Stinger vs Golf R

[Euljiro1ga]

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.

Hey, welcome to the forum.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Golf R.

What I pick up from your posts here is you are comparing the Stinger to the R in attributes that the R would mostly win. While the Stinger is a 'sporty' car, it's still a big practical grand touring car. The R is a sporty/racy hot-hatch, the R is almost always going to win when it comes to driving dynamics, driving feels, and all that. Even if the Stinger has more low-down torque, it's also a heavier car. Still, I don't think there's a clear winner here.

 

[voon]

Such an odd comparison. Feels to me like comparing an e-Fatbike with an indoor triathlon bike.

 

[Ecsta]

Hey, welcome to the forum.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Golf R.

What I pick up from your posts here is you are comparing the Stinger to the R in attributes that the R would mostly win. While the Stinger is a 'sporty' car, it's still a big practical grand touring car. The R is a sporty/racy hot-hatch, the R is almost always going to win when it comes to driving dynamics, driving feels, and all that. Even if the Stinger has more low-down torque, it's also a heavier car. Still, I don't think there's a clear winner here.

Such an odd comparison. Feels to me like comparing an e-Fatbike with an indoor triathlon bike.

Maybe it is an odd comparison haha, but i feel like i'm not the only one comparing the two. My requirements are fun, decently quick, comfortable for the front 2, lots of tech/features, looks good, and doesn't break the bank. They both check all those boxes. Also when i bought the Golf R i had a 20 minute side-street commute and was parking in a tiny condo parking spot. Now I have a new job where i sit in traffic for 2 hours a day and have a larger parking spot, so i'm craving a bit more comfort/luxury in my car. The luxury badges Audi/Mercedes/BMW have too much of a negative stigma in my social circle, so they're not really an option (also what i like is out of my budget haha).

Most of my questions could be answered with a test drive (which will happen), but was more curious about the impression of people who drive the Stinger every day (especially if they use adaptive cruise control a lot), as it's hard to get a feel for a car in 10 minutes. I'm going to continue to lurk the forums but when i saw this thread i couldn't resist posting.

 

[Kia Stinger]

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.

Welcome aboard, @Ecsta! And thank you for signing up. I'm pretty sure that test drive is going to make your decision easy. It looks like you want a car that's fun to drive, looks good without being over done, reliable, comfortable, and financially reasonable - and are willing to give up to "go cart" ride. If that's the case, your test drive is going to have you in a Stinger...

 

[Euljiro1ga]

The stinger is definitely more mature in its looks and its practicality in my opinion.

The Hyundai i30 N caught my attention for a while now, sadly it's not available in NA or in Korea, just the UK i think.

 

[STIinger]

The stinger is definitely more mature in its looks and its practicality in my opinion.

The Hyundai i30 N caught my attention for a while now, sadly it's not available in NA or in Korea, just the UK i think.

Only in Europe and Austrailia are getting i30N. Other regions will get the new Veloster N.

 

[Jumpy]

The Mk8 Golf is gonna be sick...probably not until '20 or '21 in North America, though. This new 7.5 refresh is really nice too.

 

[Dan73boat]

New member here.... This post prompted me to join.
I'm in the exact same situation as "Ectsa." He's not the only one......
I am looking at both the Stinger and Golf R.
I have driven neither. (only golf gti which was fun)
I live in an area with a lot of snow.
I will have a monthly 300 mile trip for work,
but also commute just a few miles most days.
My current plan is to wait until fall 2018 and see what happens with dealer inventory and then let a "test drive vs discount" drive my decision.
Thank you to all who have posted. I've learned a lot.
I really enjoyed sitting in a Stinger last week. Beautiful car.
Dan

 

[KiaofMuncie]

I sell both brands. We sold about 5 Golf R's last year. Amazing vehicle. Can't wait for the 2018 updates. The best thing about the Golf R's is that you can really tune them to preference. Stinger is incredible as well. I think it's going to come down to what your needs are. The Golf R is definitely smaller. Both amazing sports cars.

