M3 vs Golf R as a daily driver

evanescent03 · 05-04-2017, 01:23 PM

I got an S3 after having an f80 in manual. my commute was getting cut down so I couldn't justify the cost of the M3 (and just wanted something new as I'm a car buying addict). the s3 is about 50% as fun on track and about 75% on the street. a manual in the golf R would help but I admit the image of a car is part of it to me, too. I hate the golf r wheels and my wife hates the VW hatch look. the S3 has nice wheels and nicer interior but less fun bc no manual.

a better set of tires may improve the fun a bit, the stock contis are not sporty at all and I destroyed one in a single day at thunderhill. with a tune it launches hard and my boys (4 and 2) love launch mode.

last big complaint is that I feel like I sit too high which is a little subjective and maybe the Golf R is better in that respect.

if the S3 had a manual, I could sit lower, and was RWD it'd be nearly as fun. of course in the rain and drinking a coffee I appreciate the AWD and auto trans... so it's not a total loss. I did have to get a RWD sports car to fill the void in my heart for weekend and track duty (718S then camaro SS 1LE when I was disappointed by the Porsche)

Yes2m3cs · 05-04-2017, 08:04 PM

I have a M4 and a mk7 GTI and love them both! GTI leases real cheap, can't go wrong.

Good luck!

doberzus · 05-06-2017, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evanescent03

I got an S3 after having an f80 in manual. my commute was getting cut down so I couldn't justify the cost of the M3 (and just wanted something new as I'm a car buying addict). the s3 is about 50% as fun on track and about 75% on the street. a manual in the golf R would help but I admit the image of a car is part of it to me, too. I hate the golf r wheels and my wife hates the VW hatch look. the S3 has nice wheels and nicer interior but less fun bc no manual.

a better set of tires may improve the fun a bit, the stock contis are not sporty at all and I destroyed one in a single day at thunderhill. with a tune it launches hard and my boys (4 and 2) love launch mode.

last big complaint is that I feel like I sit too high which is a little subjective and maybe the Golf R is better in that respect.

if the S3 had a manual, I could sit lower, and was RWD it'd be nearly as fun. of course in the rain and drinking a coffee I appreciate the AWD and auto trans... so it's not a total loss. I did have to get a RWD sports car to fill the void in my heart for weekend and track duty (718S then camaro SS 1LE when I was disappointed by the Porsche)

Traded my 6MT F80 for an S3, what a mistake that was. After 11 months and 5500 miles I got rid of it for a Hellcat. I owned our second DCT F80 alongside my S3, driving the S3 was never an event....BORING. We only drove it in foul weather.

That car did everything well, but had ZERO emotion, character or fun factor. Like I said, good car, decently quick from a dig(with MAJOR DSG lgggg).

If anyone here is thinking of downgrading to the S3/Golf R, you will regret it. Unless you are trying to save money and want something practical, by all means. You can tell yourself that with a tune and exhaust it'll smoke the F80 from a dig.... who cares though. After almost one year of ownership, the car never had one thumbs up, wave, or race from a fellow enthusiast. It was Sepang Blue with black optic pkg.

Sterile and boring are the best words to describe it. Even though the STI or Focus RS are more juvenile, they will put a bigger smile on your face.

katit · 05-07-2017, 07:25 AM

I drive manuals only. Owned BMWs before. Golf R was everything on paper. I drove one side to side with GTI and no, there is nothing similar. R is better. AWD is one of the main things. And it's plenty fast. Manual gearbox, clutch, etc all was just right. At the end I got M3. For me it was about bad VW dealer reputation, cheaper interior feel, not as sharp looking from outside. And I prefer RWD.

