It’s time for a Volkswagen hot hatch showdown!

We’ve got our hands on the Mk7 Golf GTI Performance, and it’s about to go head-to-head against a Mk4 Golf R32! But will the newer car be able to snatch the win? Let’s take a closer look at the stats.

Starting with the R32, it’s powered by a 3.2-litre naturally-aspirated V6 that can produce 241hp and 320Nm of torque. This power is sent to all four wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox, and the car tips the scales at 1,477kg. When this car was released in the early 2000s, it cost around £22,300.

Then we come to the GTI. Under the bonnet there’s a 2-litre 4-cylinder turbo that produces 245hp and 370Nm, and this power is directed to the front wheels only through a 7-speed automatic gearbox. The car weighs in at 1,387kg, and when new, it would set you back around £29,800.

So the GTI is slightly up on power, but will the R32’s four-wheel drive prove decisive? There’s only one way to find out for sure… LET’S RACE!