I test drove both the R and RS. I chose the RS and absolutely love it! It was more fun to me and just on point, more exciting to drive, and well, just more bad ass. The exhaust sounds good and pops between shifts. I've a 2018 and the suspension is tampered better than prior years and also has a new front end limited slip differential not seen in prior years. Some don't know the focus is designed in Europe and the RS, specifically, built in Germany.

I like both cars. The RS is the one you want to bed, and the R the partner you want to marry.

I totally agree with you, I've owned a RS for 3 years and it still never fails to excite me everytime I drive it, RS is the way to go!!

Debated on the purchase of these two models. I was replacing a 2014 Focus ST. Ended up getting the R. Got tired of the interior of the Focus, but both cool cars. I like the sleeper factor of the Golf better. Seems like a better daily driver by far.

Excellent review! Great all around mix of entertainment and facts. I love the race car driver element in this one. The production quality of your videos keeps getting better and better. Keep up the good work!

Still not tired of watching this! :D can't wait for the next one!

What a great video!! Love the directness , quality, commentary, and camera angles. I test drove the R and RS on the same day, back to back. I didn’t like how, despite turning off the traction control on the R, it couldn’t be turned off.. was a buzz-kill and smile sucker. The RS put a smile on my face and the traction control can be turned off. Test driving them back to back was the way to do it, as I like both cars but I wanted fresh comparison in very close proximity for instant reference one to the other. I got the 2018 limited RS new. It’s now 2022 and it has have 37k miles on it and I STILL love it. It’s my daily and does fine in New England winters (with winters tires/wheels). My only complaint is the turning radius. It’s been 100% reliable thus far and is pretty much valued what I paid for it, if not a little more!

This a a fantastic video. He does so well explain all these things about the cars during a lap.

Great video! I have an RS and it is huge fun. Love it.

You definitely deserve more popularity, this is quality

Great video. I owned a modified 2016 Golf R (manual) and now own a stock 17 RS. Your analysis is spot on. The Golf R is a great all around car but has a rather dead steering rack and noticeable understeer. Even with modified suspension. The RS is just a much more fun car to drive whether it be on a track or a backroad. The stock ride is very bouncy but Mountune lowering springs will just about eliminate the pogo effect after about 300 miles.

Nice Video, subscribed! I just purchased an RS. Live right near cayuga. Planning to get out this summer for a track day. Your video just got me much more excited for it.

Very good review. Informative and mature.

Great video, lets hope you two can get your hands in more cool cars.

If there was a track on my way to work, maybe a question here. However, strike 1 it is a Ford, and strike 2 we live on city streets with our cars. Golf R not even a question or pro con list made.

This is the perfect video for me b/c I have a 17 RS and it's currently in a replacement or refund so I'm either gonna get a new RS or I'll get a refund and get an R. A really great video, thanks! ...and, thanks for the non-bias approach. I'm going to give Ford the chance to do a replacement, so here's top hoping it'll work out. Oh, and, the suspension on the new 18s has corrected the pogo stick bouncing, which is good. I like a stiff suspension and fun and the RS delivers that. I don't feel the interior is as bad as a lot say. I have gotten a lot of thumbs up from many strangers when I'm driving my RS, which is a kick.

Great video again! You should have your own TV show. No joking. Great voice and look, substantive and valuable commentary. Fingers crossed.

I've driven a Golf R with coilovers, big rear sway bar, and an APR tune. That car was a complete blast and a different animal than it was stock. I'd still love to own either of them.

Love your reviews and the RS

excellent production values !

I would not be mad driving either one; but I am soo glad I have the RS as my daily. Its just fun.

Switching from a summer performance tire to an R compound track/street tire is significant, especially when you are talking about the cup 2 (one of the best track/street tire on the market today). I would have expected the RS to easily be 3-4 seconds faster due to the tires alone. The fact that it was only 1.5 seconds quicker is not good for the RS.

Awesome video, as usual. Really enjoyed the Stig as well, lol. As far as the video goes, I love the shots from the sliders and whatnot, but the car-to-car chase shots look pretty far away. I know it's intimidating to get too close, but the closer, the better. Check out TheSmokingTire'/ video from Gridlife this year where he follows a drift car with a photographer's camera mounted to the hood. Also, the video overlays were great, but a little display showing the time delta would be neat, too. Maybe a side-by-side like in the Motor Trend track comparisons? Thoroughly enjoyed it!

Test the DSG Golf R. You'll be quite surprised how much faster it is than the manual.

I hope everyone is enjoying the video! I have lots more content coming in this series, and LOTS more coming for my e46 BMW! Let me know if there are two specific cars you think should go head to head on the track!

