I have just moved to a C172R to finish my training in. I have a problem with it on the ground after landing being hard to control. The 2005 C172R handles very different than the older 172 ,it must have a different wing to dirty stall at 33kts when the older 172 stalls around 44kts. My CFI has tons of time in the older 172 but not in the newer. Any advice? Iv'e been told by another CFI to retract the flaps as soon as all three wheels are on the ground.
Same wing. Sounds like you're confusing indicated speeds with calibrated. The R model will have a slightly higher stall speed due to a higher max gross weight and only 30 degrees flaps. Retracting flaps during the ground roll is only a good idea if it's very windy; otherwise, it's better practice to wait until you clear the runway. In a complex aircraft, moving levers during the landing roll could lead you to raise the gear some day.
If you're having a hard time maintaining directional control during the landing roll, you're probably landing too fast.