Cupra 290/300 or golf R

Ben GT

Active Member
Jan 7, 2015
102
29
This was my dilemma but when you weigh up the cost of the R by the time it has options against the Cupra Lux it was a no brainier.

Also, the Golf gets replaced very shortly and you’re immediately in an old car. The Seat Leon Cupra will never be done again so you’re not out of date and even if you were nobody would know as nobody really knows what the car is

That was my line of thought anyway :headhurt:
 
  • Like
Reactions: ghostbustertab

Deleted member 103408

Guest
Drive all three and buy the one you like the most.
 
  • Like
Reactions: LouG

Jackx1

Active Member
Oct 26, 2018
15
18
In all honesty if money wasn’t an issue I would of chosen a golf R over a cupra. IMO the golf looks a little classier, interior is better built and is more refined.

But with all things considered it doesn’t warrant the extra cost. Especially if your buying new or leasing.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Brooster89

ghostbustertab

Active Member
Jun 21, 2016
285
26
In all honesty if money wasn’t an issue I would of chosen a golf R over a cupra. IMO the golf looks a little classier, interior is better built and is more refined.

But with all things considered it doesn’t warrant the extra cost. Especially if your buying new or leasing.
Not buying new would be a 2016 golf R or 2016 Cupra 290 or 2017 cupra 300
 

Damo H

Remind me, what's an indicator?
Staff member
Moderator
Oct 3, 2012
4,710
2,804
Car Length In Front
You’re asking a Seat Cuora forum whether to buy a golf you're going to get biased answers.

Drive both, look at the spec and the cost and make your decision.

For me it was a no brainier, the R Estate looks like they forgot to design the rear and left it as a box. Spec is rubbish compared to the Cupra.

It’s heavier, but doesn’t have enough extra power to make up for it. The only place the golf is quicker is 0-60 assuming you're not talking estate 4Drive.

Also take the seat and VW numbers on paper with a pinch of salt. If you look at the power to weight ratios of the 4drive estate vs the Golf R estate, the 0-60 numbers don’t add up.
 

Brooster89

Active Member
Oct 13, 2018
161
65
Hi all still undecided between Cupra 290/300 or Golf R? What's everyone's opinion ?
It was between a Golf R Estate and an ST 4Drive for me and I went with the latter. Definitely think the Seat looks better from the outside but the Golf was a lot smarter inside. Ended up coming down to the cost and just couldn't justify the extra for the VW. Maybe next time though.
 

Dannnnn

Active Member
Dec 9, 2018
440
200
Hampshire
I had the same issue.

Went with the Leon.
For my budget, The spec, mileage and age made a significant difference in the car that I could afford (Leon was newer, lower mileage and better spec as standard)
 

silles

Active Member
May 4, 2017
517
88
Cupra is ligher, more fun to drive, cheaper to run/insure, better looking
Golf-R is faster to 0-60, less involved, more expensive, holds the value better

u decide what's more important to you
 
  • Like
Reactions: LouG

Naylor92

Active Member
Sep 16, 2018
273
52
Hi all still undecided between Cupra 290/300 or Golf R? What's everyone's opinion ?
I’ve owned both mate. Both fantastic cars. The Golf definitely feels quicker because of 4wd of course. Once it’s off the mark though, then the Cupra absolutely flies. I’d say the quality inside the cars is pretty much the same.
 

bgb

Active Member
Jan 22, 2019
600
316
I think the Golf R/Cupra debate is the same as the S3/Golf R debate. All very good cars, each have their own brand traits. It's purely down to what you want. B-road thrashing with involvement in keeping the car nose pointing the way you started, or straight line hammering.

Cupra - Solid shared design strategies within VAG Group, just huge power for front wheels, but then can outpace a lesser specced, higher priced GTI Clubsport, also front wheel drive.

Golf R - Foot down and go, not as option heavy, even a Golf GTI Performance with the same spec level as a Cupra Lux is a few grand more!

S3 - Luxury, but no options. To even spec anywhere near a Cupra or even its closest rival a Golf R you are looking at major money.

Having owned a Golf GTD I'm excited to notice the interior design details/cuts, but i have a Lux so the leather may outweigh this plus the new gizmos such as digital cockpit and LSD, plus 100+bhp more..

I've brought the Cupra to go back to raw petrol and chuckability, something I know ALL reviewers have said is the Cupra's forte. Sometimes, the golf is too easy, too cruisable and even more so once you go R.

The one issue i have is, people asking me and the GF what a Cupra is, and you go GTI but in SEAT disguise! haha.
 

Cupra Belfast

Active Member
Jun 11, 2016
307
39
Hi all still undecided between Cupra 290/300 or Golf R? What's everyone's opinion ?

It depends whether you like actual driving or just racing away from folk at the traffic lights. When I tested the R, S3 & RS3 I found them to be a bit detached, like driving an arcade machine. They went where you pointed them, with a detached feel about it. I'm not sure with the traction off if it'd be actually possible to feel where the limit is before having a massive accident in the 4WD MQB offerings. The Cupra feeds back what's going on. Also, the Golf is to be replaced imminently. Might get you a discount on it somewhere, but likely not all that much. For me it's the Cupra every time. Others prefer the synthesised driving experience of the 4WD.
 

Cuprobbie

Active Member
May 4, 2016
91
26
Hamilton
I’m close to the completion of a 3 year PCP on my Cupra 290 Black Edition, so I’ll have to decide soon on the next step.
I’ve been considering another Cupra or a Golf R or an i30N.
I definitely think that the other two do not look as appealing as the Cupra.
The one problem with the Cupra appears to be its depreciation. The Golf seems to hold its value much better.
I can’t really understand why this should be. I’m guessing that the Cupra is rarer than the Golf and in my humble opinion the Cupra is much better looking and better value for money when new. I guess it’s down to the VW badge.
As I’ve said on another thread, I’m really looking for a manual gearbox, which will cut down my options.
 
Genuine SEAT Parts and Accessories.