Love this video. More serious than current videos though

I love the Focus , I used to be a Ford fan and owned a 2003 Ford Focus SVT for 10 years . No power house but a blast to drive . Had awesome handling ( with upgraded suspension and sway bars) for its time . I had a hope for a Focus Rs but I had to cool down when I saw the price . Sorry , just not in the budget . One thing TH did not say is that the RS is about 17000$ more expensive than the Golf R . So Now I lease a manual 2019 Golf R . I love it and we just get acquinted , so to speak . It is very refined inside and out . I like the fact that it looks " understated" . I have a short fuse when driving it and I tend to get in trouble because I hate to wait for the ones driving granny style . Overall I love the car even if I can't drift it but there are two things I wish they were diferent ... a real hand brake , not a stupid button to activate the e-brake and more engine brake .

Video was great but you should put cup 2 tires to the Golf for fair comparison :(

Excellent video!

If you find the suspension too firm in track mode just push the button on the stalk and it will put the dampers in normal mode.

Well done on the filming this looks like studio production. As for the cars, well they speak for themselves...I personally think the RS looks better. Surprising how close they are in performance, given the differences on paper!

Thanks for the review. I'm hoping one of these two will be my next car.

Hi I am about to put a deposit on a new FK8 Type R. Can I ask your honest opinion on the Type R compared to Golf R, Focus RS and Audi S3 please. Which would you buy. I know the Type are loses on drag race but how does it do once rolling and overall. 👍

Also, noticed the RS had Cup 2 tires. I wonder how the comparo would have been with equal tires?

Does anybody know of any good tracks around the greater New York area ? I have an R. And dying to put her thru the paces.

This video deserves more views..

small chip tune on the R and u get 360 hp; go bolt ons ur up 400s and u cant get the RS in the 10s, as opposed to the R. great review. Loved the detail, cheers from BC

Coming back after three years. Now I have actually been to the track myself with my S3 which is basically same as the golf R. With a set of KW v3, the S3 was able to set 1:23 with PS4s with still wonderful ride quality with makes me believe that the focus rs was a bit overhyped, some of the fun comes from the roughness. And it is interesting how after the type R come out no one even talks about the rs anymore and the golf R is still justing hanging there in the conversation.

Everything has been well said in this video. Both cars are great but depending on what you want your personal choice won't disappoint you. One of the best objective reviews on you tube regarding those cars. Well done but please don't play the "Stig trick" on us.

Great great Video!!! please more of this type videos greetings from Germany

Same reason I went with the ST over the GTI, fun factor. The Focus has it's faults, but they're easily remedied or ignored compared to the lack of excitement I felt driving a GTI.

Very good review - I like your style of real-time input on what you are feeling through the steering wheel . I've been looking through the comments on here and usually it goes either "I bought the VW R because it is most comfortable and has a nice interior" or "I bought the RS because it is more fun". I have a few responses to other comments below and mentioned I bought an RS after having an ST for a few years. While mine is not even fully broken it yet I can attest that it has all the feeling of a RWD car but with the traction of the AWD to pull you through a corner. Nothing, not even the AWD 911 turbo compares to this RWD bias feeling - one thing many have missed is that the VW with it's Haldex AWD system shows that this is a FWD GTI with a little more power and AWD. (Contrasted to be brilliant VW R32 from a few years back) However, Ford started from the beginning with a custom AWD for this car, adding the RWD bias and torque-vectoring systems, suspension, and motor together only in the RS. Some hate on the Ford's interior, but I don't know why. Soft touch materials everywhere, SYNC 3 is very good, gauge cluster on the center dash, contrast color stitching... What makes the VW interior so special? It hasn't changed much in a decade... Sorry about the long post, but your followers seem to have more informed and mature responses than other reviewers and so I feel fit to add my 2 cents. It's cool to see how opinionated everyone is; if not for that, I suppose we'd all be happy driving Priuses or something.... (Naah.... never!)

Good review :)

Does it have the optional adaptive suspension?

wow good job dude

I chose the Golf R because it was significantly cheaper, more daily drivable and specifically because it was understated. I like that it dresses like a sleeper. I like that a minor tune can put it in or above factory Focus RS territory for power. I still admire the RS. I love the styling, love it in that sky blue, and admire the engineering that went into it. I think in a vacuum and without price consideration I'd have chosen the Focus RS. If I were choosing 1 car to drive for a day for fun, it would be the RS. The golf, though, just continues to impress and I am looking forward to a tune that will make it even better.

nice show man

Placed my order for a RS 2 weeks ago and can't wait till I get at least a VIN #. If you order one, expect a very long wait.

