Although based on the same platform, VW’s Golf GTI and the Golf R are quite different. There’s a big power and price gap between the two, not to mention the fact that the R is all-wheel drive while the GTI is front wheel drive.
I, for one, believe each of these cars targets different buyers: those who want a nimble, light and fun to drive car true to the hot hatch philosophy will go for the Golf GTI, while those who want a Golf that is more luxurious, faster in straight line and safer on slippery roads will get the R.
Obviously, there will be people who will have a hard time deciding which fast Golf to buy. Is the Golf R worth the premium over the Golf GTI for more power and all-wheel drive? Consumer Reports compares the two cars and tries to answer this question in the video that follows.