In gear times for Golf GTi and R32 needed.

[PeterT]

Hello, after much deliberation I am returning to VW to buy my new car after exploring an Audi A3 2.0T and Focus ST.
The 2 main contenders are the Golf GTi and R32 in manual form.
The R32 is faster to 60mph and has a higher top speed and sounds great. The GTi costs less, uses less fuel but weighs less too. I appreciate the R32 will be quicker off the line due to 4 wheel drive but what about "in gear" acceleration times for both cars? Has anyone got some info on this as I am not into screeching away from the lights as it just rips the rubber off the tyres.
Also does anybody know what the satin silver material used for the R32 grill is made from?
PeterT.

 

[PeterT]

I drove a DSG A3 2.0T today and I still prefer the manual versions. Yes you can zip up and down the box quickly using the paddles but it did feel a bit like I was using my son's microsoft steering wheel with the buttons behind the wheel to change gear.
I think that the in gear times are relevant as they will give a comparison between the 2 cars in the nearest to real world driving. Yes I may drop down to 3rd in my existing Mk 4 GTI and give it some welly to overtake someone but it is useful to compare these times between vehicles.
How many times do you sit at the traffic lights with a stop watch in one hand smoking the tyes just to see if your car measures up to the reported 0-60mph? I also bet not many of us have tested our motors to the max speed as a speeding ban would be definitely bad news.
PS. The low speed ride in the A3 was much rougher than either of the VW cars.
Cheers, PeterT.