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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#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.
#26 of 121 Read the reviews by ccd1 Jul 03, 2007 (6:10 pm)
sonic: To understand where I am coming from, read the reviews of the A3 3.2. For starters, Inside Line reviewed the car and came to the conclusion it wasn't much faster than the 2.0T and just not worth the extra money. The A3 2.0T is just a premium re-branding of the the GTI under the Audi name. Same is true of the A3 3.2; it is the Audi version of the R32. Why should the almost universal conclusions about the value of the A3 3.2 versus the 2.0T apply to GTI/R32??? Replies to this message: sonic0075 (Jul 04, 2007 10:18 pm) eldaino (Jul 05, 2007 6:54 am) sonic0075 (Jul 05, 2007 5:18 pm) and 1 more... dmikes (Sep 01, 2007 5:55 pm) eldaino (Jul 05, 2007 7:00 am)
#27 of 121 Re: Read the reviews [ccd1] by sonic0075 Jul 04, 2007 (10:18 pm)
Replying to: ccd1 (Jul 03, 2007 6:10 pm) I understand where you are coming from, but the difference of a GTI and an R32 is what, $7000? (maybe less and maybe more in some markets. I know most new GTI's are hitting close to $30K if you get that dumb fahrenheit edition) The difference of a decent A3 2.0T and an A3 3.2 is way more. Also, you get a 6 speed in either version of the 2.0T and only that crappy DSG in the 3.2 versions. Thats the main problem everyone should be angry about. Just read their comments on the tranny! The new DSG's just do not give you that kind of car where you are going to be fully satisfied at a track, period. The new R32 is lighter than my 04 R32 and has more power (10 hp whoop de freakin doo) yet is slower 0-60, and got killed on the infamous Nurburgring by my 04 version of the R32. Why? DSG. Plain and simple. Everyone who has taken that tranny out on a track says, its slower to accelerate and does not keep the gear you want when on a track. Now, the only question anyone should be asking is why would you buy a new R32 with ONLY a DSG transmission available? The only way I will get one is if my left foot gets sawed off in some freak accident and I can no longer operate a clutch. Replies to this message: eldaino (Jul 05, 2007 6:54 am) sonic0075 (Jul 05, 2007 5:18 pm) eldaino (Jul 06, 2007 4:48 am) dmikes (Sep 01, 2007 5:55 pm)
#28 of 121 Re: Read the reviews [sonic0075] by eldaino Jul 05, 2007 (6:54 am)
Replying to: sonic0075 (Jul 04, 2007 10:18 pm) your first post made me happy, this one does not. dsg makes a car faster; it shifts quicker than a human can, and wether that is good or not for track duty is a different subject, since the 'fast' we are talking about here is 0-60. and no, the new r32 DOES NOT weigh less than the one you have. enjoy your r32, dont' hate on the new one. no one is making you drive it and it is stil a great ride. (not everyone is using it for the track you know. ) Replies to this message: sonic0075 (Jul 05, 2007 5:18 pm) eldaino (Jul 06, 2007 4:48 am)