You probably realize, the current R32 is only up til '08 but many can be bought at VW dealers with a cpo warranty. These are newer technology and some have a nice touch screen nav and bluetooth phone prep or it can be easily installed if you want that tech stuff. If the R32 were currently for sale new, as a 2010 for example, it could be considerably more $ than the Mini. You could consider the TT in a 3.2 6 spd coupe. A used 08 would be roughly $31k right now +/-. It is basically a better handling and much nicer trimmed Golf.

The 08 r32 is an automatic...not sure how you think that is fun but I don't. It's not Porsche PDK or even a slick double clutch from Audi. The v6 is solid though.

What you might consider is a 2004 R32, this model came with a 6 spd and there are many aftermarket bits for it such as turbo and superchargers with associated upgraded intercoolers, etc. from APR, VF, and similar sources. Personally, an AWD 3 litre engine, plus a supercharger, might be one hell of a ride.

Keep in mind that all VW AWD systems use the Haldex type which is not "sporty" by any means in it's OEM form. However, you can simply install the "Haldex Controller" which makes the bias variable and more to the rear to get that RWD feel with AWD grip. It's pretty cool really, many people do this on the TT as well seeing as it's practically the same car underneath.

(Yes, sad that "quattro" on the TT does not really mean "QUATTRO" like the bigger cars have which is 40:60 bias in it's lowest performance iteration on A4, A6, etc The RS4 and 08 S4 have 20:80 bias. Mine has more like 10:90 using an aftermarket center differential from Stasis)

So, the 2004 R32 has a 6 spd...and, these sell now for low teens to high teens. Used 08 R32 sell for low 20's by now, were mid teens during the summer.

You can end up with much more power and torque on the R32 simply due to having started with more displacement, nearly double right, 1.8 L I4 Mini vs 3.2L V6 R32. The VF Engineering supercharger isn't even ridiculous $, $6000 for a full set up including upgraded peripherals putting you at 350hp/275 tq up from stock 240hp/230tq. Race gas bumps those another 50/60.

After all that, I prefer the design/styling of the Mini. As for the weight, I'm not sure but I'd guess the rear seats in the VW weigh considerably more than those flimsy things in the Mini, so, starting to reduce weight may show more results digging into the VW for the same parts found in the Mini.

We have a MKIV Jetta that is similar to the R32's in terms of materials and interior and compared to the cool "looking" Mini, it's still better built inside and quieter too, suggesting the heavier build of the VW's is not always such a bad thing.

I would ponder that a lot of the VW extra weight is in the engine itself, then the body & frame.

I don't know "where" the R32 engine is relative to the front axle, but if it's like a lot of VW and Audi, it's a little too forward, at least compared to a BMW or Mini with the wheels so far out front which helps the feel and balance.

Maybe the decision could be made simpler if you introduce other priorities that do not rely on performance comparisons. For example, two years ago we were on the hunt for the "right" wagon. We'd had an 07 bmw 328iT6 but found it too low and too RWD for the winter trips we'd take. We looked at several fun wagons, and narrowed it down to AWD & manual. Which leaves more or less boring but totally fine Subaru Outback, posh but not sporty enough 535xiT6 and $70k, Saab 93TurboX sportcombi which was the runner up, and we were even fairly bored with the A4 (from 2008).

After driving all those we last wondered "what exactly IS an S4 Avant anyway" 4.2 V8 + true Quattro + 6spd and sport suspension while sitting in a sweet Recaro.... = big grin. We took 4 days to negotiate our $7000 discount while taking it overnight once and leaving it behind twice.

The next week, I spent about $10,000 in aftermarket on it down pipes/full exhaust, racing center differential swap, Escort9500ci stealth install, reverse camera, HID fogs, ceramic tint, etc. We LOVE that car.

So, drive the cars you have on your list, same day, even take one to the next dealer. Get these people to let you just go out on your own without their nagging in the back seat. This is the best time of year to buy a new car, unless it's a 2011

Oh, and $37k for any Mini is sort of silly $. Why not just buy a BMW? Not to bash Mini, because I really like them, and have since the first ones came out, but new, with all the little bits, I don't see the inherent "value". Personally, I think they are an awesome used car value though, which is why I'm looking at a couple JCW that are mid 20's now after having had a msrp closer to $35k-$38k only 2-3 years ago.

I was so hot to buy a new Mini in 2006 and took a car crazy friend with me, we test drove two Mini, both S manual. Next door he made me look at the Z cars just to compare, some Z4's barely used were the same or less $ as the loaded out $39k Mini I was interested in.

4 hours later, at another BMW dealer, we left the lot in my new M Roadster Yes, it was a few $ more than the Mini, but more than a few grins more fun. What a day.

 

All MKV R32's sold in the US have DSG transmission aka dual-clutch. I've driven a gaggle of Audi and VW variations with it and not a fan. Yes it's "fast" shifting, but still functions like an automatic albeit without torque converter.

 

I suppose it is, but it still felt sort of blah. I think I am unnaturally biased against any non-manual though.

The awd aspect is really nice though.

 

Being an owner of both cars I'm going to have to disagree with you. The R32 while being on the heavy side is no where near a little pig. It's very fast and handles great. I'd actually like to see a heads up race between the 2.

