Golf vs. Golf – How the Type R Compares to the GTI

And How to Find a Volkswagen Golf GTI for Sale in Houston

Since the VW Golf debuted back in the mid-70s, it’s amassed a reputation for being the resident speedy whip in the Volkswagen catalog of vehicles. It can bob and weave like Sugar Ray Leonard in his prime, affording drivers the type of agility not typically seen in other compacts. The VW Golf eats hairpin turns for breakfast. And if maneuverability weren’t enough, the VW Golf has plenty of zip under the hood for getting up to top speed in a hurry.

Drivers have always loved the Golf because it delivers the sports car experience without the sports car price tag. It’s flat out fun to drive, which is the reason it’s consistently one of our top-selling vehicles.

To provide some insight on the latest and greatest innovations to the VW Golf, we’re breaking down how the Type R compares to the GTI. Once you know what makes each vehicle distinct, we’ll cover how to find new cars for sale near you in Houston from Volkswagen Clear Lake.

VW Golf R vs. VW Golf GTI

Considering that the VW Golf R and VW Golf GTI both fall under the “speedy hatchback” category, naturally, there’s going to be similarities with the body style and overall performance. Both the Golf R and Golf GTI feature a truncated back end with a hatchback for storage, each offering exactly 34.5 cubic feet with the back seats folded down. The VW Golf GTI features signature red trim and X-shaped honeycomb runner lights, giving it a more distinct look than the VW Golf R. It’s also worth noting that the Golf GTI comes with 18” wheels, while the Golf R comes with 19” wheels.

The differences between these two vehicles become more apparent when diving into the performance aspects. The VW Golf GTI can either be outfitted with a 2.0 TSI 6-speed manual engine or a 2.0 TSI 7-speed DSG® automatic transmission with Tiptronic® and Sport mode. By comparison, the VW Golf R can be outfitted with a 2.0 TSI 6-speed manual with 4MOTION® or a 2.0 TSI 7-speed DSG® automatic transmission with Tiptronic® and Sport mode with 4MOTION®. The Golf R is all-wheel drive, whereas the Golf GTI is front wheel drive.

The other big differences are in the torque and horsepower department. The Golf GTI delivers up to 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The Golf R, on the other hand, delivers a whopping 315 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

The VW Golf GTI more than holds its own in the hot hatchback category, but the VW Golf R is speedier, more powerful, and features improved handling.

The difference in performance is reflected in the price. For a starting MSRP of $31,330, drivers can get behind the wheel of the entry-level Golf GTI. The Golf R has a starting MSRP of $45,540 and comes with plenty of features that the base trim level GTI doesn’t have. Some of the most noteworthy ones include:

• Integrated light bar
• Inclement weather lights
• Power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof
• 12-way power-adjustable driver seat
• Climatronic® Touch three-zone automatic climate control with advanced air filter
• Leather seating surfaces
• Ventilated front seats
• Leather-wrapped multifunction sports steering wheel, heated, with touch control and shifting paddles
• Electromechanical dynamic progressive power steering system
• Multimode DCC and Adaptive Chassis Control
• XDS cross differential system
• Discover Pro: 10″ touchscreen navigation and AM/FM/HD Radio
• Dynamic road sign display
• Harman Kardon premium audio system
• Head-up display for driver
• Keyless access with push-button start/stop
• Park assist with park distance control

As you can see, the higher sticker price on the VW Golf R ensures drivers get the most elevated driving experience along with one of the most comprehensive feature packages Volkswagen has ever created.

Looking for New Cars for Sale Near You in Houston? Contact VW Clear Lake!

Those who are searching for a Volkswagen Golf GTI for sale in Houston or who want to test drive the VW Golf R will have to be patient. These two particular vehicles have been hard to come by. The best thing you can do is contact us to let us know you’re interested in checking out the VW Golf R or Golf GTI. Once they arrive at our dealership, we will contact you to let you know they’re ready for test driving.

Although our hot hatchback inventory is low, the good news is that our Volkswagen car dealership has a wide selection of SUVs and sedans made to suit any budget and driving style. We carry the award-winning all-electric VW ID.4, the fuel-economic VW Jetta, and the supersized VW Atlas which can seat up to seven passengers.

Looking for a used Volkswagen in Houston? VW Clear Lake has you covered there, too. In addition to offering a wide selection of used vehicles and certified pre-owned vehicles, we’re always running great deals on VW products and services in our specials section. The Volkswagen financial services department can help you get preapproved for your auto loan.

The VW Clear Lake dealership is conveniently located at 15100 Gulf Fwy in Houston. Feel free to stop by to test drive any of our vehicles or to get the ball rolling on financing. You can also contact us at (832) 432-7969 or email us directly using the contact form on our website.

Are you a current VW owner in need of routine service, maintenance, or repairs? Contact the VW service department to set your appointment today.

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