Scorponok

Very cool. Debating finding a CPO one.

Is there a huge difference between the R and the GTI or not really worth the extra $ ?

07CarreraS

Traction by far was the biggest difference I noticed when driving my buddy's R then jumping into my GTI. The interior seemed a little darker since they don't have as much brightwork (which I prefer) but other than that not sure I'd spend almost 40K for it.

911seeker

I love the looks of the MKII, and got to drive frequently the MKIII (not so good looking but OK), but don't like the modern gens esthetics at all... and the interiors don't resist comparing with the Audis, pity that you don't get the hatchback A3 in the US.


But it is definitely a great car.


7CarreraS, living in Tampa, owning 3 cars, no convertible???

BradB

I felt the GTI test drives I took, even with the Performance Pack, seemed to lack traction at startup. I spun the wheels more than I thought was appropriate. I wasn't trying to, I just wanted to pull out briskly. I think I would prefer the manual just for added involvement, but the auto gave me the same traction results.

Do any GTI drivers here find lack of traction at stoplights to be an everyday problem?

I feel as though I may be more happy with an R but am concerned with the $ upcharge.

CliffJumper RS

I had a 2011 GTI. I loved it and also thought it was the best value (fun, build quality, practicality) per $ out there.

Normally even FWD would not be a deal killer, but my commute to work now is a short 2 miles in central Sanf Francsico with 4 large hills. I got tired of spinning the front wheels at every uphill stoplight every time I wanted to drive even moderately aggressively.

If I move out to a flatter place with more parking, I'd like to get another GTI. I loved how anonymous yet fun that car was.

RichAA

I had an STI before this, and the AWD traction is nice obviously. But the GTI in Sport mode is plenty for spirited driving. I can throw it around and have fun, and I've taken it on 1,000-mile road trips and it's great. Mine is a 2015 SE DSG 4 door, with lighting package (a must). My wife uses it sometimes, hence the DSG. For just me, I'd get an SE Manual, 4 door, Perf Package and lighting.

SJJ28

15 mk7 GTI in my driveway too! White, like all but one of our cars. I bought it new at a discount with only option being lighting package. I bought it a year ago so my 15yo daughter could learn to drive on a manual trans car. I've found that I drive it A LOT, and enjoy it very much. I put snows on it in the winter, and its unstoppable..Unfortunately, she turns 16 soon, and I'll be driving it much less frequently. GREAT car, don't think there is anything better for $25k

Bacura

I posted earlier about the horrible off the line traction. R would be perfect.

Archimedes

Offered my son a new GTI for his high school car. He hated the way it looked. So I bought him a Camry...

Bacura

Well,more chicks can fit in a Camry.

Alan Smithee

I don't find traction to be a problem. Yes, if you goose it from a start the wheels will spin, but I have the same 'problem' in my other cars with healthy low-end torque. Now if it had massive torque steer, that would be a problem for me, but thankfully it doesn't. The Performance Package goes a long way towards controlling wheel spin, especially out of turns, and I expect decent summer tires would be a significant improvement as well...the standard all-seasons are quite miserable. It also helps to lower tire pressures...the owners manual states the 37 door-jamb recommended is for full loads (and I expect to maximize EPA fuel economy results), and suggests something lower (33 I think?) for regular driving.

If it is still too much, that's why they make the R...

CSK 911 C4S

I had the MK6 R and it was way worth it over the GTI especially if you like to drive hard. I'm a AWD junkie so I will only probably buy AWD cars from now on unless I get suckered in by a classic. A few buddies of mine have MK6 GTI's and they are holding up very well.

If you do go looking for a MK6 R they do have some items to consider...... 1 recall that I know of for a timing belt tensioner and the car has the old Audi TTS engine that uses a cam follower that wears and breaks. Easy to check and replace when showing signs of wear before failure.

mdork

Also have a 2105 mk7 GTI 6MT as spare car. It's an unbelievable car. The included Fender audio in my SE is nearly as good as Burmester....

Bacura

Um....I have a fender in my 2016 Tiguan R line and had a fender in my 2014 Jetta GLi. I have the Burmester in my 911/50. It is not even close. The difference is as wide as the cars .The Burmester blows it away...totally.I can not stress how much better the Burm is.

rye595

Yep - I've got a Touareg and a GTI with performance pack. Both excellent vehicles! The GTI is a great rainy weather sibstitute, even though there is no substitute.