Last Updated on March 17, 2021 by
The Volkswagen Golf has been one of the top-selling cars of all-time having been available in different versions for decades. Golf comes in different body styles like the Golf Alltrack, Golf GTI, Golf R, and Golf SportWagen. We all know about the 2020 VW Golf and the 2020 VW GTI, but are there any distinct differences between the two most popular Volkswagen Golf. In this article, we’ve compiled facts and information about the two compact cars to provide the differences and similarities between the two.
In terms of great ratings, the two compact cars have received some great ranking and reviews from top U.S. News & World Report and other reporting members. For instance, the VW Golf received #4 ranking in compact cars, #5 in small cars, and #5 in hatchbacks from the U.S. News & World Report. The VW GTI received even better ranking, with a #2 ranking in small cars, #2 in hatchbacks, and #1 in compact cars from the U.S. News & World Report.
The Table Below Contains The Parameters To Differentiate Between VW Golf GTI And VW Golf TSI.
| Parameters | VW Golf GTI | VW Golf TSI |
| Powertrains | The VW Golf’s GTI features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower. Furthermore, it shows off a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions available, and a six-speed manual transmission. It also comes with extra driving mode selection which is not included in the Golf TSI. | The 2020 VW Golf has a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder generating 147 horsepower. This compact car boasts of an eight-speed automatic transmission and a six-speed manual transmission. |
| Fuel Economy | The GTI with automatic transmission gets 32 MPG on the highway and 24 MPG in the city for a combined 27 MPG. | The VW Golf TSI has a better fuel economy than the GTI, evidently because the GTI has a more powerful engine. The Golf TSI comes with an automatic transmission which rates for 35 MPG on the highway and 29 MOG in the city for a combined 32 MPG. |
| Interior | The seats can take five people and they are of great quality. the GTI comes with heated front seats and standard Clark Plaid cloth upholstery (leather is available too). | Also, the seats can take five people and they are of great quality. The high-quality seats have synthetic leather upholstery, and the front seats are heated in the Golf TSI. |
| Cargo Room | It boast of a spacious cargo room, measuring 22.8 cubic feet. They have one of the spacious cargo room available in the segment, with about 52.7 cubic feet available when the rear seat is down. | The same as the Golf GTI |
| Starting Prices | The 2020 VW GTI has a starting price of $28,595. | The 2020 VW Golf TSI has a starting price of $23,195 |
| Safety | The NHTSA rates the GTI car five out of five stars for its overall scores and side crash ratings. | Also, the NHTSA rates the TSI car five out of five stars for its overall scores and side crash ratings. |
The VW GTI received an overall score of 8.6 out of 10 while the Golf TSI received an overall score of 8.3 out of 10 from the U.S. News & World Report. The two compact cars are very similar, coupled with the fact that the GTI is related to the Golf. One of their major differences is that VW Golf TSI comes with only a trim, while the VW GTI has three trims.
Powertrains
The biggest difference between the two cars is their powertrain options. The 2020 VW Golf has a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder generating 147 horsepower. This compact car boasts of an eight-speed automatic transmission and a six-speed manual transmission.
However, the VW Golf’s GTI features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower. Furthermore, it boasts of a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions available, and a six-speed manual transmission. We loved that the GTI comes with extra driving mode selection which is not included in the Golf TSI.
Fuel economy
The VW Golf TSI has a better fuel economy than the GTI, evidently because the GTI has a more powerful engine. The Golf TSI comes with an automatic transmission which rates for 35 MPG on the highway and 29 MOG in the city for a combined 32 MPG. However, the GTI with automatic transmission gets 32 MPG on the highway and 24 MPG in the city for a combined 27 MPG.
Interior
The two compact cars have almost the same interiors and features. The seats can take five people and they are of great quality. The high-quality seats have synthetic leather upholstery, and the front seats are heated in the Golf TSI. Also, the GTI comes with heated front seats and standard Clark Plaid cloth upholstery (leather is available too).
Cargo Room
The two Golf cars have enough cargo room, measuring 22.8 cubic feet. They have one of the spacious cargo room available in the segment, with about 52.7 cubic feet available when the rear seat is down.
Starting Prices
The 2020 VW Golf TSI has a starting price of $23,195, while the 2020 VW GTI has a starting price of $28,595. The U.S. News & World Report says that the VW GTI is “a better car overall” than the Golf TSI. Although the Golf GTI comes with a higher price, it had a better acceleration and handling.
Safety
In terms of the crash test, the two compact cars have strong results. The NHTSA rates the two cars five out of five stars for their overall scores and side crash ratings.
Closing Thoughts
The bottom line is that you really can’t go wrong with either car as long as you carefully consider your needs. The two compact automobiles are extremely similar, which comes with the reality that the GTI is connected to the Golf. Certainly one of the main differences of theirs is the fact that VW Golf TSI includes just a trim, even though the VW GTI has three trims. We’ve come to the end of this informative blog post. We hope you were able to find resources in your quest to know the difference between Golf TSI and GTI. Please do not hesitate to contact us for questions or comments. Thanks!
