Car guys, how come the VW R32 (new R20 for '10) isn't considered

[DainBramaged]

like the Mazdaspeeds, STI's, and EVO's?


:shrug:

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/112_0610_2008_hpa_volkswagen_r32/index.html

[jakefrep]

1. It's not Japanese

That's the only plausible explanation.

The GTI is the granddaddy of the lot of them.

[DainBramaged]

2. Good point.

:hi:

[flvegan]

3. Because the base R32 is $34k and only 240 hp.

So you're already in Evo pricing country, and almost $10k over Mazdaspeed for almost 30 less horsepower. 50-60 horsepower less than the Evo, though they both have all wheel drive. The HPA you linked to is a tuner version which I believe adds another $12k to the base price.

In a head to head, the MS3 beats the R32 both in a straight line and around the track...for $10k less.

That the MS3 can even compete with the STI and the Evo speaks very highly of it.

Which is why I own one.

[DainBramaged]

4. R20 looks very interesting.............

And I think this generation will be the last of the budget supercars because of the 35 MPG CAFE in 2015

[flvegan]

5. The R20 is an upgrade, if it hits the states as expected.

I think 270 horsepower.

The thing with the CAFE standards is that they don't sell many of these hot hatches. They only made 5k of mine. Plus, with smaller engines, if you don't drive the hell out of them they get good mpg. I drive mine like a total lunatic, and I get 20 mpg city which is only 1 less than the standard Mazda 3.

You may be right though. 35 mpg is pretty high.

[madrchsod]

6. i want one!