Difference Between Volkswagen Golf and GTI

Volkswagen Golf vs GTI

Volkswagen Golf and Volkswagen GTI are two car models in the Volkswagen Golf series. Volkswagen is one of the leading car makers of the world and Golf is their popular family car that is being manufactured since 1974. In the last 37 years, six generations of this small family car have been introduced and it continues to be as popular as ever which speaks volumes about the ability of the company. Volkswagen introduced a new model by the name of GTI in the Golf series which has also become very popular among people. Let us find out the difference between Volkswagen Golf and GTI to make it easier for those who are confused as to which one they should buy.

Both Golf and GTI are hatchbacks, but the difference being that Golf is a standard hatchback while GTI is being labeled by the company as a hot hatch, a term used to refer to high performing hatchback. There are other notable differences between the two models which are as follows.

While Golf is available in both petrol and diesel models, GTI is available only in a diesel model. If we compare diesel version of Golf with GTI, we find that it is more fuel efficient, giving a mileage of 40 per gallon, whereas GTI has a lower mileage of only 31 miles/gallon. Higher fuel efficiency makes people go for Golf whereas those who wish to have a more stylish car prefer GTI.

It is easy to see why GTI is called a hot hatch. It manages 200 horsepower with its 2000 cc engine. In comparison, Golf, despite having the same engine capacity can muster maximum 170 HP.

There are more improved features in GTI. The alloy wheels of GTI are bigger in size, standing at 18 inches, whereas Golf has two models with alloy wheel sizes of 15” and 17” respectively. Though the audio system of Golf is of very high quality, GTI goes one step ahead with an additional satellite radio apart from the same stereo system.

There are also differences when it comes to optional accessories. What one has to purchase extra when buying Golf come as standard body parts in GTI and not as accessories. Hands free Bluetooth is one such example, which is a standard feature in GTI. Some other examples are side mirrors, front seats and heated windshield washer nozzles, which are all standard in GTI, while one has to buy them extra when buying Golf.