And a lot more fun huh? I seem to have a hell of a lot of fun with my R32.

 

I will admit that the DSG transmission is cool and all but I would have bought it with a regular manual if it were available. But we had no choice unfortunately.

 

There have been only 2 versions for the R32 in the US. First one came out in 2004 and then 2008. The R32 has now been replaced with the R20. VW for some odd reason has not yet announced if the R20 will make it to the states. If they do it won't be until late 2011 or early 2012 to go along with their pattern of it coming out every 4 years. But don't hold your breath.

Rant time: I'm not sure if you guys are aware but the R32 is limited to 5000 in the states. And as far as i know, they all sold. Every single one. So why not bring the R20? Then there's the VW Sirocco. Another wanted car in the US will also not make it to the states because according to VW they don't want the Sirocco eating into the GTi's market.

Really VW? Reeeeeally? You don't seem that considern with that problem in the UK. Where you sell the Fox, Polo, Polo GTi, Golf, Golf GTi, R20, Sirocco and Sirocco R. All hatchbacks!! It's a continued problem in my eye's hear in the states. We don't have the options that American's love and want. Why not?

 

This is my R32 by the way. Plan on hooking up my MCS in a similar way. Can't wait!

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?4482281

 

R32s are nice but I still can't get used to the newer body style of the VW hatchbacks. They look like eggs.

I have to say I LOVED them when they had the older style around 2004. (MK4?)

AWD would be awesome. My JCW is going to suck this winter.

 

I recently moved from the suburbs to the big city and decided I needed to get a city car that was both practical and fun to drive (with an emphasis on being able to park in small spots).

Oddly enough, I never even considered a VW. For my the VW = common man's (or woman's) car. It's the GM of Germany. Reliability has been a known issue in the recent past and there's not much personality there for me.

Even if my JCW is slower than an R32 (I don't know), it's got waaaaaay more personality and character than any VW (that doesn't have $5000+ of aftermarket modifications). And since my JCW is nearly 2 feet shorter, I'm guessing I'll fit into a few more parking spots than the VW...

my 2 pennies.

-Herk

 

I'm not hating on it at all...I'm a big VW/Audi fan and a past Audi owner myself

Just stating my opinions between the 2....the R32 is still a great car.

But here is no doubt in my mind that a JCW will take an R32 in a race. The only reason the post similar magazine numbers is because they launch the crap out of them with the AWD.

The MkIV's were way cooler than the V's too...

 

That's it man! Lets race! j/k

I don't know. I love the look of my MKV R32. Especially the way i have it. I think it's very aggressive. Although the MKIV was dope as well.

 

It's on!

Good lookin R though!

 

I'd like to suggest a twisting gravel route and then a nice race track like VIR.

I'll bring my Audi to play as well. It's rather heavy up front but it's still a hoot on the track and very fun off pavement or in snow.

 

Thanks!

 

Instigator!!

 

I ran against a nice R32 out at the Finger Lakes NT this past year. It held it's own in STX. The driver did remark that the overall weight of the car seems significant on course though.

I'd admire to try one on a snowy road though, with a nice fresh set of Blizzaks on it...

 

The 2008 VW R32 weights 3547 lbs. That is real heavy for a small hatchback. My 2007 Honda Accord that I had was lighter than that.
That is mid size car weight.

The 2010 JCW weights 2701 lbs and the 2011 JCW is even lighter at 2668 lbs.

 

Since most here seem to think a JCW would beat an R32, I'm guessing a JCW would smoke a GTI?

 

With the right driver, yes it will beat it. The JCW has more HP and is lighter than the VW GTI.

 

My JCW Clubman stickered a bit over $34k and at 2888lb should still show better than the R32...

 

i own a 2009 jcw and was really close to getting the r32. My only concern was the dsg reliability issues if there are any and vw service. does anyone know, maybe phontsolo if you can help, if the dsg has long term issues? i heard a lot of vdub owners complain about clunky shifting

 

I haven't had one single issue with my R32's DSG or really anything mechanical or electrical at all. I don't use the DSG paddles or shifter that often but when i do i haven't noticed any clanking either. And I'm at 65,000 miles. I love my R32.

 

wow 65,000 miles! very good mileage and no dsg problems... great looking car by the way. the dsg always made me wary of purchasing it, might have to go test drive one.

 

Thanks!

I know, a lot of miles already but it had to be done. But it's holding up nicely. I always make sure to get my scheduled services done.

As far as the DSG goes I'd much rather have a normal manual. The DSG is cool and all but it will never beat that manual feel. Changing gears with the paddle shifters can be an annoying thing when your turning the wear. I would have gotten it in manual but VW ( screw you VW ) didn't make that available.

Still love the R32 though. Love the Mini 2!!

 

I have an 09 MCSa JCW. For comparasion's sake I demo'd a CPO R32 with the DSG and I'll say this: the Aisin T/C slushbox in my MCSa is a much MUCH smoother and faster shifting automatic (esp in S mode) than that clunky POS they call a DSG. Not impressed at all. But then Ive never found V-dubs in any form impressive, and certainly not the R32. It felt kinda porky to me...