Stinger vs Golf R

[Schpok]

yup , the Stingers really for us old grinders !!

Don't say that dammit, I'm 23 and bought a Stinger (and would rather die instead of buying a Golf! But thats only my Preference, it's a very good car especially the R BUT it's still a Golf)

 

[Gdank]

MSRP for a Stinger GT is 66.000 EUR in UK, isn‘t it? What‘s the price for a comparable loaded Golf R?

In the UK the full 3.3L With everything maxed, and Paint, is £41,140

The Golf R starts at £35k, for a 5 door Automatic. I got £45k before I got bored adding the options to spec it the same, I guess around £47+ if I went through completely.

So option a) Get a base R for £35k
B) Get a maxed R for £47+
C) Get a Stinger for £41k

No idea on USD or EU dollars.

Edit : Corrected the figures - sorry!

Edit 2 : I also finally spec'ed it as close to the Stinger as possible and came to £48,435



So Automatic, Premium Paint, Nappa Leather Seats, 19" Wheels, and the rest you can read.

The DVD/SAT nav is just the upgraded version, does a few things extra than the Kia, but base version didn't have live traffic updates. You could cut a few things and get it closer to £45k but still a few things missing over the Kia!

 

[Gdank]

^^ Updated Post Above.

 

[AndyGT]

Would be a no-brainer for me - even a Golf is more expensive than the Stinger GT? You can get a 3.3 litre V6 twin turbo with 380 PS and 510 NM which is a fantastic engine for less money. I wouldn‘t even consider to get a V4 Golf instead.

 

[BoardGameBuddha]

Thank you for all the awesome info and effort guys! I am recovering from this Flu, can not wait to get my Stinger GT Limited Testdrive in!

 

[Jumpy]

In the US, a Golf R is significantly less money than a Stinger GT2 - but we don't get ANY options except transmission and color. However, the one trim we get is pretty well-equipped.

If we compare a base GTI with a base Stinger, once again the Golf is less money.

You can say "it's still a Golf," but the entire Golf family is an award-winning lineup for years and years. The MQB platform is widely considered among the best in the industry. I know they are super common in Europe, so maybe you're just tired of seeing them. Not so much over here. People love the R because it's such a "sleeper."

 

[AndyGT]

I see your point. Indeed it is very common here. If you drive on german streets you can see VWs and esspecially VW Golf in every trim everywhere. Maybe it‘s a question of perspective.

 

[Bobr]

Eh, I know that VW Golf is kinda popular car in west countries (no idea why), but myself ... I'll never even look in the Golf's direction in comparison between VW Golf and Stinger.... What so much people find in those Golfs? Paunchy design, short, no beauty at all, and now look at the Stinger -- that's THE CAR!

 

[Jayce]

Eh, I know that VW Golf is kinda popular car in west countries (no idea why), but myself ... I'll never even look in the Golf's direction in comparison between VW Golf and Stinger.... What so much people find in those Golfs? Paunchy design, short, no beauty at all, and now look at the Stinger -- that's THE CAR!

I'm with you. The Golf is ugly AF in my opinion. I would NEVER even consider getting one of them lol.

 

[Kia Stinger]

I'm not really a fan of the Golf - but I do think it's a good car and I do like the "R". But I'm with the camp that would never choose one over the Stinger. It isn't surprising that most people here feel this way considering this is a Stinger community. It's not that people here specifically dislike the Golf - it's that people here specifically like the Stinger. That being said, here are a couple of pictures of the Golf R...

 

[Jumpy]

I initially found the Golf boring, perhaps even ugly - but then it grew on me! Now I love the way it looks. Classic, subtle, not overstated, yet still with a hint of aggression. As I said, it's viewed as more of a sleeper. People who want a badass car without being noticed choose a Golf R. Not everyone wants to be noticed, and sometimes it's better not to be (like by the police). That being said, there is a very strong enthusiast/modding community for the Golf.

As for "what do people see in a Golf"...well, everything. They're just excellent all-around cars, above average in all aspects, with little to no weakness (especially the GTI and R models).

lol, I'm trying not to fanboy too much, but my original point was that it's not outlandish to compare a Golf R with a Stinger, and some people (like me) do cross-shop them. It really comes down to size. I wanted a compact car that seats 4 comfortably and has lots of space in the hatch.

 

[Jayce]

I initially found the Golf boring, perhaps even ugly - but then it grew on me! Now I love the way it looks. Classic, subtle, not overstated, yet still with a hint of aggression. As I said, it's viewed as more of a sleeper. People who want a badass car without being noticed choose a Golf R. Not everyone wants to be noticed, and sometimes it's better not to be (like by the police). That being said, there is a very strong enthusiast/modding community for the Golf.

As for "what do people see in a Golf"...well, everything. They're just excellent all-around cars, above average in all aspects, with little to no weakness (especially the GTI and R models).

lol, I'm trying not to fanboy too much, but my original point was that it's not outlandish to compare a Golf R with a Stinger, and some people (like me) do cross-shop them. It really comes down to size. I wanted a compact car that seats 4 comfortably and has lots of space in the hatch.

I don't think we're looking at the same car, to each their own though! It's great that we have choices.

 

[Frubin76]

I’m a long time GTI enthusiast, in fact I own a great 1992 GTI 2.0 16V, great fun to drive...but I must say the Stinger GT is in a different league in most aspects. Luxury, refinement, looks....really can not be compared

 

[Frubin76]

Here it is the boy...

