Article Comments - 2008 VW R32 First Drive and Follow-Up Test

121 messages, Last post on Aug 19, 2009 at 3:27 AM

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What is this discussion about? Volkswagen R32, Hatchback

First Drive: 2008 Volkswagen R32 - You need to really like German hatchbacks to appreciate the R32's combination of performance and upscale comfort. If you don't, you won't. (more)

Follow-Up Test: 2008 Volkswagen R32 - If pinpoint refinement is your overriding priority in hot-hatch selection, the 2008 VW R32 is the obvious choice. But some will find it too thoroughly baked. (more)

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#16 of 121 Nothing by ccd1 Jul 02, 2007 (12:44 pm)

#17 of 121 Nothing Against the R32 by ccd1 Jul 02, 2007 (1:07 pm)
I have no problems with a $30k rabbit in R32 form and it is around $3k less than the A3 3.2 without taking into account options. As for tuning, hanging around Audi forums I find most people into tuning their cars would opt for the 2.0T as there are chips for that motor which eliminate any hp advantage of the V6. I guess I'm part of the group that questions whether VW/Audi did enough to differentiate the 2.0T from the V6, given the price difference. Fifty HP just doesn't seem like much given the weight difference. Also, I could chip the 2.0T to 230hp (or more) for a fraction of the cost of upgrading from the 2.0T to the V6. All I would be missing at that point is AWD (and my warranty), but I'd also have around $4K in my pocket. Now the REALLY interesting question is why would anyone buy an Audi TT instead of R32. I think the argument can be made that all you are getting in the TT for the extra money is a prettier face. Replies to this message: eldaino (Jul 03, 2007 6:23 am)
#18 of 121 I wonder (cause I don't read rambles)... by xgc75 Jul 02, 2007 (2:12 pm)
Has anyone mentioned that the VR6 is an entirely different engine from the V6 in the A3 3.2?? Replies to this message: djsherif (Jul 02, 2007 8:54 pm) bananadan (Jul 13, 2007 9:39 pm)
#19 of 121 Really?? by ccd1 Jul 02, 2007 (6:07 pm)
Entirely different engine with the exact output of the 3.2 engine (250 hp)??? Why bother?
#20 of 121 Re: It's a VW so it will fall apart after 12,000 miles [ttbuyer] by sonic0075 Jul 02, 2007 (6:29 pm)
Replying to: ttbuyer (Jun 29, 2007 8:23 pm) Hmm, It's amazing your statement is based on facts. As I look in my driveway and see 2 2004 VW's, one a Jetta GLI 1.8T and the other a coveted R32, and yet none of them have had any problems! Go figure my Jetta has 47000 miles and my .:R has 30000, you would think with your logic, I'd be crying over my repair bills!
#21 of 121 Re: I wonder (cause I don't read rambles)... [xgc75] by djsherif Jul 02, 2007 (8:54 pm)
Replying to: xgc75 (Jul 02, 2007 2:12 pm) You are incorrect. It is the EXACT same engine that is in the R32 no difference at all. The only difference is in the software for the DSG and the suspension. So please get your facts straight before you make comments like that. Replies to this message: bananadan (Jul 13, 2007 9:39 pm)
#22 of 121 Re: Nothing Against the R32 [ccd1] by eldaino Jul 03, 2007 (6:23 am)
Replying to: ccd1 (Jul 02, 2007 1:07 pm) hang around some vw forums instead, the turbo's for the r32 don't cost too much considering the hp gains (600hp to the wheels anyone?) so i guess the chipped turbo 2.0 can totally be counteracted. (and even with that you are still technically at the mercy of fwd.) again, i don't think blatant speed is the point of the r32. All I would be missing at that point is AWD (and my warranty), but I'd also have around $4K in my pocket. i know you are not hating on the r32, but this statement shows why an r32 driver/buyer views the whole ordeal differently.
#23 of 121 Audi perspective by ccd1 Jul 03, 2007 (8:34 am)
eldaino: Maybe I should hang around VW forums because I get the clear impression from Audi forums that most people would add a chip and anti-sway bar to the 2.0T and skip the 3.2. Certainly this is a much cheaper way to equal the handling/performance of a stock 3.2 than paying for this more expensive car. Most of the "tuner types" seem to gravitate to the 2.0T on the Audi forums. I'm actually surprised to see a different attitude towards the VW versions of this car. I would have expected the same approach. Replies to this message: sonic0075 (Jul 03, 2007 4:05 pm)
#24 of 121 Re: Audi perspective [ccd1] by sonic0075 Jul 03, 2007 (4:05 pm)
Replying to: ccd1 (Jul 03, 2007 8:34 am) I have driven a new GTi with a 2.0T, and trust me, it will never equal the torque output of an .:R. Sorry, I know the 2.0T can be chipped into a monster engine, but even with all that horsepower, it will be seeing my bumper at the track, lol.
#25 of 121 I ordered one by golfmd Jul 03, 2007 (4:48 pm)
While some of you are quibbling about power and cost, I'll be enjoying my new ride and blasting through some Buffalo snow. Then, when it's time, I'll sell it for close to it's original cost. There's no debate here folks. More than enough power, AWD, more luxurious than it's counterparts and will resell for close to, if not equal to, original value.