Mk5 R32 vs Mk6 "R20"

JustARandomGuy

So I'm tempted with the idea of treating myself for my birthday, which is soon and getting a hot hatch


I've decided that I want an ultra-hot (spicy) Golf, but within my budget, I can either get the Mk5 R32 with the magnificent VR6 or the Mk6 "R20" with the 2.0 TSI lump (265hp).


Tax is irrelevant as I pay none


Which one's better? I'm pretty certain the Mk6 is only a facelift of the Mk5 so drivingwise they wouldn't be far off, it's pretty much down to the reliability of the VR6 vs the TSI.


Which one would be the better choice? Both with the DSG box.

tossy

For sound the VR lump wins but in reality the MK6 R (not called R20) would be the better car, faster - the map to 300 ( i had the same engine in an S3)

The Vr6 is a more reliable car no real reliability issues - make sure it has DSG service as per schedule and has evidence of haldex (clutch on the 4wd system) oil changes every 20k and filter changes every other oil change - if there's no proof of this then walk away.

The 2.0 TFSI in the MK6 has a few more reliability issues and things to look for, they are hard on cam followers (google 2.0TFSI cam follower) make sure it's been inspected or changed - very cheap part and easy job but costly if not addressed.
They are known to be hard on oil ,my own one used about 1L every 5k (every oil change for me) so not too shabby but it used more if driven VERY hard.
They also need DSG and Haldex services as above so check for evidence of that.

deceit

I've a mk7 r myself and was looking to pick either an R32 or a mk6 r for a track toy (so no tax like you). After research I decided on the R32 because of reliability and if I wanted to go all out in the future, could supercharge or twin turbo the R32 for stupid power.
I've been looking for one for the last few weeks.

tossy

deceit wrote: »

I've a mk7 r myself and was looking to pick either an R32 or a mk6 r for a track toy (so no tax like you). After research I decided on the R32 because of reliability and if I wanted to go all out in the future, could supercharge or twin turbo the R32 for stupid power.
I've been looking for one for the last few weeks.

A stripped out R32 would make a great track car, the Vr engine can take some abuse with minimum maintenance in between track days. I had a supercharged Vr car years ago ,they respond so well to forced induction.

deceit

tossy wrote: »

A stripped out R32 would make a great track car, the Vr engine can take some abuse with minimum maintenance in between track days. I had a supercharged Vr car years ago ,they respond so well to forced induction.

I was looking at this one, silly money but it would have everything I need as a weekend track car:
https://www.autoscout24.com/offers/volkswagen-golf-r32-4motion-dsg-gasoline-blue-104c9c90-489e-860d-e053-e250040afafa?cldtidx=1

JustARandomGuy

Not looking to track it, simply for the road use, just not living in Ireland anymore so no motor tax to worry about

tossy

JustARandomGuy wrote: »

Not looking to track it, simply for the road use, just not living in Ireland anymore so no motor tax to worry about

I would throw an 8P S3 into the mix then, the S3 and Mk6 Golf R have better internals, engine bolt on and suspension to the GTI. Plus you could get the S3 with the very nice and comfy wingback recaros.

JustARandomGuy

tossy wrote: »

I would throw an 8P S3 into the mix then, the S3 and Mk6 Golf R have better internals, engine bolt on and suspension to the GTI. Plus you could get the S3 with the very nice and comfy wingback recaros.

I did consider the S3, but I'm just not a fan of the way it looks. I'd love the 8V if it was within my budget, but the reality of it is, that'd be a bit over the top


The issue I have with the 8P is that most of the DSG S3's (at least in mainland Europe) are Sportbacks, which to me look like mini estate cars. I already have an estate car, don't need another one

Love the colour, I have to admit, but looks too estate-ish to me.

tossy

Yeah they do look like a mini estatw which is cool but not so much if you're after a hothatch.

Cian86

+1 for the S3 here, do give it some thought. I had one in the past, the performance and sound from it where absolutely epic.

Someone here spotted it and posted it here a while back actually!

JustARandomGuy

Might take one for a test drive so, had a look at an R32 yesterday and it was a blast. Sadly a few bits needed to be done (service, tyres, few other small bits) which is what I don't want at all.

I think a local Audi dealer had one in stock so I'll pop down. They might give me an attractive PCP deal on a brand new S3 ha!

(10% down payment, then €550/month for 36 months)

JustARandomGuy

Just a little update, had a look at a few S3's and didn't like them (either too expensive, or condition not good enough) so decided to keep saving up and buy a Mk7 Golf R

tossy

JustARandomGuy wrote: »

Just a little update, had a look at a few S3's and didn't like them (either too expensive, or condition not good enough) so decided to keep saving up and buy a Mk7 Golf R

Good choice.