EVO this month...

[Mabada]

... has an interesting comparision between the MKIV and MKV R32. (In the Fast Fleet section - they run a MKV 3dr DSG) Conclusion is that the MKIV is more exciting but less capable, both are great cars.(I think that sums it up!!)

Also, the R has lost its place as the fastest hot hatch around the EVO circuit to an S3.

Good edition this month - am already saving for an R8!!

[Markallain]

The Mk4 R32 has always been an EVO favourite and won the superhatch group test in 2003 (EVO 53). I think the latest article sums up the differences fairly well. Not sure about the reference to the MK4 bulbous arches though as they are the same as other MK4's. I think there was a pre-production car with bigger arches but this feature did not make it to the final version.

The jury is still out for me on DSG. I did spec it on the MK5 I ordered but cancelled the car and ended up with an RS4 instead. If I did go for a MK5 now I think I'd be inclined to choose a manual.

I've no plans to sell my MK4 R32. I do like the MK5 but there are some features which don't quite work for me. I'm not overly keen on the wheels and the grill. Also I'd have to go for a car with Recaros as I think they make the interior that bit special. I'm also not sure that the price premium over the MK5 GTI makes the MK5 R32 good value. If I were looking for a second hand MK5 I think it would be hard to overlook the GTI because it is so good and that much cheaper.

[ashleywater]

[ QUOTE ]

...

Also, the R has lost its place as the fastest hot hatch around the EVO circuit to an S3.

[/ QUOTE ]

Being fortunate enough to have owned and driven all three, I cant say that surprises me at all, S3 is a fairly well under estimated, unappreciated mean mode of "B" road burner ............I guess something which has to do with the perceived "heavy" price tag.........

[Rachel]

[ QUOTE ]

I've no plans to sell my MK4 R32. I do like the MK5 but there are some features which don't quite work for me. I'm not overly keen on the wheels and the grill. Also I'd have to go for a car with Recaros as I think they make the interior that bit special. I'm also not sure that the price premium over the MK5 GTI makes the MK5 R32 good value.

[/ QUOTE ]

Same here. The Oz spec MkIV .:R32s came with all leather, the Konig heated seats, Gamma stereo, cruise control, the badging and seat trim (.:R logo) etc as standard. The only option that was not available was a sunroof or 5 doors.

Other than the fact the MkV is considerably bigger than the MkIV (which I don't like), you cannot get one spec'd up to match the MkIV .:R32, and the closest you'll get will cost you almost $80K here (with the Recaros, leather etc).

[mjag2]

Heres an article from carmagazine's March edition which did a special on the Civic Type R vs Premium Hot Hatches. Bottomline was that the new S3 wasn't fun. Thought I'd put it up even though it doesn't have anything to do with the mkiv R

[Sugarj]

I notice EVO mentioned that the MKV has the better power to weight ratio...........not true if your MKIV has the VW approved 6463 software. Perhaps magazines should be made aware of this.

I dont doubt the MKV handles better though!

[Daemon]

Regardless of software updates, I don't know how they figure the

MkV has better power to weight ratio.

MkIV 3250-3300 lbs. rated 240 hp. 13.5-13.75 lb/hp

MkV 3513 lbs. rated 250hp. 14 lbs/hp.

The MkV makes up for its portly nature in the 0-60 with DSG's quick

shifting. That's about it. Sport Auto complained that it was

slower at high speeds when they tested it on the Nurburgring.

That extra 300 lbs will also eventually catch up to you

with early brake fade and greasy tires when pushed hard on the track

for more than a couple laps.

ian