I've owned a few Seats and I like them (currently driving an Ibiza Cupra '13), I've had my eye on the Leon Cupra for a while now but my head has been turned by the Golf R and I'm having trouble deciding. I decided I would test drive the golf before I went and bought the leon, just to be sure, and I left with a huge grin on my face so I'm now pretty confused. Although the steering did feel a little heavy the pull on that thing was insane. I've only driven the cupra ST and the sales guy was less 'encouraging' when it came to putting my foot down so not sure I pushed it as much as I should have, but the difference felt pretty big in the Golf. The price difference isn't all that much, probably £3,000ish - depending on deals and extras. It's also worth bearing in mind that the depreciation is probably better for the golf.
I've done a fair bit of reading and it seems they are fairly evenly matched and if anything the Cupra is faster on the track. However, that 0-60 in 4.9 on the Golf is very tempting and I kind of feel I might be disappointed if I opt for the leon instead.
Anyone made a similar decision or have experience/opinions of them both?
Additionally, the S3 is the same price as the golf at the moment, which is also tempting.
I can understand your dilemma, these are both fine cars, either of which would most probably be great to own for many folk. As others have said already it comes down to personal preference, I'm only reading this thread as I have a Cupra 280 however my brother has a Golf R that I have done plenty of miles in.
In my humble opinion there is very little between them in terms of performance, you say the pull on the Golf is insane - if you had the opportunity to drive the Seat the same way you would say the same thing, for me the differences are a) the Seat feels livelier pretty much all of the time and b) the Golf delivers it's power more assuredly in the wet but then I am still on the original (and pretty poor) Bridgestones and other drivers that have changed rubber report better results.
Both my car and my brother's are 5 door manuals with very few options ticked, to keep costs down. I prefer the Cupra's spec - the Golf's fixed damper settings are well enough judged but I find that I do use the different DCC settings in the Cupra most days according to road/weather/traffic conditions. I don't use the Nav a great deal but it does a good enough job when required, for VW not to include it as standard on a car of this price seems criminal to me - I wouldn't want to pay what they charge as an extra cost option but then again sticking a tom-tom to the screen of a Golf R isn't that appealing either. Then there are a few personal preferences too - I actually prefer the main instruments in the Seat, the analogue fuel and temperature gauges in the Golf clutter things up too much, having LEDs for these around the edge of the speedo and tacho keep it looking cleaner, I also prefer the seats, wheels, shape and rarity of the Cupra over the Golf.
For me price is a factor, if the cost of a Golf R with metallic paint, 19s, adaptive dampers and sat nav was remotely near the Cupra I might just be tempted to change but it isn't, which is why I have just ordered a Cupra 290 in Alor Blue to replace my Ice Silver 280 when the 2 year lease is up in July. Can't wait for the new car but will enjoy my last few months in the current one too. Good luck with whatever you end up choosing.