Thursday, December 16, 2010

Golf R - How Will It Compare To The WRX?

It depends on who you ask. Although these two vehicles may appear similar on paper, the short answer is that the Golf R falls short of the WRX on many statistical levels but is still very appealing for many drivers, myself included.

Volkswagen never claimed that the Golf R was going to be in direct comparison with the WRX, but many Volkswagen owners and/or enthusiasts such as myself secretly hoped that it would be.


To put some numbers down, the Golf R is outputting 256 horsepower, wheres the WRX is pushing 265. Both have all wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox and a turbo-charged four-cylinder engine. The Golf, however, weighs approximately 100 pounds more than the WRX which isn't a huge deal for most people. I could go on about stats, but I'd like to touch on other aspects.

When comparing these cars, it is important to note the types of drivers who will be purchasing each. I don't like generalizing, but Subaru drivers generally tend to be younger, have an interest in rallying, and enjoy having a flashy car with a "wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am" boxer engine. They seem to enjoy invoking envy in other drivers, which I would too if I had a WRX. The types of drivers who are likely to purchase a Golf R will enjoy the ownership of a "sleeper". They enjoy the finer European details that have been incorporated into the interior and exterior of the Golf R, which is based off the GTI. The notoriety of this car is far less than the WRX. They probably won't be purchasing this car to show off, and probably don't want people gawking at their car anyway. Because it's a sleeper, people will be surprised when it launches off the line or hauls ass in the snow.



Personally, the aspect of a sleeper has always been very appealing to me. I almost bought an old Ford Taurus SHO for this exact reason. If given the opportunity, assuming that cost is irrelevant (even though the Golf R is cheaper) I would purchase a Golf R in a heartbeat upon it's release. Don't get me wrong, I find Subaru's turbo-charged boxer engine to be orgasmic when I hear one driving by, but it's too "show-offy" for me as a daily driver, especially because my taste is very European. If I was looking for a weekend car only, then the WRX would be more appealing.

33 comments:

  1. I think the Subaru's a little to "show-offy" too. Glad we agree on that :)

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  2. I'm into the idea of a sleeper too...
    You know the regular situation where you're riding in, you hear people talking in the crowd asking each other, "Who's the HO?"
    .....you hit the gas, the crowd loves it , they're screaming ripping of their shirts and bras trying to get a piece. When you ease up on the gas you slow up a little and swing back around you hear the crowd speak has changed.... "That ain't no HO, he was just sleeping!!"

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  3. I used to have a jetta glx vr6, which used to amaze many people on the starting line yet I'm not a huge VW lover and wouldn't buy any other. The subaru might be a little flashy, but when it comes to driving in the snow 5months/year, you'd prefer the Subaru too! And when comparing, you also forgot talking about the STI *drools*!

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  4. @ Mr Bouchard

    I agree with you about winter driving, but that's situational. i live in British Columbia, and our winters are very mild. Regarding the STI, I intentionally left it out of the comparison because it's pretty much in a league of its own. VW can't compare with the STI, straight up.

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  5. The 4th paragraph pretty much summed up my thoughts. Even if the WRX is "better," I'd much prefer the Golf. WRX is ricer bait.

    I enjoy sleeper cars, too.

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  6. TBH I have to go with the Golf R because I'm a VW lover :D

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  7. I 100% agree with this article. also, cool video, never seen it.

    i myself, would buy an R, even though im super stoked they came back with the non-Hatchback STI

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  8. Hmm that appears to be a very nice Golf. No matter how good the WRX performs, i always thought it was ugly.

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  9. I'm not too into Subaru. That bright paint job looks pretty good on the vehicles though.

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  10. I'd go with whichever one is more reliable

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  11. Golfs are such sweet cars - definitely go with that - much better than a WRX with Blue Paint and Gold Rims =P

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  12. Never cared for the Golfs. Like the WRX, but was always an Evo person. Thanx for the info though.

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  13. Nice both look like they would be fun to drive. Fast that is :)

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  14. looks like an automobile battle to the death.

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  15. I prefer volskwagen in general, but the wrx is really nice

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  16. I think golf is one of the most boring cars

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  17. I really like the Gold cars they are the best!

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  18. WRX sure is sportier looking, but I guess i'm just not that kind of guy. I'd think the Golf is for me

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