I just didn't feel like I'm going to keep it. But it's a great car IMO

P.S. My base M3 is $20k more expensive. Of course it is better car! It's not about what is better, it's about deciding if it worth it to you

ssabripo · 05-07-2017, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evanescent03

I got an S3 after having an f80 in manual. my commute was getting cut down so I couldn't justify the cost of the M3 (and just wanted something new as I'm a car buying addict). the s3 is about 50% as fun on track and about 75% on the street. a manual in the golf R would help but I admit the image of a car is part of it to me, too. I hate the golf r wheels and my wife hates the VW hatch look. the S3 has nice wheels and nicer interior but less fun bc no manual.

a better set of tires may improve the fun a bit, the stock contis are not sporty at all and I destroyed one in a single day at thunderhill. with a tune it launches hard and my boys (4 and 2) love launch mode.

last big complaint is that I feel like I sit too high which is a little subjective and maybe the Golf R is better in that respect.

if the S3 had a manual, I could sit lower, and was RWD it'd be nearly as fun. of course in the rain and drinking a coffee I appreciate the AWD and auto trans... so it's not a total loss. I did have to get a RWD sports car to fill the void in my heart for weekend and track duty (718S then camaro SS 1LE when I was disappointed by the Porsche)

Quote:

Originally Posted by doberzus

Traded my 6MT F80 for an S3, what a mistake that was. After 11 months and 5500 miles I got rid of it for a Hellcat. I owned our second DCT F80 alongside my S3, driving the S3 was never an event....BORING. We only drove it in foul weather.

That car did everything well, but had ZERO emotion, character or fun factor. Like I said, good car, decently quick from a dig(with MAJOR DSG lgggg).

If anyone here is thinking of downgrading to the S3/Golf R, you will regret it. Unless you are trying to save money and want something practical, by all means. You can tell yourself that with a tune and exhaust it'll smoke the F80 from a dig.... who cares though. After almost one year of ownership, the car never had one thumbs up, wave, or race from a fellow enthusiast. It was Sepang Blue with black optic pkg.

Sterile and boring are the best words to describe it. Even though the STI or Focus RS are more juvenile, they will put a bigger smile on your face.

guys,
need a little feedback here NOT from the standpoint of "downgrade" etc, but from a practical matter:

My F80 lease is up next year, and due to changes in my personal life (big "D" etc), i need to cut down on some expenses, as well as not having that many track day opportunities anymore

SO, i'm really thinking right now about the following as my next lease:

2018 Audi S3 (plus APR chip)
2018 Golf R (plus APR Chip)
2018 M2 (ED, to save a little $)

I'm trying to keep prices as low as I can since i'll likely have to save up for a house next year once all this drama is done, so thus the reason for looking at these as options.

I was leaning towards the S3 but now you guys have be re-thinking this. The car looks pretty good, has a good peppy feel to it when i drove it, and has 4 doors for my kids (early teenagers). The Golf R is cheaper but i'm not a big fan of the looks and stigma of the ricer boy look, even though the engine is the same.

The M2 is another option which I really like, but it's a coupe so that will be harder to carry the boys around, and pricewise it's more. However, looks like the lease rates on the S3 are not as attractive as the M2, so not sure...

ANYWAYS, besides the fact that the S3 is clearly not our F8X M's, and obviously more "boring", are there any other issues as a daily driver? reliability? etc?

any additional info or sharing of your experiences would be greatly appreciated.

evanescent03 · 05-07-2017, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssabripo

Quote:

Originally Posted by evanescent03

I got an S3 after having an f80 in manual. my commute was getting cut down so I couldn't justify the cost of the M3 (and just wanted something new as I'm a car buying addict). the s3 is about 50% as fun on track and about 75% on the street. a manual in the golf R would help but I admit the image of a car is part of it to me, too. I hate the golf r wheels and my wife hates the VW hatch look. the S3 has nice wheels and nicer interior but less fun bc no manual.

a better set of tires may improve the fun a bit, the stock contis are not sporty at all and I destroyed one in a single day at thunderhill. with a tune it launches hard and my boys (4 and 2) love launch mode.

last big complaint is that I feel like I sit too high which is a little subjective and maybe the Golf R is better in that respect.

if the S3 had a manual, I could sit lower, and was RWD it'd be nearly as fun. of course in the rain and drinking a coffee I appreciate the AWD and auto trans... so it's not a total loss. I did have to get a RWD sports car to fill the void in my heart for weekend and track duty (718S then camaro SS 1LE when I was disappointed by the Porsche)

Quote:

Originally Posted by doberzus

Traded my 6MT F80 for an S3, what a mistake that was. After 11 months and 5500 miles I got rid of it for a Hellcat. I owned our second DCT F80 alongside my S3, driving the S3 was never an event....BORING. We only drove it in foul weather.

