How does the R32 stack up?

[3000ways]

Since it's introduction the R32 has been pitted against the likes of the EVO and STI, this more than likely is due to their similiar pricing and AWD. Other than that the cars are very different and the R32 is no match for the EVO and STI in all around performance. So R32 fans and volkswagen point to the R32s styling and interior comfort. So I feel that a better comparison would not be against the EVO and STI but the 350Z , RX-8, S2000, and Mustang Mach 1 who also have similiar pricing, performance, and favorable styling. So how does the R32 stack up against the 350Z, RX-8, S2000, and Mustang Mach 1?

2004 Volkswagen R32
3.2L 6-Cylinder
240HP@6250RPM 236TQ@2800RPM
6-Speed Manual
3380Lbs
AWD
0-60- 5.8 Seconds
1/4 Mile- 14.2 Seconds
Braking- 110FT
Skidpad- .86g
Base price- $29,100

2004 Nissan 350Z
3.5L 6-Cylinder
287HP@6200RPM 274TQ@4800RPM
6-Speed Manual
3230Lbs
RWD
0-60- 5.6 Seconds
1/4 Mile- 14.0 Seconds
Braking- 116FT
Skidpad- .89g
Base Price- $28,350 (Enthusiast Model)

2004 Mazda RX-8
1.3L Rotary
238HP@8500RPM 159TQ@5500RPM
6-Speed Manual
3020Lbs
RWD
0-60- 6.0 Seconds
1/4 Mile- 14.5 Seconds
Braking- 114FT
Skidpad- .90g
Base Price- $26,680

2004 Honda S2000
2.2L 4-Cylinder
240HP@7800RPM 161TQ@6500RPM
6-Speed Manual
2840Lbs
RWD
0-60- 5.5 Seconds
1/4 Mile- 14.1 Seconds
Braking- 117FT
Skidpad- .92g
Base Price- $32,800

2004 Ford Mustang Mach 1
4.6L 8-Cylinder
305HP@5800RPM 320TQ@4000RPM
5-Speed Manual
3470Lbs
RWD
0-60- 5.2 Seconds
1/4 Mile- 13.7 Seconds
Braking- 120FT
Skidpad- .85g
Base Price- $29,250

So of these five who would you choose? Does the R32 stack up against these 4? I think it does, but if I had to choose between the 5, I would go with the 350Z.

[aznxthuggie]

i think the r32 is a great car, but i hear of VW's having early problems, from many people on this forum, i think if i had a choice it would be between the s2k and the 350z (more on the 350 because i think the vq35de engine has more potential for power than the s2k engine)

[freakonaleash1187]

of course, i would go with the z here. i love the 350z's styling and plus it does high 13's. can't wait until Greddy starts selling their TT kit for the 350z.

[flylwsi]

for everyday, i'd take the r32.
no real need for a reason...
i like evo/sti, and i'll defend these other cars to the death, but i've always really like vw's...

[ZackKVtec]

i say how is the r32 is kind of underpowered for a 30,000 dollar awd sports car these days, but i think alot of people like to rely on this turbo kit coming out that gives it 550 or so horsepower, i choose the 350z, im ready for an rwd car, and the VQ engine has alot of potential

[MexSiR]

I read about an r32 twin turbo that has the record of the fastest car from 0-60 kph...it makes it in just 1.1 seconds.

[flylwsi]

FYI, 0-60kph is NOT much...
that's like 0-30
there's alot in that range.

that turbo kit is nice, but expensive.

i'm not relying on it. i like the car for what it is, unmodified.

stock for stock, i like it.

[youngvr4]

mach1, i'd take the muscle bound beast!

[LjasonL]

Going by the numbers alone, it seems like it's a performance match only for the regular WRX while being priced with the STi and EVO, and I'd take either one oer any of the cars in this list. But if I was forced to pick from here... probably the RX8 for that simple fact it has 4 seats. So does the R32 and Mustang, but I like the RX8 better. If I already had another car so I didn't have to worry about seats or anything else practical, the S2000 just for the fun of it.

[nacho_nissan]

Originally Posted by freakonaleash1187

of course, i would go with the z here. i love the 350z's styling and plus it does high 13's. can't wait until Greddy starts selling their TT kit for the 350z.

sorry to break the news but the TT kit for the VQ35DE is already out
ill take the 350Z anytime!

[DinanM3_S2]

Im glad VW finally brought the r32 to America, even if it is overpriced... I would have a hard time buying a golf body over a 350z, s2k, or an Evo. I know it is a great car, just not as great as its competitors at the moment. However, I bet it has alot more potential then the STi or the Evo (both already have massive turbos). So would I buy one? No, but there still cool.

350z
EVO
S2000
Sti
R32
RX8
Mach 1 (handles like an Accord)

[LjasonL]

Originally Posted by DinanM3_S2

(both already have massive turbos)

Have you ever SEEN the stock turbos from either one? And what does that have to do with which one has more potential. Logically, wouldn't the car that's faster out of the box have "more potential"?

[nacho_nissan]

Originally Posted by ldelaysionl

Logically, wouldn't the car that's faster out of the box have "more potential"?

nope! the S2000 is a bit fatser in a straight line than the 350Z..does the S2000 have a greater potential? hell no!

[freakonaleash1187]

Originally Posted by nacho_nissan

sorry to break the news but the TT kit for the VQ35DE is already out
ill take the 350Z anytime!

sorry?!?! i am glad i heard that. i thought it was still in development. but we all don't know everything.

[Demon_Mustang]

Isn't it a bit unfair to compare those cars with the Mach 1 since the Mach 1 is a V8?

I don't know, just saying, but I actually didn't know the Mach 1 did 0-60 in 5.2 seconds, lol. Personally I like the 1969 Mach 1 over the new one, but it's cool to have the Mach 1 back, now to continue the Boss Mustang...