You can't use the blue pic. That's the .:R20, which doesn't even exist. The real issue I've had with the MkV and MkVI is the front overhang is much longer than the rear. It unbalances the car. I did what I could with mine but it was still noticeable.

 

Isn't the R20 the one that's coming here next year? Since they don't use the 3.2L anymore, just the 2.0T?

 

It's just called the Golf R since Europeans will have more than one engine option. If you see an R20 badge it's the concept and the exterior is quite different from the production car.

 

have you asked this question yet on a VW forum? im sure you will get different results. i have driven a audi TTS which has the same driveline and setup as the golf R. it is alot quicker, from the lights and in gear and also handles alot better. people have said it under steers which it does but not as much as my mini and you can power through it to get the drive sent to the rear, where as in the mini you will end up in the gutter if you try that.
you have to just drive both i think and see what feels best.
also when the DSG upshifts it sounds awesome.

 

I actually did just ask the question over on vwvortex yesterday. I was pleased to get some logical responses. I have driven both the JCW and a GTI (not able to drive an R yet and probably won't be able too either before I make a decision) fyi...the R will not be available in the DSG, only a 6 speed in US.
Biggest issue I'm trying to get around right now with the JCW is the overall space compared to the R. Just working through this stuff in my sick mind right now

 

Yes, the Golf R will likely be faster in a straight line but the TTS is 3200 pounds, dry. The JCW Hardtop is 2800 pounds, dry. 400 pounds is 400 pounds. The LIGHTEST Euro-spec GTI is 3000 pounds and that's FWD and doesn't have all of the weight of the US spec safety gear. The R will more than likely weigh even more than the TTS does, and by enough to matter, which means the JCW will have a considerable weight advantage. Even with AWD, a pig is a pig.

From my experiences on the track with the Scirocco R and a Clubman S, I'll take a Mini. For daily driving, the R will be more civilized and have more overall room (it should, it's larger) but coming from a lifelong VW owner, the JCW is the better car, IMO.

 

I saw/read your thread over on the Vortex....and actually was surprised at the very rational responses, less fanboi-ism over there. And anyone that compares reliability of these cars doesn't read much....

I like your idea of ordering both and seeing which pans out. Of course, you'll have to make a quick decision at some point but that might be part of the fun. I've owned over 30 cars in my close to 40 years of driving. Enjoyed almost all of them, at least a little. Whichever you end up buying, you can always change your mind and trade for the other down the road. Variety is the spice of life as they say.

 

It's funny, Of all of the forums I'm on, Vortex is second only to M3 Post for the rampant fanboy-ism I've experienced. I've found it to be quite mellow over here. Interesting.

 

+1. Don't forget to add Honda-Tech to that list...

 

The VW looks great and aggressive as does the Mini. I don't think you can go wrong choosing either. Both have great aftermarket support and active communities. Pick what ever will make you happiest while you are out for a long drive. Your gut will tell you.

 

I will have to say in regards to vwvortex, I asked a question on which car between the R and the JCW. I was surprised to see the responses, they actually were very comparable to the comments here. I thought I would get some real fanboi responses.

 

Makes a lot of sense....and I have to give you more credence since you have such good taste (I ordered the same color combo as you have )
Seriously though, thank you.

 

I've never been there but I've heard stories. Some of the muscle-car forums are quite nasty as well. Apparently a 96 Firebird IS the be-all, end-all of sports cars... lol

 

Honestly, I would have too. It does vary some depending on which specific forum you're in. As the models age and they're more affordable for younger people then those forums tend to fall apart. PassatWorld was kind of like that but we work pretty hard to maintain a more civil forum over there.

 

Well, it looks like I have made up my mind...after much (way too much according to my wife) deliberation and self torment. I have decided to join the JCW club. The "fun factor" and the uniqueness of my JCW pushed me over the edge, and ultimately out weighed the R's stock performance and IMO greater tunability.

Thanks for everyone's comments, some defiantly played a roll in helping me weed my way through all the thoughts that went on in my head.

 

Nice choice!

Next you need to get the ALTA AccessPort. And maybe the DoS CAI.

I've installed the ALTA on my car and it's great. Haven't installed my CAI yet though. Other than that, I plan on no more mods. Car is amazingly fun just with the ALTA.

 

Thank you, I'm looking forward to it...still have 2 months to go (on the long side)

Getting ready to order so e 17" OZ's w 215/45 Michelin super sports, and still deciding on which coilover setup I am going to go with. Those two items will go on pretty much the day I get her. I might do SS brake lines, front strut and rear sway bar as well right off that bat. We will see. Can't wait to start zipping around. Anything will feel fast since I just sold my car this morning and I will be driving my wife's work car (ford fusion ) for the several months.
Glad to have made up my mind it was making me a little crazy

 

 

For what it's worth I think you made the right decision. I've been looking at other cars too and I keep coming back to the MINI. It truly is a one of a kind car.

 

Thank you , I think so too. It just took me some time to work through a few things with the R, but the JCW won out for the handling and overall everyday fun factor. It is a special car, especially in this day and age of high weight, unconnected cars.

 

I'm trying to avoid buying wheels for the MINI. I got into that with my S2000 and now have 4 different sets of wheels....LOLZ.

You may want to consider different tires though...you can get better prices on better tires IMHO. Not that the Michelin's are a bad tire - I just think they are a bit pricey. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-runflats.html

 

Thanks for the link, I checked it out

 

So did you get your JCW yet?

I just left the VW dealer after driving a "regular" GTI, as I am contemplating the same scenario you went through, Golf R vs. JCW Clubman.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the difference between the two. For me it seems to be coming down to small details, things like hill start assist, nav traffic and does the nav speak the street names.

I am going to drive a JCW hardtop tomorrow so hopefully I will be able to figure this out.

 

My car just got to the dealer in CA and will be brought to me via carrier on sunday. But I can give you a little perspective.
Honestly, and I don't mean any disrespect, but if those are the things that are going to pull you I the R. Then I would say you don't have a decision to make. I know where your coming from because I went through the exact same rational in try to decide. What it came down for me was the driving experience. To me, the feel of the JCW was more me, it's just more raw. It's not for everyone but for me that made a big difference. There is a HUGE weight difference as well, which you will feel.
Good luck, I don't think u will go wrong either way.

 

Agreed - much more 'raw' in the JCW. You will always know it is a JCW rumbling away... whereas the GTI (not sure about the R) can be more sedate when you want it to be.

Personally I would not pick a car based on the GPS navi text-speech recognition or hill-hold assist. But then again I skipped the expensive MINI Navi and use an iPhone app. And as for the hill-assist, I find it is hit or miss. Sometimes it's there, other times not. I don't need it and assume that I need to hold the car with the clutch and/or hand brake at all times. But it is a nice feature for my spouse if she ever happens to drive the JCW. Anyways what I mean is once you drive the JCW, you will get the idea. Those minor differences probably won't play a very important role.