Standard MK5 Suspension question in comparision to EP3

[M22_crx]

Hi guys, Matt here, looking to buy a mk5 gti very soon but i have a question.

Firstly i know this is very subjective but if any of you have owned or driven an ep3 how different is the ride comfort?

The reason i ask is have a bad back and ive decided that a DSG golf with heated seats, electric lumbar and crusie control may make life more bearable.

Other golfs tend to have some of the features but not all, most GTI's ive been looking at seem to have everything i want spec wise, however being a GTI i realise the suspension set up will be firmer than say the mk6 TSI gt i test drove the other day. Also i aim to put 17's on it for more comfort.

[PatchySan]

While the MK5 GTI is a bit firmer to the standard trims I would say that it's not overly firm to the point of being uncomfortable. I find the ride to be quite forgiving in stock form especially when compared to the EP3 Type R (friend of mine has a JDM EP3 Type R with Recaros). With the Honda I find the ride to be quite crashy on rough surfaces but not so much in the VW (though I will admit the EP3 Type R is great fun round the twisty bits!)

Of course choice of wheels will also affect the ride comfort, I've downgraded from 18s to 17 on mine and haven't regretted the decision to be honest - lighter, cheaper tyres and thicker sidewalls mean that you won't feel much rumble of the road for a slightly more comfy ride.

[Shoduchi]

You can fit Koni FSD dampers to improve comfort. The normal version is a bit better than the GTI version.

[AJP]

PatchySan makes a good point about tyres. 17s are ideal for comfort, and the tyre itself also makes quite a difference. Some have stiff walls, others less so, usually at the expense of turn in and feel.

I'm on Michelin Super Sports which are known to have a stiff sidewall. This contributes to them being a brilliant tyre performance wise.

The Goodyear F1 Asymmetric 3 on the other hand has apparently got a softer sidewall and is probably a nicer tyre over rough surfaces. This doesn't necessarily mean it's rubbish in the areas where the Super Sport is great - it's still a worthy performance tyre - but it might be a better all round option, considering your circumstances.

[M22_crx]

Thanks guys for your answers! I never even considered variation of comfort within the same size tyre but differing due to sidewall stiffness!

[dronners]

my GTI rides very nicely on 18" team dynamics and michelin pilot sport 3's i find it almost too soft. hence why im upgrading to slightly lower springs soon to firm up the ride