Here's What Happens When A VW Golf GTI, GTD And R Do Battle On Track

The result of this 'Game of Golfs' track battle isn't hugely surprising, but it does leave us wondering one thing...
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We have no qualms spoiling the result here, as it’s a very predictable one: it’s the GTD in last, the GTI in the middle and the R at the top. However, Car.co.za’s Ciro De Siena notes that the R’s three second buffer over the GTI isn’t huge considering the 100,000 rand (around £6000) premium you have to stump up in South Africa, and he might have a point.

What we can’t help but wonder though, is just how close a GTI Performance might be, with its power increase, bigger brakes and VAQ front differential. It’d surely give the R a proper run for its money, and still be far cheaper.

The price difference between the GTI and R isn’t quite so big in the UK, but we’d still go for a GTI or GTI Performance, as it’s a more exciting, more engaging thing. The R just makes it all seem a bit too easy.

Which would you choose out of the GTI, GTD and R?

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Comments

Joseph Le Corre

GTI ClubSport

08/16/2017 - 13:16 |
8 | 2
Chewbacca_buddy (McLaren squad)(VW GTI Clubsport)(McLaren 60

In reply to by Joseph Le Corre

Same

08/16/2017 - 13:17 |
2 | 0

I’d get the GTE

08/16/2017 - 13:21 |
8 | 6
BenPaye(JDMSquad)(MX5Squad)(LFAsquad)(Subie Squad) (Rotary F

Gti cos manual

08/16/2017 - 13:17 |
0 | 0

R and GTD have manuals aswell

08/16/2017 - 13:18 |
6 | 4
Tomislav Celić

I wonder what would STD vs ST vs RS look like. Probably same as this, but still can we get it

Please

08/16/2017 - 13:18 |
82 | 6

SportTechnologyDiesel vs
SportTechnology vs.
RallyeSport

are u talking about focuses mate?

08/16/2017 - 14:12 |
20 | 2

Depends on what STD and how quickly he puts in and pulls out.
sexually transmittted disease

08/16/2017 - 16:38 |
8 | 0

None. Rather buy a Corsa

08/16/2017 - 20:56 |
2 | 6
JenstheGTIfreak (pizza)

GTI because FWD

08/16/2017 - 13:37 |
12 | 4

RWD>FWD
FWD=FailWheelDrive

08/17/2017 - 00:33 |
6 | 12

Yes!!!!!!!! This guy gets it

08/18/2017 - 23:11 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

R. Fast and actually quite useable.

08/16/2017 - 14:18 |
2 | 0
DL🏁

GTI also has greater history…

I still see why you would want the R though: the main reason is AWD.
GTI may come close to R on a dry track, but on real roads covered with mud and leaves, it stands no chance

My personal pick would be pre-facelift GTI Clubsport though

08/16/2017 - 14:22 |
18 | 0
Anonymous

I bought a GTD, good looks, handles great and for an everyday car the characteristics and torque are so impressive. It’s £20 a year to tax and does double the mpg of my old V8 Audi S5. Winner winner. Maybe when I have a garage I’ll keep a little GTI in there for the weekend.

08/16/2017 - 16:36 |
20 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

I was gonna say, I think I’d pick the diesel too, I generally don’t like diesels, but this for an everyday car is still mighty quick and A LOT more economical. Only downside I can think of - tractor sounds

08/17/2017 - 09:20 |
4 | 0
wilco van de leugendetector

A golf R wagon

08/16/2017 - 17:23 |
4 | 0
Daksh Pat

question, was the golf gtd part of dieselgate aswell?

08/16/2017 - 20:04 |
2 | 0
H4R1S_01

where is the GTE at

08/16/2017 - 20:27 |
2 | 0

in the garage, charging

08/17/2017 - 00:33 |
14 | 0