[BryanCO]

Short backstory. Lots of cars over the years. Number of M cars. Had a F80 M3 manual that I really didn’t care for/connect with and only kept six months. Bought a new Civix Type R in 2019. Sold it (for more than I paid - crazy used car market) in Jan 2022. Got in line (was fourth on the list) in Jan 2022 with my local VW dealer for a Golf R. Bought a 2017 GT350 in March 2022. Dailey drove the car and sold it in Feb 2023. Bought a e92 M3 in Feb 2023.

The Golf R allocations are coming spec’ed so cannot select color or transmission. Got a call in March for the Golf R but it was a DSG, 20th anniversary. Passed on the R due to wanting a manual only. Decided on a G80 manual. Got an allocation the end of May but passed to get a MY24. My dealer didn’t get any June allocations last week but I’m still next which is expected to be late June for an August build. Build in place. Individual, buckets.

Unexpectedly got a call re the Golf R. Lapiz Blue 20th anniversary manual is on a ship and will be here mid July. Mine if I want it.

Both at MSRP. Once PPF’ed, the G80 will be about 2X the cost of the Golf R. Can afford either. Car will be my daily driver.

What to do…

[FC4]

What are you looking to get out of this thread?

[Kinleyg]

I have had 4 Golf R's before getting my G80. I have had Mk6, MK7, and a MK7.5. Had a MK5 GTI before that. I have had both manual and DSG versions. I wanted a MK8 Golf R so badly and had pre-ordered one, after driving one I cancelled it. I would never ever ever suggest getting a MK8 Golf R until they replace the touch button nightmare in that car. The buttons on the steering wheel are awful along with some other user issues with touch controls, lighting, and that infotainment. I had read that for the 20th they were putting back the real buttons but in a recent video I saw of a test drive in a 20th it was still the old bad haptic buttons.

If you decide to go MK8 manual the clutch is really the weak point.

I am currently looking for another Golf R to use as a winter car here in Canada but I'm looking for a 2016 or 2017, before the full MK7.5 update in 2018. I prefer the fat steering wheel and some other small things.

I love the G80 more than anything though but I'm a sucker for Xdrive so no manual for me. The experience of the G80 to me is worth double the price of the R. My suggestion is get the G80 and if you want an R as a fun other small car grab one used until VW get their head out of their asses on the haptic buttons on the steering wheel. Which they may have done and the video I saw of the 20th was just inaccurate.

[GrannyShiftG80]

idk bro obviously if you can afford either we are going to say get the m3

[BryanCO]

Originally Posted by Kinleyg

I have had 4 Golf R's before getting my G80. I have had Mk6, MK7, and a MK7.5. Had a MK5 GTI before that. I have had both manual and DSG versions. I wanted a MK8 Golf R so badly and had pre-ordered one, after driving one I cancelled it. I would never ever ever suggest getting a MK8 Golf R until they replace the touch button nightmare in that car. The buttons on the steering wheel are awful along with some other user issues with touch controls, lighting, and that infotainment. I had read that for the 20th they were putting back the real buttons but in a recent video I saw of a test drive in a 20th it was still the old bad haptic buttons.

If you decide to go MK8 manual the clutch is really the weak point.

I am currently looking for another Golf R to use as a winter car here in Canada but I'm looking for a 2016 or 2017, before the full MK7.5 update in 2018. I prefer the fat steering wheel and some other small things.

I love the G80 more than anything though but I'm a sucker for Xdrive so no manual for me. The experience of the G80 to me is worth double the price of the R. My suggestion is get the G80 and if you want an R as a fun other small car grab one used until VW get their head out of their asses on the haptic buttons on the steering wheel. Which they may have done and the video I saw of the 20th was just inaccurate.

Thanks

Agree re the R buttons. Not good.

I’m manual only. Most feedback is the G80 is best with the auto and the manual experience is similar to the F80 which I didn’t care for.

[BryanCO]

Originally Posted by FC4

What are you looking to get out of this thread?

Other’s perspective re what they might consider given the two options.

[rak299]

I would choose "bigger" over "lighter" and I like the "more tech", but my preferences don't really matter.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by BryanCO

What to do…

Something tells me you're going to do what you always seem to do.... doesn't matter which one you're going to buy, you'll just sell it after a few months and get something else. So just get both

[TJR_///M3]

I assume a similar forum to this exists for the Golf R.
Did you post the question there and if so what did they say? (I wonder... )

[BryanCO]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Something tells me you're going to do what you always seem to do.... doesn't matter which one you're going to buy, you'll just sell it after a few months and get something else. So just get both

Plan on keeping for at least three years. Car pricing and availability craziness has influenced my buying habits lately.

[Humdizzle]

test drive both and see if the M3 is worth the money?

[vj123]

Having owned a couple of MK7s, I can say that those platforms offer a great value of money. But the answers are going to be biased in a G80 forum, especially when you can afford both.

If you share yours thoughts on why you bought and sold the above mentioned vehicles, people might be able to understand your preference and provide some suggestions.

[2legit]

Completely different cars. G80 M3 drives like a mini M5.

[BryanCO]

Originally Posted by Humdizzle

test drive both and see if the M3 is worth the money?

Agree, and that generally the feedback I give for these types of threads. Haven’t been able to drive a manual M3, yet…

[BryanCO]

Originally Posted by 2legit

Completely different cars. G80 M3 drives like a mini M5.

Originally Posted by vj123

Having owned a couple of MK7s, I can say that those platforms offer a great value of money. But the answers are going to be biased in a G80 forum, especially when you can afford both.

If you share yours thoughts on why you bought and sold the above mentioned vehicles, people might be able to understand your preference and provide some suggestions.

The G80 is such an awesome car, but I am concerned that it is a mini M5. I’m somewhat debating as to if the G80 is, for me, my grown up (I’m 56…) DD car.

Sold the CTR because I drove it for 2+ yrs for free. Drove great but it made me throw up a little each time I looked at it.

Sold the F80 because, while it was beautiful and a great car, felt heavy and overpowered for the chassis. I was somewhat comparing it to the 2006 M3 that I DD for three years.

Sold the GT350 as it was planned to be a bridge car and while a crazy awesome experience each time I drove it, it pretty much sucked at a DD.

The e92 may hit the sweet spot for my overall fun DD car objectives.

[vj123]

Originally Posted by BryanCO

The G80 is such an awesome car, but I am concerned that it is a mini M5. I’m somewhat debating as to if the G80 is, for me, my grown up (I’m 56…) DD car.

Sold the CTR because I drove it for 2+ yrs for free. Drove great but it made me throw up a little each time I looked at it.

Sold the F80 because, while it was beautiful and a great car, felt heavy and overpowered for the chassis. I was somewhat comparing it to the 2006 M3 that I DD for three years.

Sold the GT350 as it was planned to be a bridge car and while a crazy awesome experience each time I drove it, it pretty much sucked at a DD.

The e92 may hit the sweet spot for my overall fun DD car objectives.

G80 is a powerful luxurious grand tourer and might be a great vehicle for someone who is looking for a perfect DD. I think G80 was conceived to be a mini F90 but with a little more agility and this infact is attracting plenty of first time M owners. If you are expecting the driver engagement from Exx platforms, you might be disappointment.

[DO444]

Originally Posted by BryanCO

Short backstory. Lots of cars over the years. Number of M cars. Had a F80 M3 manual that I really didn’t care for/connect with and only kept six months. Bought a new Civix Type R in 2019. Sold it (for more than I paid - crazy used car market) in Jan 2022. Got in line (was fourth on the list) in Jan 2022 with my local VW dealer for a Golf R. Bought a 2017 GT350 in March 2022. Dailey drove the car and sold it in Feb 2023. Bought a e92 M3 in Feb 2023.

The Golf R allocations are coming spec’ed so cannot select color or transmission. Got a call in March for the Golf R but it was a DSG, 20th anniversary. Passed on the R due to wanting a manual only. Decided on a G80 manual. Got an allocation the end of May but passed to get a MY24. My dealer didn’t get any June allocations last week but I’m still next which is expected to be late June for an August build. Build in place. Individual, buckets.

Unexpectedly got a call re the Golf R. Lapiz Blue 20th anniversary manual is on a ship and will be here mid July. Mine if I want it.

Both at MSRP. Once PPF’ed, the G80 will be about 2X the cost of the Golf R. Can afford either. Car will be my daily driver.

What to do…

If it were me, and this was my only car, I’d probably get the golf R.

Here’s why, I just met a young high school kid who had a ground up rebuilt hard top 60’s mustang in fire orange with some boss black muscle car wheels, the fat five spoke spade design, no clue what brand. The car was so hot. It was compact, looked incredible, sounded incredible.

The interior was done up very nicely and his sound system was on another planet compared to what the m3 comes with. I was in my 22’ 718 and I was absolutely envious of his ride. He was a very nice kid, let me sit in it, and hear the system he had… what a car. He said he was a bit surprised because he doesn’t get many compliments from Porsche owners. Well, money is nice but I respect hard work too and that kid is giving me hope for the future. Building awesome cars with his dad before he even graduates high school. What a great life!

We can’t all be that blessed, but back to your question.

You could have the golf R and that car, a genuine 60’s hard top mustang, for the price of the m3. If your budget allows you up to the cost of the m3, that’s what I would do.

Assuming you don’t have the time, inclination, or ability to do what that fine young man has done, then there are still options out there for you, for example you could have the new golf R and a used 718 s, manual… or even a really nicely preserved old school mini which I saw recently for around $50kish, what a cool car.

I really needed a family car, which is what the m3 is for me. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have bought it. I’ve been through this ad nauseum, and the m3 is a cool fast car, but it just does not have the feel of a lighter sports car and that’s ok because I’m getting that elsewhere. What the m3 does have that a base 718 does not is interior space and speed, lots and lots of damn fast easy speed. And, it looks cool too (to me).

I think the golf R will be great. I think it will be fast, tossable, and allow you a lot of budget room left for another cool car. Two cool cars are better than one imo.

If you really love bmw, have only 1 garage slot, or for whatever reason have your eye set on the m3 and that’s it then by all means get it, it’s a truly great car. No regrets I’m sure.

I could have bought a gently used Ferrari or a nice 911 for roughly the same cost as my m3 and 718 (a bit more, but not by much), but I think 2 cars are better than one. I enjoy the different driving dynamics of both vehicles and think I’m happier having these two cars, than one expensive car that’s at the top of my budget.

I’m actually coming around rather quickly to buying base model cars with select options you love, rather than top of the line trim, optioned out cars too… but that’s another story. I would probably stay away from anniversary editions, or Jahre, or “cs” cars in the future as I don’t think the premium is worth it.

But, that’s me.
Whatever you get I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Doesn’t sound like you have any bad choices there.

[MichaelB1969]

My daily driver over the last 5 years was a VW GTI Sport manual (basically a GTI with some performance goodies like the limited-slip differential, and the brakes from the R). Current car is a G80 manual, which replaced the Golf GTI and a Carrera T (consolidated into one do-it-all car).

And I recently drove the M4 and M5 on track at the 2-day M School, and got quite a bit of seat time in both. So while I didn't own a Golf R, I still think I have some good experience here to comment.

First of all, given my experience with the M4 and M5 at the M School, I do not at all agree with the statement that the M3 drives like a mini-M5.

To me, the M4 felt far more agile, engaging, and fun than the M5...and that feeling was echoed by most students. I couldn't wait to get back into the M4 on track while the M5 was rather forgettable to me. Capable and fast, but muted and not overly fun.

I also asked 3 of the instructors what they would choose between the M2 (prior gen), M3/M4 or M5, and every single one said the M3. Interestingly, they specifically said M3 vs. M4. Two said it was based on styling, one said she thought the M3 handled better. Just relaying what I heard, don't shoot the messenger if you are an M4 owner!

As for a Golf R, while I can't comment on the performance since I had the GTI, I can say that for me the space and the interior alone would tip the scales in favor of the G80 as a daily. The Golf is neatly packaged, but it's not very spacious. And the interior in the G80 is not only larger, but in a different universe entirely in terms of luxury and quality of materials. It's a huge upgrade and a far nicer place to be in my opinion.

I did prefer the shifter in the Golf GTI, although I think the G80 shifter is good. They feel different for sure, and the shift action in the GTI just feels a bit more direct. I did post my initial impressions on the G80 manual in another post though, and one of my comments was that the manual is far better than what I expected given the going narrative you hear from people.

The clutch in the G80, at least compared to the GTI (Golf R could be different), feels better to me. The GTI "needed" the CDV delete, while the G80 feels fine to me stock. Even with the CDV delete in the GTI, the bite point of the clutch and the take up in the G80 feels better and more direct to me. So no complaints here.