That car did everything well, but had ZERO emotion, character or fun factor. Like I said, good car, decently quick from a dig(with MAJOR DSG lgggg).

If anyone here is thinking of downgrading to the S3/Golf R, you will regret it. Unless you are trying to save money and want something practical, by all means. You can tell yourself that with a tune and exhaust it'll smoke the F80 from a dig.... who cares though. After almost one year of ownership, the car never had one thumbs up, wave, or race from a fellow enthusiast. It was Sepang Blue with black optic pkg.

Sterile and boring are the best words to describe it. Even though the STI or Focus RS are more juvenile, they will put a bigger smile on your face.

guys,
need a little feedback here NOT from the standpoint of "downgrade" etc, but from a practical matter:

My F80 lease is up next year, and due to changes in my personal life (big "D" etc), i need to cut down on some expenses, as well as not having that many track day opportunities anymore

SO, i'm really thinking right now about the following as my next lease:

2018 Audi S3 (plus APR chip)
2018 Golf R (plus APR Chip)
2018 M2 (ED, to save a little $)

I'm trying to keep prices as low as I can since i'll likely have to save up for a house next year once all this drama is done, so thus the reason for looking at these as options.

I was leaning towards the S3 but now you guys have be re-thinking this. The car looks pretty good, has a good peppy feel to it when i drove it, and has 4 doors for my kids (early teenagers). The Golf R is cheaper but i'm not a big fan of the looks and stigma of the ricer boy look, even though the engine is the same.

The M2 is another option which I really like, but it's a coupe so that will be harder to carry the boys around, and pricewise it's more. However, looks like the lease rates on the S3 are not as attractive as the M2, so not sure...

ANYWAYS, besides the fact that the S3 is clearly not our F8X M's, and obviously more "boring", are there any other issues as a daily driver? reliability? etc?

any additional info or sharing of your experiences would be greatly appreciated.

seating position isn't as good. I just test drove an S4 and thought it felt much better in a sporty sense, has a way nicer interior, plenty space for your boys, more power and better delivery than the S3, better seating position.

no reliability issues with the S3 with 4500mi on the clock including an oil change and a track day (needed a new tire after a day).

get a base model S4. even with a couple options it'll land in mid 50s, same as an m2. loaded you'll be around 60k and have some fancy tech and still probably less than an M2 (which are still being marked up!).

S4 has a way more updated, special and nicer interior (carbon fiber trim and partial Alcantara seats) than the 340i in my opinion which is looking pretty tired to me. go drive one!

Aaaaaaaaa · 05-07-2017, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssabripo

guys,
need a little feedback here NOT from the standpoint of "downgrade" etc, but from a practical matter:

My F80 lease is up next year, and due to changes in my personal life (big "D" etc), i need to cut down on some expenses, as well as not having that many track day opportunities anymore

SO, i'm really thinking right now about the following as my next lease:

2018 Audi S3 (plus APR chip)
2018 Golf R (plus APR Chip)
2018 M2 (ED, to save a little $)

I'm trying to keep prices as low as I can since i'll likely have to save up for a house next year once all this drama is done, so thus the reason for looking at these as options.

I was leaning towards the S3 but now you guys have be re-thinking this. The car looks pretty good, has a good peppy feel to it when i drove it, and has 4 doors for my kids (early teenagers). The Golf R is cheaper but i'm not a big fan of the looks and stigma of the ricer boy look, even though the engine is the same.

The M2 is another option which I really like, but it's a coupe so that will be harder to carry the boys around, and pricewise it's more. However, looks like the lease rates on the S3 are not as attractive as the M2, so not sure...

