Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
apple_thunderbolt_display.jpg
 
I need/want one of these so bad!
Even though the technology is several years old they are awesome.

The glossy glass screen is super vibrant and the ability to be able to connect camera, mic, audio, and USB ports by plugging in a single cable with a Thunderbolt to USB-C adapter is a deal maker for me.

As soon as Apple releases a new display (which I hear is imminent) I'll happily stick with this.
 
Uh yeah, I posted that video in the car thread. I'd like to know his own opinion.
lol sorry. Not paying attention. I have a Golf TSI so my opinion (for what it's worth) would be the GTI. Not so keen on the R's styling.
[doublepost=1502908136][/doublepost]
Even though the technology is several years old they are awesome.

The glossy glass screen is super vibrant and the ability to be able to connect camera, mic, audio, and USB ports by plugging in a single cable with a Thunderbolt to USB-C adapter is a deal maker for me.

As soon as Apple releases a new display (which I hear is imminent) I'll happily stick with this.
Imminent = never or at least 5 years.
 
Would love to hear more! I'm currently weighing between 2017 GTI and the Golf R (or waiting for 2018).
I think it depends on what kind of driving you're into. The R would be brilliant on a track, but on regular roads it doesn't really do anything the GTI doesn't. Sure it can do 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds, but are you going to? How often?

The GTI is noticeably lighter with a tighter turning radius. The Soundaktor (fake engine noise in the cabin) isn't as obnoxious as it is with the R (which is really quite childish IMO). I bought the run-out model GTI and got an insane deal on it. FWIW the manager of the VW dealership had also "downgraded" from the R to a GTI.

Both are good cars though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: spencers
I think it depends on what kind of driving you're into. The R would be brilliant on a track, but on regular roads it doesn't really do anything the GTI doesn't. Sure it can do 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds, but are you going to? How often?

The GTI is noticeably lighter with a tighter turning radius. The Soundaktor (fake engine noise in the cabin) isn't as obnoxious as it is with the R (which is really quite childish IMO). I bought the run-out model GTI and got an insane deal on it. FWIW the manager of the VW dealership had also "downgraded" from the R to a GTI.

Both are good cars though.
Thanks! Really appreciate your thoughts. Drove the GTI last weekend and came away impressed. Congrats on yours!
 
Thanks! Really appreciate your thoughts. Drove the GTI last weekend and came away impressed. Congrats on yours!

Hi Spencers, if I am not mistaken you drive a BMW today. Thought I'd share my opinion, coming from an E46 330Ci and Mini Cooper S.

Faced the same dilemma late last year. VW released the GTI Clubsport here in Europe, and I fell in love. Went to the showroom so many times, I can't even remember. I had to have one. It looked fantastic with its aero bits, alcantara steering wheel and RECARO seats. Even though it was nearly approaching Golf R money, I was confident that the Clubsport was the only choice. Lower weight, nearly the same power figures and a philosophy akin to Porsche's GT cars. I did not even consider the R.

Went to the dealership late September. Clubsport deliveries had not yet started, so I got to borrow the regular GTI with Performance Pack (230ps and optional diff). Initial impressions were really good, nice sounding engine and smooth performance. I normally hate automatic gearboxes but the DSG was lovely. Tried launch control and it was a quick car. It never really took my breath away, however.

Took the car to some local country roads. As much good as I had been reading about the front electronic diff (XDS I think it's called), I was surprised at the amount of understeer I experienced when pushing on. My Mini was a go-kart in comparison, you could really lean on it through the corners. The GTI on the other hand never gave me the same confidence. It understeered and pushed out of corners. Mind you, this was in the dry. Of course, you don't drive like a complete hooligan on a regular basis, but even accelerating from a stand still, there was more wheelspin than I found acceptable.

Moments later, the salesman urged me to try the Golf R. To be honest, I never really was in love with the styling of the R. Also, I was expecting it to be heavy and not as much fun as the GTI. Salesperson asked me to select "Race" mode and fire it up. With the four exhaust valves open, the sound was something else than the GTI. Sure, there is definitely some trickery going on, but I quite fancy it (if you don't, you can adjust it in the individual setting on the driver profiles). Moreover, the moment I rolled out of the lot, the R just felt a bit more premium than the GTI. The GTI is built in Mexico, whereas the R is built in Germany. It just felt more solid.

