Leon Cupra R ---> Golf R32

[niikme]

Much of an upgrade? Do you think?

Im talking about a Mk4 R32.

I would be trading.....

210bhp for 240bhp
FWD for 4WD
5 doors for 3 doors
cloth recaros for leather recaros
40mpg for a guzzler!

I am especially interested in opinions of people who have driven either / both !!

>> Edited by niikme on Wednesday 12th April 10:14

>> Edited by niikme on Wednesday 12th April 10:15

[RacingTeatray]

Umm, the R32 was and is available as a 5-door and I'm pretty sure both the last model and the current model have recaros?

Do you mean the new R32 or the old R32?

I've driven both the Cupra R and the old R32 and thought them quite different.

[niikme]

hi mate, sorry, im talking about the MK4 R32. Yea, my cupra has recaros but they are cloth, R32s come with half leather or even full leather if you are really lucky. Whilst there are similarities between the car I am assuming they are Very different to drive hence the post !

Opinions !??

[RacingTeatray]

Well the engine is quite different for a start - one has a fat six and the other a turbocharged four. That said, I didn't think the R32 felt any faster - it's a rather lardier car (heavier engine, heavier drivetrain). But the manner of delivery is of course very different given that one is noticeably turbocharged and the other isn't turbocharged at all. Plus there's a difference in the way the power is put down. I found the Cupra R scrabbled around with the traction control light winking away on difficult surfaces (which in the end was why I bought an Audi S3). The Golf of course has no such issues. Seat feels nimbler though.

The other point is of course the quality. The 3-month old Cupra R I had for a day rattled and squeaked dreadfully and was generally made of sub-standard materials compared with a Mk4 Golf. This is especially noticeable if you get out of a Cupra R and into an A3/S3 where you are faced with an identical dashboard made out of decent materials.

[niikme]

so you rate an S3 over an R32 ?

[RacingTeatray]

niikme said:

so you rate an S3 over an R32 ?

Personally yes. I preferred the delivery of the turbo engine, the S3 felt faster and it was more economical (30mpg easily achievable in my experience). The R32 is heavier than an S3 (I checked at the time).

There were other factors too:

I thought the S3 better-looking and classier (R32 was deemed "a bit chav" by my girlfriend). It was also cheaper to buy (second-hand of course) and I liked the interior more. Insurance was usefully cheaper. It is easier to find one with a high spec - they came with leather and xenons as standard and then finding them with Sat Nav Plus etc is not hard. Oh and Audi offered the best part-exchange price on my previous car!

But if you need five doors, go for the R32, because the S3 comes only with three.

[Witchfinder]

The R32 will be quicker but will probably feel slower. The Cupra R should be good for 260 BHP if you get it chipped. Have you considered tuning what you've got?

[niikme]

RacingTeatray said:

niikme said: so you rate an S3 over an R32 ? But if you need five doors, go for the R32, because the S3 comes only with three.

I'm after 3 doors! but thanks for the useful comments!

[niikme]

Regards chipping.... ive just had enough of the car after 2 years of ownership... The novelty of the chip will wear off in a week or two. Besides it doesnt get the 210 down on anything but a dry road so any more power is next to useless! Essentially I fancy a change and the S3 is too similar to what I have now so the R32 looks like a good bet if I can find a low mileage blue one!

[RacingTeatray]

Alfa Romeo 147 GTA??

Just a thought...

[Witchfinder]

niikme said:

Essentially I fancy a change and the S3 is too similar to what I have now so the R32 looks like a good bet if I can find a low mileage blue one!

Well, if you want a change, you're basically just buying the same car with different badges and a bigger engine. Have you considered looking further afield? What's your budget? I assume we're talking in the region of £15K, and that you at least occasionally use the back seats/doors.

If you want something v. quick but fairly cheap, how about an Audi S4 (V6 bi-turbo)? They're looking a bit dated now and apparently need the suspension sorting out, but lots of people sing their praises. My Mondeo ST220 is a minter and I paid £12,500 for a car that's got practically every toy there is, and has a lovely free-revving V6. There's also the Focus RS - £15K should get you a nice unmodified one, or perhaps the Focus ST if you're prepared to go via a broker. If 4WD is a must, then you could look at Scoobies or even Evos.

[RossG]

Go for the Golf!

I tested a Cupra R before getting my R32 - as I have always loved the look of them.

However, in the end, I just felt that the R32 was that wee bit more special. It will definateyl feel like you have upgraded - although I'm not certain that the R32 will feel that much quicker.

It will certainly sound better though, and go round corners better!

What I would advise though is buying with care - as the R32 can be a bit fragile, especially if it hasn't been properly looked after. Mine was a minter that I bought from a friend - and it is currently at the dealers having a new dual mass flywheel fitted, in an attempt ot cure an engine rattle, that has in some cases resulted in a new engine! They do also suffer from broken ARB top mount link thingys (sorry, I'm not the most technical!) and the usual VAG coil pack and MAF issues.

The seats in the MK4 are Koenigs not Recaros, and they are brilliant. They all rattle like crazy though!! Which is a shame when the rest of the interior is rock solid.

I love mine. I have wanted one for years, and having had it for 2 months now - can't stop grinnning - and going for pointless drives.

Be prepared for far worse fuel consumption though! 270 miles from a tank (£55) is my normal range - maybe 300 miles on a run!!

Test one - you will know instantly if you have been smitten enough to really want one.

