Sibling Rivalry: 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Vs. 2019 Golf GTI - Cars.com

[@sirflexinton]

This sounds like a tire comparison.

[@brianreardon7700]

It is! Lol horrible review

[@Cobb]

Yeah for a big company to do a car review and focus on the tires, I'd expect them to just take a set of rims and tires that work on both and swap them out for the review.

[@卓尧杜]

Why don’t you just swap the all season tyres before doing the comparison test. Variables are not controlled

[@nymetswinws]

Testing them with different tires really isn't that fair, but it is good that you recognized and pointed it out. Tires make a huge difference.

[@IvanBosnjak89]

Why wouldn't it be fair? VW chose to sell the car with all-seasons.

[@L_G_Brandon]

Ivo Bosnjak they chose to sell the GLI with summer tires in so that it could match the gti performance. If not it will be slower

[@卓尧杜]

Ivo Bosnjak My gti got the all season tyres and they sucks... a little touch on the break would make the front wheel slides

[@alirezarashidian5292]

@@L_G_Brandon This is not true. The GLI with all season tires matches the GTI preformance. The GLI with summer tires beats the GTI preformance. The GTI is actually slower than the GLI in a straight line even tho it is heavier. The gearing rations on the GLI are actually better than the GTI hence why it moves better in a straight line. The GTI is timed at 14.5 with all season tires. The GLI is timed at 14.5 with all season tires. The GLI is timed at 14.1 with summer tires. The tires isn't whats matching the GLI performance

[@mik55tv22]

I was just at the VW dealership two weeks ago and the GTI and the GLI were priced exactly the same after test driving both i found the GLI to look better and drive better in my opinion and they're talking about suspension difference between the two when they have exactly the same suspension and same tuning and same steering and chassis..i think what they felt was more mental than actual due to the bigger size of the GLI and lets remember they both weigh almost the same the difference is about 100 pounds which isnt much

[@TopGear759]

I bought the 35th anniversary edition GLI and love it. Tires were the all season and replaced those immediately.

[@MrNemo721]

Wish that DCC adaptive suspension was offered in the top level Autobahn trim, and with essentially matching performance the GLI is really good value overall plus I am seeing dealers easily offering $2K off the MSRP on listings online. I'd choose the GLI over the GTI if I were in the market.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Unfortunately, the trim levels of the GLI are rather wacky. I strongly suspect that once the supply of the limited edition "35" is exhausted, DCC will be available on the top trim GLI, just as it is in Canada. I suspect the reason the '35' received DCC while the Autobahn did not was a supply limitation for the components. In the much smaller Canadian market VW could offer DCC on the top trim model but the supply wasn't sufficient to deploy it on the US spec GLI. On the other hand, another theory is that someone at VW Canada has embarrassing photos of German VW execs. That might explain the frequent differences between Canadian and US spec vehicles.

[@kaliberto1]

You can get the gli 35th with adaptive suspension, DSG SIX speed (old dsg), performance tires, and the interior of the autobahn in Mexico for $25k

[@brenmiller9408]

2020 Autobahn GLI comes with DCC

[@t.k.morris]

Everybody in the comments are focused on the tire difference but they plainly explain why the results were different. And they also explained that basically these two would perform exactly the same otherwise which is what I really wanted to know. Pick your style preference but also feel assured if you want a sedan like I do, you will still have equal performance of a GTI if you use the tires that suit you the best for how, when, where you drive. And currently you gbet more value out of a GLI purchase. 2019 will be the last 7yr 72k mile warranty offered also as VW is reducing the warranty in 2020 to 4yrs 48k miles. I appreciate the review!

[@stephenhendricks103]

As many posters have noted, the peformance comparison seems to be mainly a case of the differences between all season and summer tires. But while that makes a comparison of the GLI and GTI problematic, there's a silver lining to that cloud. Reviewers and consumers routinely cite 0-60 and quarter mile times as if they're gospel figures carved in granite and the gold standard for measuring one vehicle against another. (Apologies for the mixed metaphors) In fact, they're nothing of the sort. In addition to tire type differences and tire wear, differences in elevation, ambient temperature, driver skill, whether a test is conducted from a standing or rolling start, and differences in particular vehicle units among other factors can make for huge differences in acceleration and handling performance. All in all, a difference of one or even two seconds in metrics of 0-60 or quarter mile times may be essentially meaningless unless averaged over multiple tests over in a variety of conditions. That is almost never done and even the details that would enable one to make a judgment about the effect on performance are seldom revealed. While reviewers sometimes note such issues, there is almost never an example of just how crucial any single factor might be. This comparison of vehicles with the same engines and power trains provides an excellent picture of how critical tires are in performance. And for that reason it's worth paying attention to. This might not be a reliable comparison of the GLI and GTI but it offers a revealing quantitative measure of the effect of tire choices. Short of comparing two identical models of the same car with different tires, this is one of the better examples of the impact of tire choice on performance. Even so, it would be interesting to know the age and mileage of the tires on the two vehicles. Given the recent introduction of the GLI I suspect that it may well have had nearly new tires while the GTI may well have had many more miles on them.

