BMW's new "1" series is way larger than the 3 series of just a couple generations ago (and it weighs ~3200 pounds to go with it).
Want a crazy light agile car? Get a lotus elise. Of course, that car is _tiny_. And has _no_ lux equipment of any kind.
It's all about trade-offs. Me? Although I had fun driving new Z06's at bondurant, I enjoy the idea that my S4 is more unique, costs less than half to buy, is no longer depreciating, and costs almost _nothing_ to license and insure each year - putting my recurring costs into the fun-car-for-free ballpark.
To some extent, it's the increased safety, and all those little bits of equipment. Heated, cooled, massaging, 27-way adjustable seats with built-in-speakers, and an LCD for the rear passenger DO weigh more
And honestly, cars are getting physically larger.
BMW's new "1" series is way larger than the 3 series of just a couple generations ago (and it weighs ~3200 pounds to go with it).
Want a crazy light agile car? Get a lotus elise. Of course, that car is _tiny_. And has _no_ lux equipment of any kind.
It's all about trade-offs. Me? Although I had fun driving new Z06's at bondurant, I enjoy the idea that my S4 is more unique, costs less than half to buy, is no longer depreciating, and costs almost _nothing_ to license and insure each year - putting my recurring costs into the fun-car-for-free ballpark.