Golf R32?

merlin

merlin

merlin

Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
20,724
Location
England
Got two guys viewing the Integra over the next week so I need to start to look closer at a more refined replacement.

330ci sport - definately interested
330 Clubsport - ruled out
330d sport - almost certainly ruled out

I feel like I should at least give the R32 some thought. For some reason I can't get parkers so does anyone know the stats roughly? Performance & economy & how do they handle? If it's understeer city I'll give it a miss. Servicing costs/intervals?

And is there anything else in this sort of "class" worth considering?

£15k budget.

Fankyou.
 
Hate said:
the mk4 isn't exactly renowned for its sporting drive.
Click to expand...

The mk4 R32 is actually reknown to be a great drive, leaps and bounds ahead of any of the other mk4 variants.

Its a definite rival to the 330Ci. The engine has a great sound, but its more thirsty than the 330 iirc. The Konig leather seats are much nicer than the bmw's seats and support you much better. Their residuals are a lot stronger too.

Fit:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/106471.htm
 
Last edited:
Hi there

Personally m8 I don't think you'd like an R32. Its a barge and not particulary fast at all. An S2000 is quicker in a straight line and far quicker in the twisties.

For the 2004-2005 model the specs are:-
240BHP @ 6250rpm
236Lb-Ft @ 2800rpm
0-60mph = 5.9s
0-100mph = 15.1s
1/4 mile = 14.6s @ 97.6mpg
Weight = 1480kg

Its one very heavy car for the power it has, plus its 4WD/AWD so factor in approx 20% transmission loss and you only got approx 200BHP or less getting to the road and no RWD fun. I am not sure on tuning but I'd imagine usual breathing mods will be good for 20BHP and maybe 30-40BHP with a remap. Still a BMW 330i all the way m8 much better chassis.

Why not consider the newer Golf GTI's? More tunable, lighter, DSG box?
 
Gibbo said:
Why not consider the newer Golf GTI's? More tunable, lighter, DSG box?
Click to expand...

Thanks for the help Gibbo :)

As for the Golf Gti - I like em, but somehow I feel I need something a something a bit more....grown up, if you know what I mean?

I still can't get parkers - is it working?
 
Saw a video of stock cars raced

R32
DC2
DC5
some mitsi colt thing

The DC's started about 50 metres behind the R32

Results

1st DC5
2nd DC2 +1.5 seconds
3rd R32 + 4 seconds
Mitsi thing blew a tyre :p but was slow
 
They aren't very economical, and if it's a concern should maybe be avoided. My friend is selling his at the moment and was lucky to get about 250 miles from a £50 fill up, although did tend to drive like a loon half the time :p

However it has lots and lots of grip, very quick when on the move and an amazing soundtrack. Seats are nice and comfy too.
 
panthro said:
To sum it up in one word - Inert. R32 somehow manages to pull off good handling in what is essentially the same chassis.
Click to expand...

What do you mean by inert?

Just curious as I own an S3 and the handling seems to be fine when I push it. It is not a 'raw' car by any means but can still get the power down.

To be honest I feel much safer in this car than any other car I have driven (I have not driven the R32 though so I cannot compare the two).
 
Good plan knocking the ClubSport on the head. A lot more money for not a lot more car.

Mk4 R32 is meant to be very good, but it's main drawback will be fuel consumption against the 330i.

Have you managed to have a look at any remapped 330d's?
 
NickXX said:
Have you managed to have a look at any remapped 330d's?
Click to expand...

No, but I've decided the petrol is more for me. I think i might find the petrol a bit more involving.

Plus the petrol engine still has impressive all round power delivery. My brothers 530i can pull in 4th gear from 500rpm.

:)
 
merlin said:
No, but I've decided the petrol is more for me. I think i might find the petrol a bit more involving.

Plus the petrol engine still has impressive all round power delivery. My brothers 530i can pull in 4th gear from 500rpm.

:)
Click to expand...

HI m8

Yes they certainly do. The 525i I have with 203,000 on the clock will pull in 5th from 1000rpm, they are good torquey engines. :)
 
brakeinup said:
What do you mean by inert?

Just curious as I own an S3 and the handling seems to be fine when I push it. It is not a 'raw' car by any means but can still get the power down.

To be honest I feel much safer in this car than any other car I have driven (I have not driven the R32 though so I cannot compare the two).
Click to expand...

Im not knocking the handling, as it is a well sorted chassis that provides plenty of grip and steering accuracy. However is terms of feedback, I felt that I wasnt connected to the car. It was more of a blunt instrument rather than a fine cutting tool if that makes sense.
 
Gibbo said:
HI m8

Yes they certainly do. The 525i I have with 203,000 on the clock will pull in 5th from 1000rpm, they are good torquey engines. :)
Click to expand...

:)

Aye, it's all about the shape of the power curve, peak power aint much to shout about but these engines do produce power pretty much everywhere through the rev range. Very flexible.

Just a shame the cars they come wrapped up in weigh about 300 kilos too much. :D

Talking about big mileage - my brother told me the other day some woman checked her 530 into the BMW dealers for a service and the guy asked what the mileage was and she said 270,000 miles.

FM! :eek:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom