Sam Du
Features Editor
R32 vs modified GTI vs stock GTI
Before this challenge, I was biased towards the modified GTI. It has street style with an aggressive attitude. The bolt-on performance parts give it extra boost, a more robust voice and fewer limitations. It's also reminiscent of my own Project Silverstone - a nimble Mk4 1.8T with similar power add-ons. But, after driving all three Mk5s, the modified GTI was the car I was least impressed by in the canyons. Don't get me wrong, the GTI scores high in looks, but it doesn't quite have the performance I expected from a modified car.
I like to drive my cars hard and fast. In saying that, I like a car that's loud, stiff, powerful and forgiving. This modified GTI was slightly conservative for me. The suspension could have been stiffer and it's definitely begging for more power. Acceleration-wise, I felt it wasn't substantially better than the stock GTI on the tight canyon roads we sampled.
The stock GTI handled similar in corners, except for its more pronounced body roll. Whereas the modified GTI did brake exceptionally well compared to stock, and its tires made me forget about grip issues.
That said; the R32 impressed me against both GTIs. To begin, the sportier seats felt more comfortable and secure. The engine performance was peppy and sharp. When I wanted to accelerate out of a corner or late-brake into one, it was easily achievable thanks to instantaneous torque and reliable brakes. At times, the car would correct my driving when mistakes were made.
The total R32 package equals a well-balanced car. Its raspy exhaust note is also to die for. After the day of driving, the R32 was the most fun and easy to drive.Despite my remarks about the modified GTI, I believe it would be a different story if it had upgrades such as a big turbo, stiffer suspension and manual transmission. Perhaps with these mods, a 2.0T might be a better fit for me.
BMW 135i vs VW R32
Although I enjoyed many aspects of the R32, it's not a BMW. The 135i is a beast that lives up to being The Ultimate Driving Machine. Its power easily surpasses the R32 - a twin-turbocharged inline-six against a naturally-aspirated VR6 is almost no comparison, and the 50hp gap proves it.
The 135i accelerates strong and linear. I was surprised the power didn't let off at higher RPM, especially in our tight canyon runs where the car was continually in second or third gear.
The braking is on-point as well. It's not touchy like an aftermarket brake kit and was easier to control than the R32. It stops whenever you want it to, even if you're very late on the middle pedal.
As far as handling, the 135i is victorious. It turns where you want it to go and grips when you think it's going to break loose. The 135i felt planted on the pavement and gave you the confidence to hit faster speeds in and out of turns. VW still has a lot of work to do if they want to offer a high-performance production car comparable to a BMW.