 

[Jumpy]

The Golf platform has come a long way since 1992. What is that, a Mk3? Now we're on Mk7.5. But still, cool!

The interior and tech on the GTI Autobahn and Golf R really punch above their class.

Don't take it from me:
2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI | In-Depth Model Review | Car and Driver

There's a reason why the Golf is a C&D 10 Best winner for 12 years straight.

 

[voon]

I'd also say different cars. Golf R is a bit what I have with my M135xi. They're hot hatchbacks going around curves better than a 2 ton stinger. The stinge ris not a curve killer, it's a fast GT with alot of practicality (for a gt). If your main goal is to race up mountain passes etc, go with the R in that selection. You can do that somewhat in a Stinger, but that's not what it is made for.

 

[Frubin76]

The Golf platform has come a long way since 1992. What is that, a Mk3? Now we're on Mk7.5. But still, cool!

The interior and tech on the GTI Autobahn and Golf R really punch above their class.

Don't take it from me:
2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI | In-Depth Model Review | Car and Driver

There's a reason why the Golf is a C&D 10 Best winner for 12 years straight.

Mine is a MK2, that I think is the best representation of GTI spirit.....lightweight, fun, aspirated and very easy to drive. That generation is my personal favorite. Still as a GTI fan, I've been following all of the new Golf R, wich I have driven and liked a lot. Don't get me wrong GTI is a great car and one of my favorites, but still for me a car for weekends of fun, in a daily basis really the stinger is in a different level. I guess it depends on your age...in my 20's there is no car I would preffered over a GTI.

 

[BoardGameBuddha]

Hey Stinger Brothers and Sisters, I finally got my Test Drive in this morning in a GT Limited and all I can say is WOW!!!! I am sold and as soon as my financial cloud lifts in the next few months it will be mine!!! The Salesman laughed so hard, he said, "you know more about this care than I do!" any of you get the same when you did your test drive? It is a Beautiful Every day with Kick and for the price and what you get is in a class by its self!

 

[Kia Stinger]

Hey Stinger Brothers and Sisters, I finally got my Test Drive in this morning in a GT Limited and all I can say is WOW!!!! I am sold and as soon as my financial cloud lifts in the next few months it will be mine!!! The Salesman laughed so hard, he said, "you know more about this care than I do!" any of you get the same when you did your test drive? It is a Beautiful Every day with Kick and for the price and what you get is in a class by its self!

I'm glad to hear it! And I look forward to your post with lots of pictures.

 

[Ecsta]

I initially found the Golf boring, perhaps even ugly - but then it grew on me! Now I love the way it looks. Classic, subtle, not overstated, yet still with a hint of aggression. As I said, it's viewed as more of a sleeper. People who want a badass car without being noticed choose a Golf R. Not everyone wants to be noticed, and sometimes it's better not to be (like by the police). That being said, there is a very strong enthusiast/modding community for the Golf.

As for "what do people see in a Golf"...well, everything. They're just excellent all-around cars, above average in all aspects, with little to no weakness (especially the GTI and R models).

lol, I'm trying not to fanboy too much, but my original point was that it's not outlandish to compare a Golf R with a Stinger, and some people (like me) do cross-shop them. It really comes down to size. I wanted a compact car that seats 4 comfortably and has lots of space in the hatch.

Incoming long post.. Literally registered to post in this thread. I have a 2017 Golf R (only mods being folding mirrors and dynamic LED tails) and i'm thinking of switching to a KIA Stinger. Biggest thing holding me back is last time i bought a new KIA for 35k it was worth not much a few years later.. Honestly they're a great comparison because they're both very amazing bang-for-your-buck cars. Yes one is a hatchback and the other is a hatchy sedan, but ballpark similar price/features/speed. I still have to test drive it before taking it any further than googling. Otherwise, my comparison (CAD fully loaded vs fully loaded) so far is:

Things i like about the Golf R better:
- More nimble/go-kart like
- Smaller and easier to park
- Holds its value way better (i've driven a year and lost not much $)
- Forum/Community is huge (so amazing, anything you've dreamed of someone has a guide)
- Cheap insurance (Ontario folks, how is the Kia Stinger insurance?)
- More brand respect (if you care about that, i personally don't)
- Nicer dash setup (not a fan of the tablet look)

Things i like about the Kia Stinger better:
- HEATED STEERING WHEEL
- OEM remote start
- Not German repair bills
- More low-down torque
- HUD
- Comes with a spare (Golf R owners will understand)
- More aggressive looks (without going into Civic Type R territory).
- Brembo brakes.
- Cooled seats
- More comfortable (debatable?)

Missing anything?

Questions for people with it..
- How is the adaptive/smart cruise control? I use it daily on my commute in rushhour traffic on the highway and can't live without it. The Golf is very smooth even when coming to a complete stop and doesn't panic too much when people cut you off.
- Anyone had to use the automatic braking? I've had it save my ass on the Golf and won't own a car without it anymore. The Golf gives you a warning before engaging so you can override it if its wrong, any feedback on the KIA version?
- How is the 15-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system? I'm really happy with the Golf R sound system and wouldn't want a downgrade (hard to judge a system by the number of speakers).
- How is parking and the turn radius? Can you pull a u-turn on a 2 lane street without reversing? I know it has all the tech but it would be the longest car i've ever owned if i got it.
- How is it when you drive... aggressive? The R is really fun to drive like a maniac.