Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Tesla Model 3
Overview | |
Years produced1985-1992 | Years produced2017-Present |
MSRP$32,445 | MSRP$42,490 |
Listings3960 | Listings5386 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews |
Pros
| |
Reviews SummaryRent a car while abroad, and there’s a decent chance the agent at the counter will ask if you’d like to upgrade to one equipped with an automatic transmission. Manual transmissions are just more common overseas, particularly in Europe. So, it’s interesting to learn that VW’s decision to drop the manual transmission from the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI was driven by a lack of demand in Germany, and despite increased demand in the United States. The loss of the stick shift is a big deal–this is one of the first ever hot hatchbacks, after all–but it’s only the headline among a short list of notable changes the car receives for this model year. Verdict: The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is still one of the best hatchbacks you can buy today. With a terrific powertrain and everyday practicality, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a useful car that’s also extremely fun to drive. | |
Reviews Summary | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 241 hp I4 | Engine425 hp Electric |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower241 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity82 kWh |
MPG City24 | MPG City145 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway128 |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | Battery Charge Time (240V)11.7 hours |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 241 hp I4 | Engine Name425 hp Electric |
Torque273 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower241 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | Battery Charge Time (240V)11.7 hours |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity82 kWh |
MPG City24 | MPG City145 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway128 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation SystemStandard |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space19.9 cu ft | Cargo Space24.1 cu ft |
Curb Weight3183 lbs | Curb Weight4030 lbs |
Height57.7 in | Height56.7 in |
Length168.9 in | Length185.8 in |
Width81.6 in | Width82.2 in |
Wheelbase103.6 in | Wheelbase113.2 in |
Maximum Payload926 lbs | Maximum Payload654 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1985-1992 | 2017-Present |
MSRP | $32,445 | $42,490 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | |
Pros & cons | Pros
| |
Summary | Rent a car while abroad, and there’s a decent chance the agent at the counter will ask if you’d like to upgrade to one equipped with an automatic transmission. Manual transmissions are just more common overseas, particularly in Europe. So, it’s interesting to learn that VW’s decision to drop the manual transmission from the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI was driven by a lack of demand in Germany, and despite increased demand in the United States. The loss of the stick shift is a big deal–this is one of the first ever hot hatchbacks, after all–but it’s only the headline among a short list of notable changes the car receives for this model year. Verdict: The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is still one of the best hatchbacks you can buy today. With a terrific powertrain and everyday practicality, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a useful car that’s also extremely fun to drive. | |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 241 hp I4 | 425 hp Electric |
Drive Train | FWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5000 rpm | |
EV Battery Capacity | 82 kWh | |
MPG City | 24 | 145 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 128 |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | 11.7 hours | |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 241 hp I4 | 425 hp Electric |
Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm | |
Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5000 rpm | |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | 11.7 hours | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
EV Battery Capacity | 82 kWh | |
MPG City | 24 | 145 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 128 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | Standard |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 19.9 cu ft | 24.1 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3183 lbs | 4030 lbs |
Height | 57.7 in | 56.7 in |
Length | 168.9 in | 185.8 in |
Width | 81.6 in | 82.2 in |
Wheelbase | 103.6 in | 113.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 926 lbs | 654 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |

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