ANYWAYS, besides the fact that the S3 is clearly not our F8X M's, and obviously more "boring", are there any other issues as a daily driver? reliability? etc?

any additional info or sharing of your experiences would be greatly appreciated.

M2'S lease horribly (residuals are so low) and you're telling me the S3 is even worse?

DS_BMW · 05-08-2017, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssabripo

Quote:

Originally Posted by evanescent03

I got an S3 after having an f80 in manual. my commute was getting cut down so I couldn't justify the cost of the M3 (and just wanted something new as I'm a car buying addict). the s3 is about 50% as fun on track and about 75% on the street. a manual in the golf R would help but I admit the image of a car is part of it to me, too. I hate the golf r wheels and my wife hates the VW hatch look. the S3 has nice wheels and nicer interior but less fun bc no manual.

a better set of tires may improve the fun a bit, the stock contis are not sporty at all and I destroyed one in a single day at thunderhill. with a tune it launches hard and my boys (4 and 2) love launch mode.

last big complaint is that I feel like I sit too high which is a little subjective and maybe the Golf R is better in that respect.

if the S3 had a manual, I could sit lower, and was RWD it'd be nearly as fun. of course in the rain and drinking a coffee I appreciate the AWD and auto trans... so it's not a total loss. I did have to get a RWD sports car to fill the void in my heart for weekend and track duty (718S then camaro SS 1LE when I was disappointed by the Porsche)

Quote:

Originally Posted by doberzus

Traded my 6MT F80 for an S3, what a mistake that was. After 11 months and 5500 miles I got rid of it for a Hellcat. I owned our second DCT F80 alongside my S3, driving the S3 was never an event....BORING. We only drove it in foul weather.

That car did everything well, but had ZERO emotion, character or fun factor. Like I said, good car, decently quick from a dig(with MAJOR DSG lgggg).

If anyone here is thinking of downgrading to the S3/Golf R, you will regret it. Unless you are trying to save money and want something practical, by all means. You can tell yourself that with a tune and exhaust it'll smoke the F80 from a dig.... who cares though. After almost one year of ownership, the car never had one thumbs up, wave, or race from a fellow enthusiast. It was Sepang Blue with black optic pkg.

Sterile and boring are the best words to describe it. Even though the STI or Focus RS are more juvenile, they will put a bigger smile on your face.

guys,
need a little feedback here NOT from the standpoint of "downgrade" etc, but from a practical matter:

My F80 lease is up next year, and due to changes in my personal life (big "D" etc), i need to cut down on some expenses, as well as not having that many track day opportunities anymore

SO, i'm really thinking right now about the following as my next lease:

2018 Audi S3 (plus APR chip)
2018 Golf R (plus APR Chip)
2018 M2 (ED, to save a little $)

I'm trying to keep prices as low as I can since i'll likely have to save up for a house next year once all this drama is done, so thus the reason for looking at these as options.

I was leaning towards the S3 but now you guys have be re-thinking this. The car looks pretty good, has a good peppy feel to it when i drove it, and has 4 doors for my kids (early teenagers). The Golf R is cheaper but i'm not a big fan of the looks and stigma of the ricer boy look, even though the engine is the same.

The M2 is another option which I really like, but it's a coupe so that will be harder to carry the boys around, and pricewise it's more. However, looks like the lease rates on the S3 are not as attractive as the M2, so not sure...

ANYWAYS, besides the fact that the S3 is clearly not our F8X M's, and obviously more "boring", are there any other issues as a daily driver? reliability? etc?

any additional info or sharing of your experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Why not a RS3 with an APR tune?

RobC2 · 05-09-2017, 06:02 AM

It is not a Golf R, but I love my MK7 GTI. I definitely don't drive it as much since getting my M3, however. It serves the role in the family I guess most people would fill with a small SUV. I will say though that for me personally, whenever I have tried to save money or be more practical when deciding between two things it has always cost me more in the long run as I eventually get the (more expensive) one I originally wanted anyway.

evanescent03 · 05-10-2017, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobC2

It is not a Golf R, but I love my MK7 GTI. I definitely don't drive it as much since getting my M3, however. It serves the role in the family I guess most people would fill with a small SUV. I will say though that for me personally, whenever I have tried to save money or be more practical when deciding between two things it has always cost me more in the long run as I eventually get the (more expensive) one I originally wanted anyway.

me too! tried to save a couple hundred bucks on my monthly payment and ended up dropping several grand and increasing my monthly payment by $700 to have 2 cars filling the void of the M3. oops.

