Astra VXR or R32
One is a big capacity NA six pot engined AWD semi "luxury" car that happens to be rather quick, the other is a small capacity turbo'd FWD car that's a bit raw. The R32 is usefully quicker but drinks more fuel. It's a LOT nicer inside - the Astra dash is minging (I had a mk5 for four years) IMO. The VXR is much easier to tune but you'd have to be brave to get much more out of the engine.
Both are quick "hyper" hatches - but for the over 30s, get an R32 - mk4 or Mk5.
Both are quick "hyper" hatches - but for the over 30s, get an R32 - mk4 or Mk5.
Trending Topics
Scooby Regular
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,905
Likes: 0
From: From Kent to Gloucestershire to Berkshire
Or sod the R32, get the GTi Mk 5 - same interior, much better value, similar kit, a nicer drive due to lighter weight, much better fuel economy, better low rev torque, and nearly as fast when you wring it out too. The GTi is the VXR competitor - ultimately not quite as powerful or raw as the VXR, but a much better alrounder IMHO. Will tune well too. The R32 is a lot more expensive - and not as tunable.
I do like the ST but I was attracted to the rawness of the VXR and the overall package the R32 gives you.
Not sure about the GTi I will try get a drive of one as I have access to a couple of VXRs and an R32.
Not sure about the GTi I will try get a drive of one as I have access to a couple of VXRs and an R32.
One is a big capacity NA six pot engined AWD semi "luxury" car that happens to be rather quick, the other is a small capacity turbo'd FWD car that's a bit raw. The R32 is usefully quicker but drinks more fuel. It's a LOT nicer inside - the Astra dash is minging (I had a mk5 for four years) IMO. The VXR is much easier to tune but you'd have to be brave to get much more out of the engine.
Both are quick "hyper" hatches - but for the over 30s, get an R32 - mk4 or Mk5.
Both are quick "hyper" hatches - but for the over 30s, get an R32 - mk4 or Mk5.
I never thought they were regarded as being that quick, the Astra is substantially lighter, 150 kilos and is only adrift by 18 bhp plus it isn't 4wd so has less transmission loss.
I found this, its a stock Saab 9-3 Aero having a go with an R32 and the R32 barely looks any quicker, I would be peed off if I spent all that and couldnt outdrag a ropey Saab with 210 bhp, no opportunities for a cheeky remap either.
YouTube - Saab 9-3 Aero ss Vs Golf V R32 Dsg
I just dont get the R32, have only driven then old four motion and thought that was dull, I know the r32 is a lot better than that but I dont get the six cylinder Golf thing, I went to try an VR6 to replace a 16 valve mk2 thinking it would be more of the same and it was too sensible, faster but didnt really feel it.
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 25,565
Likes: 2
From: 1600cc's of twin scroll fun :)
it will hold its value better but its a vw group car, not the most reliable cars out there (no matter what people say, they really are not that good), the vxr is a vauxhall, but vauxhall have improved over the last few years, if you wanted the all out fun car then it would be the vxr, if you wanted the more grown up car then it would be the golf.Tony
I ( well ... my wife
) owns a VXR and not having test driven it myself before we took delivery from the stealer i was mighty impressed !
Build quality is excellent and the drive takes me back to my boy racer days, very responsive pick up and very smooth on the m/way, yet will still happily return us a 32 combined mpg. My mates Focus ST will do 19!
I can vouch for the R32's being a car thieves wet dream tho, family in the old bill and they are always getting nicked, especially poeple wanting to break into your house and get the keys!
) owns a VXR and not having test driven it myself before we took delivery from the stealer i was mighty impressed !Build quality is excellent and the drive takes me back to my boy racer days, very responsive pick up and very smooth on the m/way, yet will still happily return us a 32 combined mpg. My mates Focus ST will do 19!
I can vouch for the R32's being a car thieves wet dream tho, family in the old bill and they are always getting nicked, especially poeple wanting to break into your house and get the keys!
One is a big capacity NA six pot engined AWD semi "luxury" car that happens to be rather quick, the other is a small capacity turbo'd FWD car that's a bit raw. The R32 is usefully quicker but drinks more fuel. It's a LOT nicer inside - the Astra dash is minging (I had a mk5 for four years) IMO. The VXR is much easier to tune but you'd have to be brave to get much more out of the engine.
Both are quick "hyper" hatches - but for the over 30s, get an R32 - mk4 or Mk5.
Both are quick "hyper" hatches - but for the over 30s, get an R32 - mk4 or Mk5.
Both cars extremely nice I think, but the Astra stays true to the hot hatch principles where you will find that the R32 is a Jack of all trades.
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 1
From: "In a distant land,far far away!"
Both cars are a target for thieves at the mo.There is a stolen black VXR doing the rounds at the mo in Brum.
Get some decent security and enjoy...At the end of the day,we can't be dictated to,by the scum bags.Otherwise,we'd all be driving a Perodua
Perodua UK Kenari ...Nice[/url]!
Get some decent security and enjoy...At the end of the day,we can't be dictated to,by the scum bags.Otherwise,we'd all be driving a Perodua
Perodua UK Kenari ...Nice[/url]!




