HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 N× VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R

Ionic 5N with a body size one class above

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and the Volkswagen Golf R share the same hatchback style, but their body sizes are significantly different. The Golf R is a standard size for the C segment, but the Ioniq 5 N is so voluminous it seems to be in a higher category. The Ioniq 5 N is about twice as large as the Golf R in terms of overall length, width, height, wheelbase, and tire size.

An even bigger difference is the weight. The Ioniq 5 N is 670 kg heavier than the Golf R. This is because the Ioniq 5 N has a larger body size and is an EV equipped with a heavy battery. In today’s world, weight is not necessarily a disadvantage in terms of driving performance, but inertia cannot be eliminated. Therefore, it can be said that the Golf R has a greater sense of agility.

Hyundai Ionic 5 N

Body size = Length 4715mm x Width 1940mm x Height 1625mm

Wheelbase = 3000mm

Vehicle weight = 2210kg

Tire size = 275/35ZR21

Volkswagen Golf R

Body size = Length 4295mm x Width 1790mm x Height 1460mm

Wheelbase = 2620mm

Vehicle weight = 1540kg

Tire size = 225/40R18

Explosive acceleration unique to EVs

While the Golf R uses a gasoline engine, the Ioniq 5 N is fully electric, so the powertrains are completely different. Both vehicles are AWD, but unlike the Golf R, the Ioniq 5 N uses two motors at the front and rear. This makes it easier to adjust the torque distribution between the front and rear, allowing for more precise traction control.

Furthermore, the Ioniq 5 N’s power is more than twice that of the Golf R. It also has a large torque value, and the electric motor has the ability to deliver maximum torque the moment it starts rotating. If it’s an acceleration contest, the Ioniq 5 N will be overwhelmingly faster.

Hyundai Ionic 5 N

Drive battery type = Lithium-ion battery

Rated output = 57.8kW (front) / 101.0kW (rear)

Maximum system output = 650PS

Maximum system torque = 770Nm

Transmission = 1-speed fixed

Drive system = AWD

Volkswagen Golf R

Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder DOHC intercooler turbo

Displacement = 1984cc

Maximum output = 320PS/5350-6500rpm

Maximum torque = 420Nm/2100-5350rpm

Transmission = 7-speed DCT

Drive system = AWD

Big newcomer or legend?

The price difference between the Ioniq 5 N and the Golf R is 1,668,000 yen. Even after deducting the 350,000 yen CEV subsidy, the fact remains that the Ioniq 5 N is more expensive, but we must not forget that it is a high-performance EV model.

The Ioniq 5 N and Golf R are the big newcomers and legends of the sports hatchback world. Though they have completely opposite personalities, there’s no doubt that both are enjoyable to drive, including on the circuit.