Visit www.tyresmoke.net as there is a very useful R32 forum there - with lots of technical info etc...

[niikme]

witchfinder, useful words! I often think about the V6 clio and the Focus RS but you spend most of your time 'in' the car rather than outside admiring its bodywork and the interiors of both leave me unenthusiastic - they are both a bit plasticy! (sorry to any owners reading this!). S4 avant however out of my 20K pricerange tho I think!

ross, thanks for the advice. I have just driven an R32 at vw swindon the end result is that I want one more than ever now but cant find a 3 dr blue one with less than 20k on the clock........... i shall continue my search......

cheers

[Witchfinder]

niikme said:

witchfinder, useful words! I often think about the V6 clio and the Focus RS but you spend most of your time 'in' the car rather than outside admiring its bodywork and the interiors of both leave me unenthusiastic - they are both a bit plasticy!

The Focus ST is a big step forwards on interior quality on the old shape Focus. The Recaros are brilliant. The RS has the excellent Sparco seats, but does look pretty garish elsewhere I must admit.

niikme said:

(sorry to any owners reading this!). S4 avant however out of my 20K pricerange tho I think!

I've seen V8 S4s for 22-23K, so yes, slightly out of your budget. The old V6 bi-turbos are well within your reach, but are looking a bit dated now.

[markda]

I've driven both, personally I prefer the R32! But if your comparing them on performance alone, would imagine a remapped LCR would be faster in a straight line. The R32 does handle fairly well, it certainly can't be compared to another other mk4 Golf (huge improvement).

As for fuel, can't imagine there is that much in it? I would be suprised if your getting 40 mpg from your LCR, the DIS computer is either lieing or your driving miss daisy...

Someone please correct me if I am talking rubbish, but isn't the LCR engine essentially the same as the TT 225? The reason I ask, is I currently run a TT 3.2 and general opinion from owners (whom which many are ex-TT 225 or S3 peeps) is there is only 2-3 mpg difference in the 1.8T (225) and the 3.2 V6.

[markda]

I thought so, the best I can get from my TT 3.2 is 30 mpg driving at reasonable speeds (80 mph) on a long motorway run. I would imagine a remapped LCR (with slightly better fuel economy) gets about 35 mpg - would you agree?

[Richy777]

I use to hae a golf 180 bhp which was remapped to 230 and this did 35mpg ish but I could get over 40 mpg on a run, but dont forget the LCR is not 4 wheel drive.

I would try and go for the new focus ST instead of the R32, At least it will be more comfortable (R32 are not) and proball be quicker, with a 3 year warantee

[markda]

Richy777 said:

I use to hae a golf 180 bhp which was remapped to 230 and this did 35mpg ish but I could get over 40 mpg on a run, but dont forget the LCR is not 4 wheel drive. I would try and go for the new focus ST instead of the R32, At least it will be more comfortable (R32 are not) and proball be quicker, with a 3 year warantee

The haldex 4wd system is only driving the front wheels when your on the motorway anyway, still I am no expert. Will that make a real difference to the mpg?

[r32]

When I had my TT225 (remapped to 265ish) I was averaging 27-30mpg. In the R32 27mpg is the absolute best I have seen sticking to a constant 70 on a long run. Expect to see sub 20 on non-motorway roads and probably average over a tank 24mpg.

You're right about the haldex only using mostly fwd until it needs to shift the power, but dont forget it still has to lug around that extra heavy diff.

I've had my R32 3 years now, and apart from bleeding my dry by using so much fuel, its been a fantasic car. I think I'm now addicted to the V6 as I'm considering changing car in the nest year I'm struggling to decide what to get. New R32 is out as I dont like the looks..

The advantage of a 4wd car over the fast 2wd cars is mostly only seen in the crap weather (which we do have our fair share of!) and I have to admit, I'll probably look for another 4wd when I change. Its great being able to blast away from junctions regardless of whether its wet or not, without a hint of wheelspin (or the esp kicking in). Once you are moving I can imagine there isn't much in it between the R32, Leon or the new ST.. maybe even the turbod cars might have the edge in a straight line.

In answer to some of the earlier points raised:

1) The R32 will probably FEEL slower than the cupra. Had both the TT and R32 for a few weeks before selling the TT, and the difference was amazing. The TT felt so much quicker due to the huge kick in the back as the turbo kicks in.. but after a while you realise that actually the speedo needle in the golf is moving round pretty rapidly too.. it just doesnt feel like it!

2) Again from comparing the turbod car to the V6, I find the V6 much easier to drive faster over twisties. The power delivery is soo smooth you can feather it around corners, rather than the nothing, boooostt of the turbo which made cornering a bit tricky in the TT.

3) The seats in the R32 are konigs not recaros, but are pretty good anyway. Avoid leather as there are reports of it sagging. I've got the half leather/cloth option (standard) and I think that was the best choice.

4) Even 3 years on I think the Mk4 R32 looks great. Still gets admiring looks, and people saying how good the car looks. Personally I think it looks miles better than the new R32.

5) Ride is rock hard. That means rattles.. although only similar to the TT IMHO.

Oh and download this clip and tell me you dont love the sound.. 19mb R32 clip

Any more questions - ask away and I'll do my best to answer.

>> Edited by r32 on Saturday 22 April 21:46

[Witchfinder]

I got chatting to a bloke in a car park about his Mk V R32. He started it up for me and blipped the throttle. It sounded bloody incredible, and that was with the standard exhaust!