While the all-new 2022 Golf R is trying to make its way to American shores, we might as well check out how the performance hatchback stacks up against its sister car and predecessor. We're talking about the new Audi S3 and the outgoing Golf R model, the Mk7.
This is an exciting time if you're a fan of MQB cars with lots of exhaust tips. It's been over seven years since the last big batch of these cars came out. We're already looked at the GTI, GTD and the plug-in GTE, but everybody secretly wants the Golf 8 R.
Why? Because it's still an all-rounder, just like the rest of them, but also incorporates a new piece of technology - an AWD system that can make you the local drift king. It's difficult to tell if this plays a part in drag races and acceleration tests, but it probably can't hurt.
All three of the cars featured in this Automann-TV comparison have a 2.0 TSI/TFSI turbo four-cylinder, though the outputs are slightly different. The Golf 8 R is the most powerful at 320 PS or 316 hp, followed by the new S3 with 10 ponies less and the old Golf 7.5 R from 2019 which makes 300 PS or 296 hp.
Autobahn acceleration tests start with the grandpa model which sets a nice benchmark of 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.6 seconds and 124 mph in 12.9 seconds. After that comes a new S3 with a much nicer interior. It does 62 mph in 4.8 seconds, which lines up with what we've seen in a recent Carwow drag race. It's kind of annoying that a Golf R made from about 2013 could be faster than a brand new, more expensive Audi?
And finally, the 2022 Golf R posts a 0 to 62 time of 4.4 seconds, pushing on to 124 mph in 11.4 seconds. Considering the cold conditions during the day of this test, we're really impressed.
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
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