New daily - MK7.5 Golf R or 8V PFL/FL S3?

[euroandjdmfan]

Want to replace my daily drive 8P S3 with a newer model. I was going to go stage 2, but see more value in doing this with the newer generation as the gains are more noticeable and the options for mods are much wider, plus get all the features of the newer car.

I know the Golf is a better drive overall, but much prefer the interior of the 8V over the MK7.5. Neither are outright drivers cars, but would like the ability have fun when the need arises. Exterior wise, I think they both look good to me. The S3 looks a bit posher, but the Golf still looks fine.

I like that I could get an estate/wagon with the Golf, whereas with the S3, it would have to be the hatch; as the sedan lacks the lugging capacity that I require.

The infotainment system is important to me.

I'm not considering a MK7 as we didn't get many of the desirable options (such as Dynaudio) until the 7.5 over here in Australia, but am considering both pre and post facelift S3's as many of the pre facelift ones came optioned with the quilted leather and B&O, which is what I want.

Here are the main questions I have:
- How much better is the B&O system in S3 compared to the Dynaudio setup in the R?
- Is the DQ381 in the facelift models worth it over the DQ250?
- How much better is the MMI system in the FL S3 compared to the PFL version? Is it a similar jump from MIB1 to 2.5 in the Golf?
- Should I avoid the sunroof completely?

[AddyT.]

Hi,

I can’t comment too much on the S3 as I haven’t driven one but have seen a few video comparisons of the two along with comments on here before and the Golf is the better drive…even if indeed the S3 does look a bit posher. I do however have a Mk7 R and my wife a 7.5R so have had a crack at answering your questions!

Here are the main questions I have:
- How much better is the B&O system in S3 compared to the Dynaudio setup in the R?
I had the B&O system in my SQ5 which I returned recently. My wife has the Dynaudio in her R. I don’t think there’s all that much in it. I think the B&O might have the edge but only a little so would recommend trying both out. It also depends to a degree on how you like your sound setup. My SQ5 replacement has Burmester and I find that better than the B&O so down to the individual here I think.

- Is the DQ381 in the facelift models worth it over the DQ250?
Yes! We have both gearboxes and the 381 is vastly superior to the 250 so that is an absolute must.

- How much better is the MMI system in the FL S3 compared to the PFL version? Is it a similar jump from MIB1 to 2.5 in the Golf? Cant comment on the S3 but the 2.5 in the Golf is much better than its predecessor.

- Should I avoid the sunroof completely?
No I dont think so. Both of our R’s have the pan roofs. Had my 7R for 6 years and never had a problem with it.

[the-photographer]

AddyT. said:

Hi,
- Is the DQ381 in the facelift models worth it over the DQ250?
Yes! We have both gearboxes and the 381 is vastly superior to the 250 so that is an absolute must.

Hello, what is the main differences please between your two Golfs?

I looking at 7.0 and 7.5 cars at the moment.

Edited by the-photographer on Sunday 14th September 15:24

[Tarmack]

If the infotainment is important then you need to go for the facelift S3 as gained carplay and the virtual cockpit. Otherwise the same driving experience

[AddyT.]

the-photographer said:

AddyT. said:

Hi,
- Is the DQ381 in the facelift models worth it over the DQ250?
Yes! We have both gearboxes and the 381 is vastly superior to the 250 so that is an absolute must.

Hello, what is the main differences please between your two Golfs?

I looking at 7.0 and 7.5 cars at the moment.

Edited by the-photographer on Sunday 14th September 15:24

Hi there,

No problem!

The main differences are:
The 7.5R has the 7 speed box versus my 6 speed box and it frankly makes mine seem a bit old hat in comparison. Much smoother changes, better MPG due to the extra gear. On a motorway run I get around 35ish but have done 45mpg in the 7.5 and that’s maintaining 70mph all the way. The low down acceleration with the 7 speed makes it feel more alert and quicker off the line (albeit that is subjective) and it is much, much faster to kick down and hence in gear acceleration is faster….it is most noticeable at higher speeds. In a dead sprint from 0 to whatever they would likely be the same but in day to day driving the 7.5 is so much better and smoother.

Some prefer the traditional dials in the 7 but for me the digital dash in the 7.5 really freshens things up. The infotainment screen is also larger, faster and easier to use on the move. If you are looking at 7R’s make sure its 2016 onwards as that has the MIB2 system and should have Carplay as standard. The MIB1 2014 to late 2015 doesnt and on the whole seems extremely dated now.

As I’m sure you know, the 7.5 has the updated front and rear lights and some other cosmetic changes. I prefer the rear lights on the 7.5 in particular and I do also think the exhaust is a touch louder than the 7.

Lastly, my wifes car is standard but even though hers has the 19” Pretoria alloys and mine the 18” Cadiz, the ride quality and suspension in her car is better. I believe VW made some changes to the chassis rigidity in the 7.5 and you do notice it.

I know they are more money but if it were me, I’d definitely be stretching to a 7.5 over a 7.

Hope this helps.

[willttqs]

I went for a 7.5 performance gti.

I have had dynaudio in a 7.5 r that I had a few years ago. It was great, but so few are specced with it.

My current car doesn’t have it and I’m okay with the sound. I might get the sub that fits in the tyre, but not sure if I will bother.

I love the digital dash and CarPlay.

[ilikejam]

Do you get the Seat Leon in Aus? The Cupra 300 came in estate guise and was essentially a Golf R (unless I'm mistaken) but the Leon estate looked much better than the Golf estate IMO

[the-photographer]

AddyT. said:

the-photographer said:

AddyT. said:

Hi,
- Is the DQ381 in the facelift models worth it over the DQ250?
Yes! We have both gearboxes and the 381 is vastly superior to the 250 so that is an absolute must.

Hello, what is the main differences please between your two Golfs?

I looking at 7.0 and 7.5 cars at the moment.

Edited by the-photographer on Sunday 14th September 15:24

Hi there,

No problem!

The main differences are:
The 7.5R has the 7 speed box versus my 6 speed box and it frankly makes mine seem a bit old hat in comparison. Much smoother changes, better MPG due to the extra gear. On a motorway run I get around 35ish but have done 45mpg in the 7.5 and that s maintaining 70mph all the way. The low down acceleration with the 7 speed makes it feel more alert and quicker off the line (albeit that is subjective) and it is much, much faster to kick down and hence in gear acceleration is faster .it is most noticeable at higher speeds. In a dead sprint from 0 to whatever they would likely be the same but in day to day driving the 7.5 is so much better and smoother.

Hope this helps.

This is great thanks and agreed, I should look for a 7.5

Is there any difference in normal driving especially when you're waiting at junction/roundabout and want to GO?

[AddyT.]

the-photographer said:

AddyT. said:

the-photographer said:

AddyT. said:

Hi,
- Is the DQ381 in the facelift models worth it over the DQ250?
Yes! We have both gearboxes and the 381 is vastly superior to the 250 so that is an absolute must.

Hello, what is the main differences please between your two Golfs?

I looking at 7.0 and 7.5 cars at the moment.

Edited by the-photographer on Sunday 14th September 15:24

Hi there,

No problem!

The main differences are:
The 7.5R has the 7 speed box versus my 6 speed box and it frankly makes mine seem a bit old hat in comparison. Much smoother changes, better MPG due to the extra gear. On a motorway run I get around 35ish but have done 45mpg in the 7.5 and that s maintaining 70mph all the way. The low down acceleration with the 7 speed makes it feel more alert and quicker off the line (albeit that is subjective) and it is much, much faster to kick down and hence in gear acceleration is faster .it is most noticeable at higher speeds. In a dead sprint from 0 to whatever they would likely be the same but in day to day driving the 7.5 is so much better and smoother.

Hope this helps.

This is great thanks and agreed, I should look for a 7.5

Is there any difference in normal driving especially when you're waiting at junction/roundabout and want to GO?

Glad it helped and 7.5 is the way! If you are planting it from stationary I don't think there's a difference in either as I have found both will do once requested. This also applies if you are coming up to a junction so not stationary then plant it. However, in the second scenario I would say the 7.5 will pick up faster. In either car however I haven't found that dreaded "nothing and panic" when pressing the throttle in a rush. When I had my SQ5 for example, that could be a bit "now or never" so depends on the type of gearbox and how it's setup. The DSG's for me haven't presented that issue but still, the 7.5 gearbox is the way forward.

Spec wise, can't comment on the adaptive dampers as neither car has them. But if you can, I would recommend the pan roof and Dynaudio if you can find one with the upgraded sound system. Standard is fine but if you like your music, Dynaudio transforms it and it's not a big car so really does the job. High beam assist also a worthwhile option. My 7 has it, but not the wife's 7.5. It's not the much cooler adaptive full beam (not available on the R's but is on other VW cars such as certain Tiguan's etc) but does help. It was only a £150 option but not everyone took it. Overall, if you are thinking about future resale value don't get a boggo one. But some is down to individual taste. The 7 has leather but the 7.5 doesn't....I prefer the leather for the look and resale but my other half prepares cloth and I do understand why. If you are going to keep it until it dies then none of this matters but extras important to consider if you will move it on in the future.