Aaaaaaaaa · 05-10-2017, 04:52 PM

A little update. The local dealer received a Golf R in manual and they let me test drive it. I just test drove a Mk7 GTI a week ago so pretty fresh in my memory. Aside from the different (fake) engine sound and cosmetic differences I couldn't really appreciate the $15k premium over the GTI. I think the problem with the Golf R is that the GTI is already such a complete package and bargain. Maybe I could tell the difference on a track or the non-existent inclement weather we get here or whatever but personally if I was thinking of saving money on a M3 by getting a Golf R, I'd just jump down to the GTI and invest the cash. I think my mind is made up on going for the M3 though. Every time I see one on the road I just pine for one...

katit · 05-10-2017, 09:09 PM

I don't know. I drove GTI and R side by side and difference were obvious. Extra power with AWD is a key. Plus R is not Mexican for what it worth.

mic_crispy · 05-23-2017, 03:06 PM

I went from a 2015 F80 to Golf R back to a F80(comp).
I had a REALLY early 2015 (June 2014) and when the Comp pack was announced i decided i wanted one... During the wait, I got an offer on my 2015 M3 that i couldn't turn down so i sold it and got a Golf R to drive for the next 10 months or so.

Its a great car, but a little stale like others have said.. does everything so well.. and is a nice step up from a RS, STi etc in terms of interior quality.
Just not EXCITING like a 400+ hp RWD M3 or as "on edge" as a ST.

It feels a lot slower than the M3 but yes, you can tune it... Just remember, it will void your warranty (even if you flash it back, they can tell... or so ive heard).

I really did enjoy it tho. Small and it maneuvers well. Good ergonomics and its not SLOW, just not f80 fast.

I would get one again if i needed to lower my payments etc. Nothing else id get for sub 40k(new).
I dont remember the exact details, but i paid something like 480$ on a lease with about 1200 down.

If it says anything, im currently wanting to lower my total car cost (i have a Exige / F80 now) and trading in my M3 on a Golf is on the table.

Feel free to ask away...

mwh2009 · 05-23-2017, 04:02 PM

I think you're about right - 80% of the fun for 50% of the cost. I've had my F80 only a month. And it's awesome. But I already know not to calculate the additional cost of it vs my 340i xDrive or my Subie before that, lest I be struck blind by the horrible financial decision I made.

The F80 makes NO financial sense on any level whatsoever. Even the Golf R is a stretch for a DD, if 95% of your miles are commuting behind other cars.

On the other hand, what's that extra 20% of fun worth to you? Like I said, only had my M3 for a month, and I'm getting close to the point where you can have it when you can pry the key out of my cold dead fingers.

Asking any question on this forum that involves some kind of calculus around value is always trouble. There are always those that seem to imply a question of cost as an admission that the OP can't afford the car, rather than recognizing that for any of us, there is always a value question, it's just a matter of how we individually weight the inputs to that equation.

I was in the same boat - wanted a 6MT fun car for commuting. Drove just about everything, and finally decided to splurge for my dream car before they stopped making it in a manual. But absolutely aware that it's forfeiting very tangible dollars for an intangible thing like fun!

Good luck NOT buying an M3 though after a test drive! My test drive haunted me for a full year and I finally caved and upgraded from the 340, which was almost the perfect commuter car (for my value equation).

ctgeorge · 05-23-2017, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FriskyDingo

Not going to touch on R vs M3, as others already have.

I will just say I think the R is better as DSG. And it is a lot of fun to drive. I daily a '16 GTI and love it.

VW's DSG is vastly better than DCT. This coming from someone who's owned both.

mic_crispy · 05-23-2017, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctgeorge

VW's DSG is vastly better than DCT. This coming from someone who's owned both.