 

[ShrekSquatch]

@Ecsta, I recognize your handle from Vortex. I'm in the same boat as you, already have the R, love it , but trying to decide if the pros of switching outweigh the cons. In my case I can't get a GT2 because of headroom so Golf R (2016, DSG, DCC) vs GT equipment-wise is pretty even. Waiting to test drive until after Wookies (annual Golf R get together at the Tail of the Dragon for those not in the know...) I'm also looking at the Regal GS, so 3 pretty different vehicles. In 3 weeks my commute more than doubles, and Atlanta traffic sucks, so something more comfortable would be nice for my very large self... Keep us posted, I've been lurking for probably a month now.

 

[ShrekSquatch]

@Ecsta, I recognize your handle from Vortex. I'm in the same boat as you, already have the R, love it , but trying to decide if the pros of switching outweigh the cons. In my case I can't get a GT2 because of headroom so Golf R (2016, DSG, DCC) vs GT equipment-wise is pretty even. Waiting to test drive until after Wookies (annual Golf R get together at the Tail of the Dragon for those not in the know...) I'm also looking at the Regal GS, so 3 pretty different vehicles. In 3 weeks my commute more than doubles, and Atlanta traffic sucks, so something more comfortable would be nice for my very large self... Keep us posted, I've been lurking for probably a month now.

Holy "all over the place post" Batman! Sorry if that's hard to read - only got 2 hrs sleep last night.

 

[Weareblondi]

welcome to the hive. it all boils down to personal taste, as another member posted. most of my cars have been on the larger side, just because i don't want to be cramped in because of headroom. but i also need to not have my legs fall asleep if i am stuck in traffic. golf r is an amazing vehicle, but, in my circle of friends growing up, it was what everyone wanted when we were 17/18. great hp potential, but as we all got older, real life took over. jobs, kids, groceries, etc etc etc. golf r, power potential notwithstanding, is still a vw golf with a great engine and drivetrain. the stinger is unlike anything on the road made by kia. it can go from a sort of hooligan to a sedate interstate cruiser.

 

[davebo]

Things i like about the Golf R better:
- More brand respect (if you care about that, i personally don't)

Mmm, maybe not after the whole dieselgate thing. If VW had a reputation before dieselgate it was just for expensive maintenance bills, but now it's just for straight corporate malfeasance. Of course you can find criminal activity in most car manufacturers, VW is just more recent. Hey remember when Kia and Hyundai knowingly misrepresented mileage results to the EPA

 

[Weareblondi]

Or when Ferrari was caught lying about the top speed of the f40 and the f50

 

[Stung]

this all depends on what you define as "better"
both great cars with AWD
Stinger is larger, going to be more comfortable as a DD

 

[StingerGT68]

Sounds like your friend is a little jealous

 

[Thirteen]

I traded an APR stage 2+ (350 ish bhp) golf R mk6 for a Stinger GT1 RWD. the golf did feel a lot lighter however i think the stinger handles a lot better, the front end grip and turn in is so much better on the kia and the chassis is far more confidence inspiring. The R was nimble but the weight distribution was awful so the front end would push a bit before the power went to the rear and sorted things out. If you were smooth with the inputs the grip was incredible, you could also floor it at any time and it would just put the power down without any fuss. If you throw the stinger into a corner the front end stays planted and the back will rotate a bit before traction control catches you, and you can't just floor the stinger the same way you could the R however, I mean traction control does a good job keeping you pointed the right way but you still get a bit of tail wag. as far as comfort I have some train tracks i go over everyday and the R would quite literally bounce me off the seat and i would have to reposition myself, the Stinger just glides over it even in sport mode. Both cars are fun in their own way and i would have loved to have both of them but there it is.

 

[Jumpy]

Mk7 Golfs have dynamic chassis control, which makes them way more comfortable than previous iterations. The MQB platform generally is excellent.

 

[Thirteen]

Mk7 Golfs have dynamic chassis control, which makes them way more comfortable than previous iterations. The MQB platform generally is excellent.

I have no doubt what your saying is true but i can only speak to the mk6.

 

[climbbike]

I drove both and for me it came down to the golf r and the stinger. In my opinion, the golf r is overrated. It really needs more power. I mean it's great, it was my second choice after all but the style seems dated and I seem to enjoy driving a 6 cylinder over a 4 banger, any day .

Oh and the golf r is missing a lot like no sunroof, etc .