Submit-race debrief
The playing cards gave the impression to be stacked in opposition to the Veloster N earlier than the automobiles even arrived on the observe. Ignoring the sizable value differential, the Golf R’s solely shortcoming was its weight penalty. However if you happen to contemplate the very crude rule of thumb that 7 kilos of weight discount is equal to a 1-horsepower achieve, the Veloster N’s 285-pound weight benefit figures out to a 40.7-hp adjustment in its favor. Provided that the VW makes precisely 40 extra horsepower than the Hyundai on paper, one might argue this was really a good battle.
The Golf R additionally had grip and traction on its aspect, although, aided by the usual all-wheel-drive system. With double the lively rubber on the highway, the VW was capable of launch with rather more aggression than the front-wheel-drive Veloster N. This additionally performed out on the turnaround, the place the Golf R might begin accelerating earlier within the flip.
Edmunds says
Each of those hatchbacks are exceedingly enjoyable to drive, whereas every has its personal distinct character. However the backside line is that if you happen to’re searching for the objectively sooner alternative between them, the Volkswagen Golf R is well the winner.