Ive had both and i wouldnt say that. DSG is smoother, but DCT shifts much quicker to me.

stylinexpat · 05-24-2017, 10:21 PM

When the new 2018 Golf R comes out it should be very nice. If you do more city driving then the Golf R should be better but if you do more highway driving I would stick with the M3. Fuel economy,performance and city driving is the Golf R. Performance and highway is the M3

jmg · 05-25-2017, 05:05 PM

I really enjoyed driving my buddies new Golf R. The only problem I had was that the clutch is high and the throws are long. Fun little car though and I liked the fit and finish.

ssabripo · 05-26-2017, 10:12 AM

i think I'm pretty set on going with a 2018 S3 for my DD.

M3 n X5M · 05-28-2017, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bd307

Go with the Golf R as you don't seem to be financially established or stable to be comfortably affording the M. Remember it is all about the fun driving it and not worrying about other things.

If I am wrong, by all means get the M and never looked back

This is the most sensible advice.

BTW, I owned an R32 for 5 years and still miss it today. There is something soulful in the VW in the snow, rain and in the twisties. The Golf R builds on that a lot. So you could have a great experience with that car. An M car comes with a hefty M price.

Maintaining an M car past warranty and keeping the new feel is about 5 k per year.

PURE340i · 05-28-2017, 01:30 PM

Golf R lease sucks. If you were debating on getting a Golf R just go for the S3 at a much better deal. VW thinks the Golf R is godly or something. This sounds more like a down-grade..... but you can always go with a GTI at a much cheaper lease cost around $300 and if you're into modifying the car...I have the turbo installed on mine from the Golf-R/S3 and I'm making nearly 400whp on water-meth, 26 psi of boost, and E30 blend. I'm just snooping around the BMW forums as I'm highly interested in purchasing a F80 M3 or something in that range sometime this year.

jmg · 05-28-2017, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IS38_GTi

Golf R lease sucks. If you were debating on getting a Golf R just go for the S3 at a much better deal. VW thinks the Golf R is godly or something. This sounds more like a down-grade..... but you can always go with a GTI at a much cheaper lease cost around $300 and if you're into modifying the car...I have the turbo installed on mine from the Golf-R/S3 and I'm making nearly 400whp on water-meth, 26 psi of boost, and E30 blend. I'm just snooping around the BMW forums as I'm highly interested in purchasing a F80 M3 or something in that range sometime this year.

True, Golf R lease terms suck. You are better off purchasing.