[@Shawn_M]

You should've put the gli wheels/tires on the GTI for at least a run. Same chassis, probably same size.

[@black98rt]

Exactly what I was thinking. Same bolt pattern, same size tire.

[@Brad540]

The Gli uses a 225/45/18 and the Gti uses a 225/40/18. So unfortunately you couldn't just swap them, yes they would fit, but they would effect the wheel torque because of the size change

[@09sino26]

That’s kinda sad that I can’t order the GLI Jetta in Germany :/

[@leebrownusa]

Sad, these guys went ahead with the tire differences! Shows the budget these two fellows were given to do this comparison. Shame on Cars.com for limiting the budget! Guys did their best though.

[@卓尧杜]

Lee Brown it proofs that they can’t afford 500 dollars at tyre swapping for the test

[@armandogallardooficiallarebel]

There are a pair of reasons to love Volkswagen, GLI & GTI.

[@kadedone]

Excellent points regarding a hatch versus a trunk if you have child seats installed. Hatches are my favourite but if they are kinda small like the gti then a good size trunk like you get in the gli or si sedans may make more sense for a small family. I wish we got bigger sport manual wagons. A gti sport wagen would be great!

[@cormacmcrandom6164]

I just got a gli 35th and I'm in love with it. I still drive my b5 s4 in the winter though. All hail Quattro 😍😍 😍😍 😍😍 😍

[@nathanlangford3113]

Nice cars! I got a Golf R, best of both worlds.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Golf R is MUCH more expensive than the GLI.

[@nathanlangford3113]

@@exothermal.sprocket But less expensive than an S4, which is what I was replying to. Try to keep focused.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@nathanlangford3113 Why the "try to keep focused" statement? This is a GLI video, Cormac commented on the GLI, and you replied feeling the need to jab someone.

[@nathanlangford3113]

@@exothermal.sprocket Nope, learn to read. OP owns a GLI and an S4. The combined total costs more than a Golf R. Now fuck off, dumb fuck.

[@limitededition3278]

So the lesson here is if you want actual results from both cars make sure when you do a review they both come equipped with same or similar tires.

[@johndoerr9289]

Okay but then why not put the same tires on the damn car Are these professional reviewers?

[@maxwellfernandez2830]

Why do they not have the same tires???

[@Wayzor_]

Lemme sum up the comments.... Tires.

[@Slanovich]

Makes a lot of sense to do a feature comparison between the base GTI and the highest trim GLI. This video was amateur hour.

[@Bobbito3]

shouldve use the 35th edition with DCC

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Wonder how difficult it would be to swap out those adaptive dampers on the 35th GLI for some higher quality aftermarket coilovers......

[@joeyfinley1771]

I really like the GTI but if I was choosing between the two I’d have to go for the GLI it’s just a lot more practical but still just as fun.

[@heyitsme939]

weird because most people would say that a hatchback is more practical

[@killerkhalsa27]

A hatch back is much more practical. I have a mk6 gli and a G37 sedan, My mk7 gti hatchback is by far more capable of storage.

[@JeffSpehar-ov1cn]

I have the new GLI and owned the 17 GTI. Like the GLI much better. It handles just as good but is smooth and not as jerky on rough roads. The Trunk is huge.

[@ericchan6628]

I think the reason they didnt change the tires is because that's the way it comes stock? Or am i wrong?

[@gasdrawls412]

I have a 2001 Golf VW GLI but can’t find any information about it online, can someone help me?

[@AlbertPerez-jw1ry]

The video is 10:01 long, that says all of the quality of review

[@homejuju7293]

Albert Perez Hahaha

[@andrelima5124]

With summer tires the GTI is a tiny bit better (talking about performance) but......for a man with a small family the Jetta is the right choice.

[@backseatdriver8902]

Tires are the only part of any vehicle that touches the road. They matter more than ANYTHING!

[@pdotc]

I think this review should have been put off until you guys got matching tires. The comparisons went out the window with the repeated discussion about the tires. So we have no way to say if the GLI is better just that it has summer tires.

[@gixxer750r3]

You should have tested the MANUAL!! I bought one and it is way more fun

[@n1kmike740]

So you guys tested cars, that can both have the same tires, but instead with different tires, which of course gave an advantage...

[@kevinmalella8159]

Why would you do these comparisons with different tires???

[@nathanlangford3113]

So, you actually filmed a tire review... Fail.