Great video

wish someone would do one of these Golf R vs Focus RS comparison with same tires on both cars. At least on 2015 Golf R, the stock RE50A are awful, especially on autoX or track.

The RS looks like it's riding on marbles.And what happened to it's 350hp vs 292hp for the R? The VW is as fast as the RS, but with a smaller engine and a ton less hp. Ford? For rallying I'd take the RS (with a rear diff intercooler), but overall the R; hands down..

That golf must have a tune

Fine comparison and even though everyone's done this comparo, this was quite fun to watch! Looking forward to the next video! As for your comment about being a complete idiot and drift the RS, the fellow in New York who crashed his RS in drift mode would like to have a word with you :D

I have a golf r and as always when the focus comes up much hot air is released. I bought the golf because I wanted a fast comfortable car. For the 95% of the time it rules the road. When you have a chance to punch it it totally casual. Press race, drive hard and the focus still beats the golf. Then the 95% rears its ugly head ,long drive across countryside the golfs quiet comfortable ride makes the ford seem as tho it hates you bang thump bash. Or how about the 200 th time you hit the same potholes on your commute ,wait your enjoying bouncing from curb to curb at 33 kph which is the speed in the average city. . But I think the largest barrier to the car is its boy toy wings and things, imagine two years later, new fan boy toy arrives, the enthusiasts jump on the new band wagon and the golf is still quiet ,fast and the one to beat. Check out Evo's best this year, or car and drivers ten best list, odd no focus. It's a one trick pony, over weight and one purpose. Enjoy

I personally would buy the Golf R just because of the quality of the interior and sleeper factor. That being said I wouldn't mind having an RS as well. Enjoyed the video.

Awesome vid

the 'growl' in the Golf R is mostly from the soundaktor transducer in the engine bay. I turned it off via Vagcom when I got my R.

You are much more enjoyable to watch than Gary Gastelu of the Fox Car Report! Maybe they should hire you!! Great job on this and all you videos. a.k.a. Kaktusjaque (catus jack)

Where does the race start someone save me please

Does the Golf have the optional Adaptive Suspension if not this review isnt correct

Awesome. 😊

*Do test drives count if they happen in Canada?*

RS is awesome. I drive a modified STI, but I have respect for all fun and fast cars.

I did a 1:23.2 with better tires and by removing the toe in on the rear of the R. Also worth mentioning i'm NOT a professional driver and it was my first time lapping Cayuga. Don't think there is much difference between these cars, I just prefer the one that doesn't have huge warranty recalls.

I’d like to see the other race you did

When you consider the "market correction" of $5,000 the local Ford dealer charges for the RS, my slightly used 2015 Golf R with APR Stage 2 (398 HP and 409 TQ) and DSG tune with MSSKits sports springs, SuperPro front LCA, Neuspeed BBK and too many other options to list costs about the same. Anytime you are in the Houston-area, you can test drive my Golf-R and see which one is more fun. Before you make a wise-crack about DSG vs. manual, I own a 2016 991.1 Porsche GTS with a 7-speed MT. While I can appreciate a track-focused car, it still needs to be civilized on the road.

low budget top gear?

but for sure, the Rs looks like a fun car, I really like them both!

Is the golf r stock? Asking because this is the first video I've seen where the manual r takes the rs in the quater mile

Would love to see the R with the DSG transmission instead of the manual. Also Sport Cup 2's vs PSS's on track hardly surprised by the result.

Good video and glad to see the R at least had PSS tires to narrow the Cup 2's grip advantage on track. Someone needs to track BOTH with cup 2 tires. The RS will still win, but by how much...

Feels sharper? does the Golf have the adjustable race suspension?

why do we never ever see golf R DSG vs Focus RS

the focus Rs its nice and performance, but the golf R its performance and luxury, i dont really like the RS plastic cheap interior and some cheap parts from ford. the golf R has its german ingeniering signature.

I just wish the Focus didn't have some major things I dislike about it, otherwise I'd be putting down a deposit right now. I really dislike the interior, I think the rear of the car is kinda ugly and way too similar to a regular Focus, and there's no DCT option. Manual is fun, but it can be a pain sometimes too. I don't find it any more fun personally than a DCT in manual mode.

