Seat Leon Cupra 290 VS Volkswagen Golf R: different twins - Sportscars
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Seat Leon Cupra 290 VS Volkswagen Golf R: different twins - Sportscars
At first glance, Seat Leon Kupra и Volkswagen Golf R they may look like two completely different machines, but they have much more in common than meets the eye. The floor of the cars is the same as that of the 1984 cc TFSI turbo petrol engine.
Based on this starting point, the cars developed in two different directions: all-wheel drive with Haldex viscous coupling for the Golf and front-wheel drive with Torsen limited slip differential for the Leon. The Leon Cupra received an "upgrade" this month, and its power went from 280 to 290 hp, which is very close to the German 300 hp. Not only that: with a list price of € 35.000 7.200, the Spaniard costs € 9.300 less than the German Golf counterpart (which became € XNUMX with the DSG), which, however, offers great versatility thanks to the all-wheel drive.
But which one is better to drive?
Technical comparisono
Let it be Cupra that R they have always been fast cars, but never, as in this generation, have they achieved such a high level of performance and, above all, driving pleasure. The 2.0-liter TSFI Cupra develops 290 hp. and 350 Nm, while the R power was increased to 300 hp. and 380 Nm.
From 1346 kg la Seat Leon Cupra 290 he is the lightest; Volkswagen Golf R, in fact, pays for all-wheel drive and shakes the scales up to 1411 kg. Despite the greater weight, all-wheel drive gives the R an edge in terms of sprinting: the Golf accelerates from 4,9 to 0 km/h in 100 seconds, while the Leon does in 5,7 seconds; top speed for both is 250 km/h.
The confrontation behind the wheel
We tested them both on the track and on the road, and I must say that in both cases you fall to your feet. There golf it is fast, efficient and targeted. Engine TFSI it is virtually devoid of turbo lag thanks to a small turbine with very low inertia, and cornering traction is granite. However, 4Motion's full ration doesn't let you play with Colin McRae and only sends torque to the rear wheels when the front wheels lose traction. The result is that it feels like driving a front wheel drive car with extra traction: easy, very fast, but not very inclined to drive like a bully. That's not to say the R is apathetic: the steering is fairly straight forward and communicative, while the frame is stiff and feels sewn on. Understeer is negligible, and the rear of the Golf, if provoked, brightens on entry, causing rapid (and sometimes harsh) oversteer. The only way to traverse is to turn on the pendulum, and once you've crossed the car, you have to step on the gas carefully so you don't suddenly straighten your nose.
La Leon Kupra it has the same nervous rear end and the same endless motor as golfbut it is more intuitive and transparent car to drive. The limited-slip differential is superbly tuned: it works just enough to close the trajectory without jerking the steering wheel, also thanks to the very well-calibrated power steering. The car looks sharper and lighter than the Golf (in fact it does), and the steering is more communicative and detailed.
The 2.0 TFSI hits both sides: both the Leon and the Golf accumulate speed incredibly, maintaining speed even in corners thanks to the wide tires. The Spaniard is also available with the Performance Package, which includes 19-inch wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and Brembo braking system, highly recommended for those planning to ride on the track.
The DSG gearbox is, as always, the best ally you have in order not to make you regret the manual gearbox: not only is it fast, but also punctual and enjoyable, the best you could wish for from an automatic gearbox.
findings
La Volkswagen Golf R Arguably the most versatile compact sports car ever, it is comfortable, incredibly fast and practical in all conditions. This latest generation, in particular, has taken a big step forward in terms of engagement and driving pleasure.
The Spaniard pays less for two-wheel drive, is a little angular and gets nervous when the tarmac is not hot and dry, but in the right conditions, it's just phenomenal. Looks as fast on a straight line as golf, but in corners it manages to maintain greater speed thanks to lighter weight and more efficient tires. The steering is also noticeably better, and overall the car is more exciting and engaging. Considering that it costs almost 8.000 euros less, it seems to me that we have found our winner.