I don't know, but on the road it just felt like a completely different animal. While the GTI was quick, it never really gave me any thrills. The R on the other hand was seriously fast. On the same stretch of local country roads, the R just stuck to the road. It's crazy how quick it is thanks to the Haldex 4WD and DSG. It was so much more of an event than the GTI.

After leaving the dealership my mind was a mess. I always expected the GTI to be the more fun car. Turns out it wasn't (for me I should add). I started thinking there might have been something wrong with the GTI I got to borrow. Started watching YouTube videos, read reviews and comparisons. Found this: See 7 month review. Eventually I found a Clubsport to test drive, but the experience was exactly the same.

Back in February, before the Facelift arrived, VW finally had an offer on the Golf R. At $10k off, let's just say I jumped on it! 300ps, 4WD, Dynaudio, Keyless Go, PDC, Reversing Camera, 19" wheels and more, it feels like I got a bargain. Come winter, the 4WD will do wonders. Moreover, in the R the ESP can be completely shut off (not the case in the GTI).

I don't know if any BMW fan remembers, but the E46 M3 did 0-62 in 5.2s, the 330Ci did it in 6.5s. Most people would find the difference between an M3 E46 and a 330Ci to be huge. The Golf R takes 4.9s to 62, the GTI 6.4s.

The GTI is a fantastic car in its own right. However, the R is just so much more of everything. Last but not least, everyone is right. If you choose the R, your license will be hanging by a very thin thread! ;-)

Here's one of my favorite Golf R videos:

 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: spencers
If you choose the R, your license will be hanging by a very thin thread! ;-)
That's one of the things I didn't like about the R; I drove it slower than the GTI because a tap on the accelerator had me breaking the law by some margin. Also I didn't enjoy the extra police attention (although I guess that depends on your local police force).
 
Hi Spencers, if I am not mistaken you drive a BMW today. Thought I'd share my opinion, coming from an E46 330Ci and Mini Cooper S.
Thanks for sharing! Yes, I'm in an E90 330i but formerly had an E46 325Ci. I've solely been a BMW owner my entire life so it would surely be a changeup. Thank you so much for your story and feedback!
 
  • Like
Reactions: MacRazySwe
Thanks for sharing! Yes, I'm in an E90 330i but formerly had an E46 325Ci. I've solely been a BMW owner my entire life so it would surely be a changeup. Thank you so much for your story and feedback!

You're welcome! Let us know what you end up with!
 
be careful, open bottle in a car is asking for trouble. experience talking here lol

not open, complete sealed, plastic still on. and yes, i've had that experience also. wife and i had dinner once and had an unfinished bottle of wine in the car. got pulled over for speeding and the cops hassled us about the wine. didn't know at the time that it was a no no. put the bottle in the trunk and they let us go with just the speeding ticket.
 
You have such a better selection of bourbon wherever you're from, I haven't seen any of these in NJ. :-(

I live in LA. However, most of my stuff is sourced from a small gourmet liquor store that I have a very good relationship with. Surprisingly, I only started drinking bourbon a few months ago. Anyway, the Rock Hill is hard to find. It is an upmarket version of Blanton's. I hadn't seen it in my store before. They got 2 bottles in yesterday and they called me. I'd be shock if the other bottle is still there today. This is typically the case with many desirable bottles. I have a friend in NYC that has been looking for the Rock Hill and he hasn't found it yet. Stay persistent and good luck on your searches.

Also, the TX bourbon is made in Fort Worth and I doubt they distribute outside the region. That particular bottle was bought direct from the distillery by a friend and transported by my wife who had business there this week. :)
 
I just started golfing, so I figured this rangefinder could help me a bit. (yeah right!)

View attachment 712732


I used to use one of these when I first started bow hunting. It was a good tool to help me judge distance a little better, plus the one I had helped took into account the angles from my tree stands which is important when bow hunting.

I imagine it will help you in the long run if you stick with golfing.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jawn_Dough
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.