autoevolution
 

2017 Golf GTI Performance vs. Golf R Has Surprising Acceleration Results

Thanks to Mat Wattson, we have the first comparison between the new Golf GTI with the Performance Pack and the equally new Golf R for 2017. It's a one-man-show video from the launch event, but the data logger numbers are compelling.
2017 Golf GTI Performance vs. Golf R Has Surprising Acceleration Results 5 photos
Photo: YouTube screenshot
2017 Golf GTI Performance vs. Golf R Has Surprising Acceleration Results2017 Golf GTI Performance vs. Golf R Has Surprising Acceleration Results2017 Golf GTI Performance vs. Golf R Has Surprising Acceleration Results2017 Golf GTI Performance vs. Golf R Has Surprising Acceleration Results
Let's start with that since we've bored you enough with the facts already. We think Carwow has made a slight error somewhere because the official 0 to 60 times they quote are the 0 to 100 km/h times (should have been 62). Maybe the UK press office made a mistake, but it's still interesting stuff.

Officially, the GTI Performance is supposed to do 0 to 62 in 6.2 seconds, but the telemetry data shows 0 to 60 in 5.7 seconds. That's excellent, but Mat says he would only buy the Golf R, which feels genuinely fast.

The official number is 4.6 seconds, but it hits 60 in 4.2 seconds, which is almost on par with the A45 AMG. Even if the numbers are a little mixed up, the general conclusion is that performance Golf models are visibly faster than officially claimed.

There are a few things worth taking into consideration. First, both the GTI Performance and the R come with a new 7-speed DSG gearbox. Second, the former has 245 PS and 370 Nm of torque, while the latter delivers 310 PS and 400 Nm. And third, the Golf R in this video is equipped with its own Performance options, which include an Akrapovic exhaust system, track tires, and lightweight brakes.

Personally, I'd still pick the GTI PP because the weight is bad for everything except acceleration. If you spend most of your time commuting, there's nowhere to enjoy the full 310 horsepower.

But with only GBP 3,000 separating the two, the temptation to commit the Golf R sin is enormous. You're already spending as much money on a hatchback as a premium SUV used to cost in the 2000s, so why not go for the one that pushes your head into the back of the seat and sends your passengers gasping.

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories