Soulboy Posted April 12, 2006 Report Share Posted April 12, 2006 Having driven the MK5 for a couple of weeks now, there are many things I prefer and some I dont over the mk4. So without doing a long write up (which has been done before) here are just a few things that I would cherry pick from the mk4 to make my perfect R32. Pease nobody take offence, as its all just my personal opinion for what its worth. * LOOKS The mk4 can look a little bit dated by comparison, but it was so much better than the other mk4 Golfs. The mk5 looks v good too in the flesh (and continues to grow on everyone it seems) but could sit a little lower and that grill?! I think the mk5 struggled a little as the GTI looks so perfect and was a hard act to outshine. * SUSPENSION I prefer a harder ride!! The MK5 feels a little bit more of a cruiser than an all out racer. * SEATS I went for std leather and wish I had gone for Recaros now. I loved the half cloth Konigs though, once I got used to having my shoulders pushed forward. * STEERING WHEEL It felt a bit more chunky, but I am enjoying the interactive on the mk5. * ELECTRIC WINDOW SWITCH IT may be a small thing to point out, but they feel so thin and flimsy on the mk5. * EXHAUST NOTE I only did the clip mod on the mk4, and the Mk5 is much quiter. I am wondering if it may get a little louder when run in, if not then I think its gonna be a new system. * WHEELS I love the mk5 wheels, but the extra cleaning required between the tight spokes is not worth it IMO. Overall though, the MK5 is a fizzer, especially with the extra technology and the DSG. I thought it was expensive by comparison, but I now think it is good value for money and am really pleased with it. But of all the cars I have owned, my mk4 beast is still the 'favourite' car I have ever owned..........at the moment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRobin Posted April 12, 2006 Report Share Posted April 12, 2006 Very interesting post. Although I'm not an .:R owner I've wondered what Mk4 peeps think of the Mk5. Re your points: * SUSPENSION For road use check out Koni FSD+Eibach ARBs. link to info * EXHAUST NOTE Get Millteks - They aren't boy-racerish but add some quality to the sound. * WHEELS Get a Meguiar's long handled (detachable) wheel brush - They are awesome! Enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k1ngs Posted April 12, 2006 Report Share Posted April 12, 2006 Red, where do you get your Meguiars kit from? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TP27 Posted April 12, 2006 Report Share Posted April 12, 2006 www.cleanandshiny.co.uk Use the code "tyresmoke" when you order for their 10% TSN discount. Excellent service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N3WOB Posted April 12, 2006 Report Share Posted April 12, 2006 When you say sport recaro's do you mean the buckets with the shiny backs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soulboy Posted April 12, 2006 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2006 [ QUOTE ] When you say sport recaro's do you mean the buckets with the shiny backs? [/ QUOTE ] They be the ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timski Posted April 12, 2006 Report Share Posted April 12, 2006 When the MK4 Golf first came out I didn't like it at all. It gradually grew on me and now I love the shape. The same thing is happening with the MK5. I often find that with Volkswagens - the more you look at them, the more you love 'em. By the time the R32 came out everyone was well-accustomed to the shape. When I first clocked a MK4 R32 I thought it was truly jaw-dropping (I still do), especially the rear-end. It was certainly a hard act to follow. Even so, I think VW have done sterling work with the MK5. To appreciate the MK5 you really need to see it 'in the metal'. Photos don't always do it justice. I haven't seen many MK5s on the road but I passed a DBP 5 door the other day and it looked nothing short of astonishing. Somehow, the MK5 manages to look even 'chunkier' than the MK4. I would even go as far as to say I prefer the wheels and I prefer the rear-end. I'm not quite so sure about the front end yet but it's certainly not something I dislike about the car. It's not as aggressive as the MK4's though, that's for sure. The only thing that puts me off is the inflated fuel costs but in reality it's a small price to pay for a car that sounds as good as this one. I'm sure the more time I spend on this site and the more I get to see them on the road, I won't be able to hold out for much longer! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woppum Posted April 12, 2006 Report Share Posted April 12, 2006 The Mk4 certainly is a draw dropper, its enough to make the new RS4 look bland in my humble opinion (and shown below). The new R32 is certainly a nice looking car now, but it just doesn't have the same appeal as the Mk4. Its just not as aggressive I suppose. Thats not to say its a worse car, im sure its better in many ways, just i think it now appeals to a slightly different target... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davewalker Posted April 13, 2006 Report Share Posted April 13, 2006 Another newbie here. I would agree with all of your observations. I had the MK4 for 3 years and had got used to the harsh ride and boom from exhaust. Overall the build of the MK5 is good, although trim looks/feels cheaper than MK4. Mine is going back to the dealer so they can finish building it; it had GTI trim on the inside of the drivers and rear passenger doors. The MK4 felt quicker too as the throttle response was sharper at lower revs in my experience. Both great cars, but Mk5 easier to live with. I do 20,000+ miles a year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robin09 Posted April 13, 2006 Report Share Posted April 13, 2006 The only thing I really can't agree with is the Mk5 alloy design. I think it looks far too messy, I still love the Mk4 ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRobin Posted April 13, 2006 Report Share Posted April 13, 2006 One glance at Woppum's pic above instantly shows that the Mk4 alloys look far better than the fussy Mk5's. You can change the alloys though. I agree, but then I would! We are both called Robin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woppum Posted April 13, 2006 Report Share Posted April 13, 2006 I love the Mk4's front mouth, like the old RS4. Both the golf and the Audi seem a bit too plain and could have done with more aggressiveness... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRobin Posted April 13, 2006 Report Share Posted April 13, 2006 I agree - 'Aggressive' styling reflects and promotes the fact that the car is a performer! I don't care if some girlie wants to call a car a penis extension....I like it! And it's what most of us Tyresmokers want (- a penis extension?? ). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robin09 Posted April 13, 2006 Report Share Posted April 13, 2006 [ QUOTE ] I agree - 'Aggressive' styling reflects and promotes the fact that the car is a performer! I don't care if some girlie wants to call a car a penis extension....I like it! And it's what most of us Tyresmokers want (- a penis extension?? ). [/ QUOTE ] Now even though you're my name sake, i can't possibly agree with that last statement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rs32 Posted April 13, 2006 Report Share Posted April 13, 2006 would like to support the MkV's looks here - it's nowhere near as aggressive-looking as the MkIV but that's why I bought the V rather than the IV. really like the look of the MkIV, but don't want to attract the attention that the territory brings (so why did I buy an Impreza WRX before the MKV ). Plus the IV was based on a really poor chassis - no disrespect to all the owners of MkIV .:Rs - although I suspect I've offended some of you now. But mine is heavier and so most likely a bit slower, with poorer quality interior plastics, and cannot claim to be a limited edition icon. So the MkIV wins on those fronts, but I'll stick with the V thanks. [edit] just re-read this post, and it's too harsh about the MkIV on the chassis bit - of course the improved suspension deals with things and makes it handle well - I meant the above to sound more like it had a poor starting point for the chassis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robin09 Posted April 13, 2006 Report Share Posted April 13, 2006 See, i've never really had any 'attention' with my Mk4. Yes you get occasional looks from people in the street, but its not as though its that rare. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrakeSnake Posted April 14, 2006 Report Share Posted April 14, 2006 The MkV front grill is growing on me big time. Was driving my sister's MkIII GTi with her in my R in tow behind me, and that grill and deep bumper does look the biz. It looks intimidating and yet very stealthy with that Q car feel. Will have a lot of drivers looking in their mirror wondering what that wide VW is behind them... As for the sound of the thing, def worth investing in the Miltek. Mine has done 1500 miles (the car 3800) and has developed a lovely throaty rumble. Get someone you trust to drop you off under a fly over and then drive past you hard in 2nd or 3rd... you'll see what i mean. Still keeps the original raspiness in the background too, just a lot deeper and meaner.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted April 15, 2006 Report Share Posted April 15, 2006 [ QUOTE ] Overall though, the MK5 is a fizzer, especially with the extra technology and the DSG. [/ QUOTE ] Down here - that would be read as saying the MkV is a complete dud or flop... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timski Posted April 15, 2006 Report Share Posted April 15, 2006 I can't keep up with all these trendy new words like 'fizzer'. I prefer words like 'cool' and 'shite'. You know where you are then. I must be getting old. When I was a lad this was all fields etc.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markallain Posted April 15, 2006 Report Share Posted April 15, 2006 Timski Was the "etc" above supposed to be "and sheep" ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timski Posted April 15, 2006 Report Share Posted April 15, 2006 Don't knock it. There's some bloody attractive sheep up our way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigMeanBob Posted April 16, 2006 Report Share Posted April 16, 2006 Took a Mk5 out for a test drive today. Got to admit, I really liked the DSG box. Was amazed at just how smooth the switches were. Ran it for a while in sport mode and was rather impressed. Seemed to handle quite well on the couple of roundabouts I threw the car round too... On the downsides.... Was difficult to compare to my car as the power difference was actually quite noticable. The car didn't feel quite as 'special' as the MK4. The interior on the MK5 didn't seem quite as nice as the standard on the MK4 R32.... Think I would definitely buy one if I didn't have the MK4....but don't think I would make the switch. Will probably wait a year or so and see what comes along... b0b Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markallain Posted April 16, 2006 Report Share Posted April 16, 2006 Have to agree with you Bob that one of the main attractions for me about switching is the DSG box. Whether after living with it for a while I'd wish for a manual from time to time is a concern though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigMeanBob Posted April 16, 2006 Report Share Posted April 16, 2006 I think that money plays a part too....doesn't really seem worth it to drop another 12k to update to a car that isn't hugely different to what I have. Considering the current car is mine from new, 2.25 years old and only has 16k on the clock I think I'd really just be throwing the cash away at the moment... would still like that DSG box though.. b0b Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ashleywater Posted April 16, 2006 Report Share Posted April 16, 2006 [ QUOTE ] Timski Was the "etc" above supposed to be "and sheep" ? [/ QUOTE ] As they often say in the highlands, where the livestock are numerous, and the witnesses are few, in the land of the most scenic Green valley's in the world: We sh*g em............u eats em............... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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