I'd also add that the exterior styling is world's apart. The Golf R has a pleasing design, and looks good for a hot hatch. My GTI Sport didn't look all that different from a Golf R. The differences are subtle, yet I never parked the GTI, looked back at it, and thought to myself "wow, that looks incredible". Never looked back at it and impulsively snapped a photo of it. I accepted the GTI styling for what it was, and appreciated it for what it represented (in terms of the rich history, etc.). However, I would never describe it using any superlative. The G80, on the other hand, elicits strong emotions when I look at it. It looks sporty, super aggressive, and I do want to snap a photo of it from time to time.

The only reason I would get the GTI is if you wanted something that was smaller, lighter and more "tossable". Otherwise, I would get the G80 in a heartbeat if affordability wasn't an issue. Wouldn't even be a question.

[BryanCO]

Originally Posted by vj123

G80 is a powerful luxurious grand tourer and might be a great vehicle for someone who is looking for a perfect DD. I think G80 was conceived to be a mini F90 but with a little more agility and this infact is attracting plenty of first time M owners. If you are expecting the driver engagement from Exx platforms, you might be disappointment.

Thanks. Appreciate the insight.

[MichaelB1969]

Originally Posted by vj123

G80 is a powerful luxurious grand tourer and might be a great vehicle for someone who is looking for a perfect DD.

I've owned two 911's, an Audi RS5 and now a G80 (along with a bunch of other interesting cars).

I'd say the 911s were the sports cars, the RS5 was the "luxurious grand tourer", and the M3 is somewhere in between.

Maybe the older M3 generations were somewhere between the new M3 and 911s?

[vj123]

Originally Posted by MichaelB1969

I'd say the 911s were the sports cars, the RS5 was the "luxurious grand tourer", and the M3 is somewhere in between.

Maybe the older M3 generations were somewhere between the new M3 and 911s?

You are right. G80 would definitely rank higher than the RS5 but would fall below the 911s interms of driver engagement and overall dynamics.

[BryanCO]

Originally Posted by DO444

If it were me, and this was my only car, I’d probably get the golf R.

Here’s why, I just met a young high school kid who had a ground up rebuilt hard top 60’s mustang in fire orange with some boss black muscle car wheels, the fat five spoke spade design, no clue what brand. The car was so hot. It was compact, looked incredible, sounded incredible.

The interior was done up very nicely and his sound system was on another planet compared to what the m3 comes with. I was in my 22’ 718 and I was absolutely envious of his ride. He was a very nice kid, let me sit in it, and hear the system he had… what a car. He said he was a bit surprised because he doesn’t get many compliments from Porsche owners. Well, money is nice but I respect hard work too and that kid is giving me hope for the future. Building awesome cars with his dad before he even graduates high school. What a great life!

We can’t all be that blessed, but back to your question.

You could have the golf R and that car, a genuine 60’s hard top mustang, for the price of the m3. If your budget allows you up to the cost of the m3, that’s what I would do.

Assuming you don’t have the time, inclination, or ability to do what that fine young man has done, then there are still options out there for you, for example you could have the new golf R and a used 718 s, manual… or even a really nicely preserved old school mini which I saw recently for around $50kish, what a cool car.

I really needed a family car, which is what the m3 is for me. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have bought it. I’ve been through this ad nauseum, and the m3 is a cool fast car, but it just does not have the feel of a lighter sports car and that’s ok because I’m getting that elsewhere. What the m3 does have that a base 718 does not is interior space and speed, lots and lots of damn fast easy speed. And, it looks cool too (to me).

I think the golf R will be great. I think it will be fast, tossable, and allow you a lot of budget room left for another cool car. Two cool cars are better than one imo.

If you really love bmw, have only 1 garage slot, or for whatever reason have your eye set on the m3 and that’s it then by all means get it, it’s a truly great car. No regrets I’m sure.

I could have bought a gently used Ferrari or a nice 911 for roughly the same cost as my m3 and 718 (a bit more, but not by much), but I think 2 cars are better than one. I enjoy the different driving dynamics of both vehicles and think I’m happier having these two cars, than one expensive car that’s at the top of my budget.

I’m actually coming around rather quickly to buying base model cars with select options you love, rather than top of the line trim, optioned out cars too… but that’s another story. I would probably stay away from anniversary editions, or Jahre, or “cs” cars in the future as I don’t think the premium is worth it.

But, that’s me.
Whatever you get I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Doesn’t sound like you have any bad choices there.

Thanks for the reply. I’m in lock step re having two (or more) cars. I’ve been watching the M2 Comp market for the past couple of years but just didn’t want to pay close to MSRP for a used one. But the R and M2 would be in the same $$ ballpark as the G80.