VW Golf GTI Mk8 or VW Golf R Mk8? They share a platform, with different power. Here's how far each one goes, using the makers' and tuners' own figures from our two guides.
At a glance
| VW Golf GTI Mk8 | VW Golf R Mk8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Years | 2020– | 2021– |
| Engine | 2.0 TSI EA888 Gen 4 | 2.0 TSI EA888 Gen 4 |
| Stock power | 241 hp / 273 lb-ft (US) | 315 hp / 310 lb-ft (US) |
Power by stage
| VW Golf GTI Mk8 | VW Golf R Mk8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | 241 hp | 315 hp |
| Stage 1 | 328–375 hp | 386–442 hp |
| Stage 2 | 345–392 hp | 410–455 hp |
| Stage 3 | 410–478 hp | 500+ hp |
| Stage 4 | 500+ hp | 600+ hp |
Figures are the tuners' own claims from each guide, on the fuel each tuner states.
Typical parts cost
| VW Golf GTI Mk8 | VW Golf R Mk8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | APR software $660; APR gearbox (TCU) tune $650 more. Unitronic sells through dealers only. | APR $600, or $1,600 as APR Plus with a powertrain warranty; Unitronic CAD 700 at a Canadian dealer (its gearbox tune and intercooler are extra). |
| Stage 2 | the same APR file ($660); APR intake $400. | the same APR file ($600); Unitronic Stage 2 CAD 750; APR intake $450. |
| Stage 3 | the same APR file ($660); the turbo is extra. | — |
List prices from the guides, before shipping, import tax and fitting. "—" means that guide has no cost line for the stage.
Where each one ends up
At Stage 4 the VW Golf GTI Mk8 reaches 500+ hp and the VW Golf R Mk8 600+ hp.