05-04-2017, 01:23 PM	#45
evanescent03 Lieutenant Colonel 1032 Rep 1,997 Posts Drives: '24 M3 CS; '22 GT4 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: USA iTrader: (2)	I got an S3 after having an f80 in manual. my commute was getting cut down so I couldn't justify the cost of the M3 (and just wanted something new as I'm a car buying addict). the s3 is about 50% as fun on track and about 75% on the street. a manual in the golf R would help but I admit the image of a car is part of it to me, too. I hate the golf r wheels and my wife hates the VW hatch look. the S3 has nice wheels and nicer interior but less fun bc no manual. a better set of tires may improve the fun a bit, the stock contis are not sporty at all and I destroyed one in a single day at thunderhill. with a tune it launches hard and my boys (4 and 2) love launch mode. last big complaint is that I feel like I sit too high which is a little subjective and maybe the Golf R is better in that respect. if the S3 had a manual, I could sit lower, and was RWD it'd be nearly as fun. of course in the rain and drinking a coffee I appreciate the AWD and auto trans... so it's not a total loss. I did have to get a RWD sports car to fill the void in my heart for weekend and track duty (718S then camaro SS 1LE when I was disappointed by the Porsche) __________________ Gone but not forgotten: '09 STi // '08 335i // '02 M3 // '11 335i // '15 M3 // '16 M3 // '16 Camaro SS // '16 Audi S3 // '18 Boxster 718S // '17 Camaro SS 1LE // '16 M6 GC CP
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05-04-2017, 08:04 PM	#46
Yes2m3cs Captain 155 Rep 851 Posts Drives: 2018 M3CS 2016 M4 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sunshine State iTrader: (2)	I have a M4 and a mk7 GTI and love them both! GTI leases real cheap, can't go wrong. Good luck! __________________ 2018 M3CS - Alpine White 2016 BMW M4 - Vorsteiner \| Michelin MPSS \| Dinan \| Swift \| M Performance Carbon Everything (Garage Queen) 2016 VW GTI - Unitronic Stage 1 Tune \| AWE Track Edition Exhaust (Daily Driver)
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05-07-2017, 07:25 AM	#48
katit First Lieutenant 89 Rep 302 Posts Drives: 2017 F80 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: STL iTrader: (0)	I drive manuals only. Owned BMWs before. Golf R was everything on paper. I drove one side to side with GTI and no, there is nothing similar. R is better. AWD is one of the main things. And it's plenty fast. Manual gearbox, clutch, etc all was just right. At the end I got M3. For me it was about bad VW dealer reputation, cheaper interior feel, not as sharp looking from outside. And I prefer RWD. I just didn't feel like I'm going to keep it. But it's a great car IMO P.S. My base M3 is $20k more expensive. Of course it is better car! It's not about what is better, it's about deciding if it worth it to you
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05-09-2017, 06:02 AM	#53
RobC2 Lieutenant 312 Rep 520 Posts Drives: different makes and models. Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	It is not a Golf R, but I love my MK7 GTI. I definitely don't drive it as much since getting my M3, however. It serves the role in the family I guess most people would fill with a small SUV. I will say though that for me personally, whenever I have tried to save money or be more practical when deciding between two things it has always cost me more in the long run as I eventually get the (more expensive) one I originally wanted anyway.
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05-10-2017, 04:52 PM	#55
Aaaaaaaaa Banned 7559 Rep 5,056 Posts Drives: The other M3 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: So Cal iTrader: (0)	A little update. The local dealer received a Golf R in manual and they let me test drive it. I just test drove a Mk7 GTI a week ago so pretty fresh in my memory. Aside from the different (fake) engine sound and cosmetic differences I couldn't really appreciate the $15k premium over the GTI. I think the problem with the Golf R is that the GTI is already such a complete package and bargain. Maybe I could tell the difference on a track or the non-existent inclement weather we get here or whatever but personally if I was thinking of saving money on a M3 by getting a Golf R, I'd just jump down to the GTI and invest the cash. I think my mind is made up on going for the M3 though. Every time I see one on the road I just pine for one...
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05-10-2017, 09:09 PM	#56
katit First Lieutenant 89 Rep 302 Posts Drives: 2017 F80 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: STL iTrader: (0)	I don't know. I drove GTI and R side by side and difference were obvious. Extra power with AWD is a key. Plus R is not Mexican for what it worth.
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05-23-2017, 03:06 PM	#57
mic_crispy Lieutenant 225 Rep 489 Posts Drives: 2002 \| 964 \| x1 M35 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: DFW iTrader: (0)	I went from a 2015 F80 to Golf R back to a F80(comp). I had a REALLY early 2015 (June 2014) and when the Comp pack was announced i decided i wanted one... During the wait, I got an offer on my 2015 M3 that i couldn't turn down so i sold it and got a Golf R to drive for the next 10 months or so. Its a great car, but a little stale like others have said.. does everything so well.. and is a nice step up from a RS, STi etc in terms of interior quality. Just not EXCITING like a 400+ hp RWD M3 or as "on edge" as a ST. It feels a lot slower than the M3 but yes, you can tune it... Just remember, it will void your warranty (even if you flash it back, they can tell... or so ive heard). I really did enjoy it tho. Small and it maneuvers well. Good ergonomics and its not SLOW, just not f80 fast. I would get one again if i needed to lower my payments etc. Nothing else id get for sub 40k(new). I dont remember the exact details, but i paid something like 480$ on a lease with about 1200 down. If it says anything, im currently wanting to lower my total car cost (i have a Exige / F80 now) and trading in my M3 on a Golf is on the table. Feel free to ask away... __________________ 2020 M2C.
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05-23-2017, 04:02 PM	#58
mwh2009 Captain 289 Rep 621 Posts Drives: M2C Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: VA iTrader: (0)	I think you're about right - 80% of the fun for 50% of the cost. I've had my F80 only a month. And it's awesome. But I already know not to calculate the additional cost of it vs my 340i xDrive or my Subie before that, lest I be struck blind by the horrible financial decision I made. The F80 makes NO financial sense on any level whatsoever. Even the Golf R is a stretch for a DD, if 95% of your miles are commuting behind other cars. On the other hand, what's that extra 20% of fun worth to you? Like I said, only had my M3 for a month, and I'm getting close to the point where you can have it when you can pry the key out of my cold dead fingers. Asking any question on this forum that involves some kind of calculus around value is always trouble. There are always those that seem to imply a question of cost as an admission that the OP can't afford the car, rather than recognizing that for any of us, there is always a value question, it's just a matter of how we individually weight the inputs to that equation. I was in the same boat - wanted a 6MT fun car for commuting. Drove just about everything, and finally decided to splurge for my dream car before they stopped making it in a manual. But absolutely aware that it's forfeiting very tangible dollars for an intangible thing like fun! Good luck NOT buying an M3 though after a test drive! My test drive haunted me for a full year and I finally caved and upgraded from the 340, which was almost the perfect commuter car (for my value equation). __________________ 2021 M2C, HS / 6MT 2019 Mini Cooper S Hardtop 4 Door / 6MT 2022 Mini Countryman All4 JCW No longer with me: 2018 Golf R, 2017 F80 M3, 2016 F30 340i xDrive
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05-24-2017, 10:21 PM	#61
stylinexpat Major 415 Rep 1,427 Posts Drives: Join Date: Aug 2008 iTrader: (0)	When the new 2018 Golf R comes out it should be very nice. If you do more city driving then the Golf R should be better but if you do more highway driving I would stick with the M3. Fuel economy,performance and city driving is the Golf R. Performance and highway is the M3
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05-25-2017, 05:05 PM	#62
jmg Lieutenant General 18704 Rep 14,115 Posts Drives: G82 M4C X-Drive Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2022 G82 M4C X-Drive [9.85] 2018 F80 M3 CS [9.87] 2019 i3 BEV [0.00]	I really enjoyed driving my buddies new Golf R. The only problem I had was that the clutch is high and the throws are long. Fun little car though and I liked the fit and finish. __________________ 2022 G82///M4 Competition X-Drive - KW-HAS, EBC Bluestuff, Millway Race Camber Plates, Cup2 Connect, PSI High Flow Midpipe, Lightweight Front Lip, M Perf Flow Through Wing Previous • 2018 F80 ///M3 CS • 2016 F80 ///*M3 IG: Raging_G82
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05-26-2017, 10:12 AM	#63
ssabripo HALA MADRID! 939 Rep 2,879 Posts Drives: camels & donkeys Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Plantation, Fl iTrader: (7)	i think I'm pretty set on going with a 2018 S3 for my DD. __________________ F87 M2 Competition, Sunset Orange, Exc, DCT. SOLD F80 M3 Mineral Grey/Sakir Orange, Exc, DCT... ED 6/2015 SOLDE90 M3, Interlagos Blue / M individual two-tone, ZCP, ZP2, ZCV, DCT, ED.
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05-28-2017, 01:30 PM	#65
PURE340i Banned 104 Rep 231 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW 340i & 2011 335d Join Date: May 2017 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Golf R lease sucks. If you were debating on getting a Golf R just go for the S3 at a much better deal. VW thinks the Golf R is godly or something. This sounds more like a down-grade..... but you can always go with a GTI at a much cheaper lease cost around $300 and if you're into modifying the car...I have the turbo installed on mine from the Golf-R/S3 and I'm making nearly 400whp on water-meth, 26 psi of boost, and E30 blend. I'm just snooping around the BMW forums as I'm highly interested in purchasing a F80 M3 or something in that range sometime this year.
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