Another interesting comparison of the two. I ended up with a Golf R simply because its better and being A CAR. Its sole purpose is to commute from point A to point B with a little fun on the side. The Golf hands down does that better. In comfort and its style. I can't argue the fact that the RS is an amazing car to drive. Its just not in the same league as the VW for what they are charging for it though. I had a hard time at first choosing between which one to buy until a friend stepped into the Focus RS with me and goes "This is how much?!" With its trick differentials and fancy torque vectoring its quick a machine. Is it really worth $15k over a Focus ST? Absolutely not. The two cars look almost identical inside and out and thats severely disappointing. At $30-35k this car would be at a great price point in the marketplace. Not only is it the looks and build quality that are subpar its the claims. I mean 60+hp more and all the reviews I've seen the Golf is not far behind at all. In some instances the Golf R with the DSG has won. Yes it all depends on tires and the track but with that much of a power advantage and the fancy torque vectoring, it should be a cake walk for the RS but its not. So now for $40-45k for each car its down to the "feel" and thats just not enough to win me over in the RS. Personally, I gained all that excitement of oversteer and the back end rotating around again by adding a set of $500 adjustable camber plates and a rear sway bar. Completely killed the understeer and sharpened the steering up to par with the RS. Now in the twisties its not even a competition for me in the Golf going up against the RS. Then as soon as the blast through the curves is over, I switch it right back into comfort mode and she cruises down the road like butter. So in my opinion, the Golf is hands down the winner.

I have done a little bit more research. The Ford Focus RS has huge sway bars. This causes less comfort but better handling. If you threw bigger sway bars on the Golf R you would find it handles the same especially the turn in. Lots of Golf Drivers who do track also add coil over springs etc. So if you want a track car and like to do your own gear changes and dont mind a car that has an ugly ass and interior buy a Focus. If you want a car you will use mostly on the Road but a Golf. If you want to be "Excited" add an APR stage 1 ecu/tcu tune and drive a Golf R Monster. Its the extra power that brings on the excitement trust me. The extra clutch in the rear of the Focus only is useful for slippage but many driver of Focus are reporting weird torque steer or instability when overtaking at high speeds. The reviewer hinted about this confusion.

Keep both these cars for 20 years and you will find the rs will be collector's car and hold it's value

Please road test the new golf R 2021 would like your comment

Damn...the DCT R should be quicker. Also different variables at play. What tires did the R have?

The Golf R is tail happy if you apply a litter counter-steer before a corner. Also stability control needs to be off (hold for 5 seconds).

Lots of people are having problems with the focus rs rear diff getting too hot and disengaging.

The Golf is a manual not the DSG? I know this review is warped

I have heard the RS is confused at high speed and a little unstable any thoughts?

Until after a handful of laps and those fancy diffs that give you power on over steer overheat and you have a $50K under steering front driver. And that is completely stock, that will only get worse with mods. If you want a track car, get a balanced sports car, there is no substitute.

MK7.5 Golf R owner here..

Interesting...those cup 2 on the rs are at least a half second quicker

Hopefully you can redo the test with a control tyre, and the Golf R running its native DSG ( instead of that rubbish 6 speed). Golf R DSG + Control Tyre Focus RS 6 speed Manual + Control Tyre I know what i'd be choosing

Well no shit the rs is better on the track, the golf wasn't intended to be a track car.

Different quality tires for the track?! gnaaaaaaaa !!

I thought the RS was just a little too much for me and went for the R which I thought was a better daily driver.

If I weren't putting nearly 3k miles per month on the car, I may have chosen the RS... but I am, and the R is just the better choice for someone who does a lot of long drives and occasionally comes across an enthusiast's canyon road. They're both so good.

Let me know next time you at Tmp. I share office space with Uli>

13:23 Cup twos??

The racing car driver sounds like the "bad ass" from "No Country for Old Men"

As much as I love a manual. The VW DSG in the Golf R is actually better than the stick. Idk how you can mess up a stick. But oh well. Stock, yes the R feels softer. But its easier to live with. But, the R absolutely loves to be tuned and modified. The R will handle mods and tunes so much better than almost anything out there. With a turbo, intake, tune, and downpipe. You have a car doing the quarter mile in McLaren territory. And I will definitely say that the R could use adjustable suspension that gets stiffer and wider tires. You can also tune the Haldex AWD to become more rear wheel. In my opinion, the VW is built soo much better than the RS. And I've driven both. It just feels solid. And the quality feels more expensive than what you are paying. The RS is fun. But, feels kind of cheap for what you are paying. Just my opinion.

Great fun stuff.You think these bad boys are fast in a drag.Get your hands on a Audi TTs mk3,it murders the RS in a drag race 😊🏁 The RS was designed for track use the R wasn’t.

Awesome review ... who's the racing driver #CanadianStig ??

Why did you say 50000 dollar hatchback before the whole Covid19 thing then 7 years later complain that these cars were being Marked Up ?