[@rizzlerazzleuno4733]

As most of the comments say...........silly test if you are not going to use same tires. Also, the GLI will be chosen for its space and comfort, the GTI for it "hot hatch" appeal. A family with one car is going to need and want a sedan even though a Golf might be appealing. Most commuting and normal driving is not going to require track performance. Some potential buyers may not know it is necessary to use premium fuel to get the rated hp and torque from the 2.0 engine.

[@jtkent28]

So you guys did an entire comparison test with these cars on completely different tires? Virtually all the “differences” you noted in the video were because of the tires. Come on guys..

[@cameraz99]

The new Jetta doesn't have climate controls for the back-seat passengers.

[@nathanlangford3113]

Depends on trim level. You're correct that the cheap base model does not have rear A/C.

[@microchip470]

Is the summer tire a dealer option? When I looked at VW's website it says both cars come standard with All Seasons. Further, I'm not sure exactly what options your GLI has but when I priced it out with the DSG I got the same price, $30,890, as the GTI.

[@davemcguigan218]

Compare apples to apples not apples to oranges!!! Test with the same tire not different types what's a matter with you guys!!!

[@chocolatewheelchair]

“Something, something, something tires”

[@sparfmotors8815]

I love my 2019 GLI 35th CDN edition!!!!

[@khodorhachem2002]

What color do u have it

[@JeffSpehar-ov1cn]

I got the 35th edition in black with DSG. Little over 600 miles now, after it hits a thousand will have some fun with it. Great car.

[@CC-uh8gl]

what’s the weight difference between the two?

[@solen1849]

Why even compare them if they dont have the same tires. Do two runners qualify in different shoes? One in sandles the other in running shoes? Like the test isnt even worth doing, how much is a set of tires? Too much for the video then dont make it.

[@boroboroae86]

Still sucks VW isn’t going to be selling the new jetta in Europe. Didn’t really care for the previous generations except the mk2. This new one ticks off alot of the right boxes, oh well...

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Upsize both cars to Michelin Pilot Super Sports 235 width. Re-run the comparison.

[@Shane7son]

Great review you guys are doing an awesome job I really like all the options and the speed and how you guys compared both vehicles.

[@forrestihler504]

What a pointless test. With the different tires you didn’t prove anything. How hard would it had been to change them?

[@markrestua1276]

Im torn between 2017 Mazda 3 GT or 2017 GTI. Ive heard VW's questionable reliability. Are VW cars high maintenace?

[@nicholasjarrett2055]

big money - that corporate 2 liter vw uses is a tank. One of the most reliable motors in the business. But a car is only as reliable as its owner

[@wolverinepur]

As far as the better brakes the gli has the golf r calipers the gti doesn't.

[@skip70]

It's a tire test!

[@brianreardon7700]

Lol then why ? Why? Why? Not test the gti with a good set of summer tires?

[@JC-et4vz]

which color is that gti? I couldn't find it from Volkswagen website!!!!

[@micahc4986]

That's Urano Gray, and it's exclusive to the Rabbit Edition.

[@JC-et4vz]

@@micahc4986 oh okay thanks!

[@tiedupsmurf]

We call the GLI a Passat in the UK

[@JeffSpehar-ov1cn]

Different. We also have the Passat in the USA. It is larger then the Jetta/GLI.

[@ahmedalmutairi4277]

Hummm why not same tires? No one knows 😐

[@yerpster]

Gti is the better drivers cars. Gli if you’re going to actually carry people in the back.

[@badabing1292]

Either speak up, more clearly, or adjust the audio levels-----or all 3! Oh and don't mumble

[@DaveJordan310]

What a waste of a potentially useful comparison by not ensuring they're wearing the same tyres!! Why even publish it?

[@maksimvolkov3371]

I thought the same! Tires review not cars lol

[@ChristianRamirez-cx7vl]

it would be better if you do autobahn agains autobahn editions since they are more equally performance than a rabbit edition that only gives cosmetic bits

[@brianreardon7700]

Lol ..well.. just put some good summer tires on the gti.. done lol what is the big deal...good lord lol

[@sortesorte819]

Cadê o arancadao

[@danielrabraga]

Gti makes engine sound from speakers.

[@heyitsme939]

so does the GLI

[@larryfishkind5387]

So does gli n Honda’s n others unfortunately

[@brendanfogel4573]

Let my drive the boat

[@dchrish]

Am I da only one that can't get into da new body style 🤔. I loved da mk6 body style better.

[@heyitsme939]

I feel the same way. I had a mk 6.5 Jetta and now I have a 7.5 gti autobahn. I think the old jetta looks so much better than the new one, the new one just doesn’t appeal to me...

[@swanblake]

Different tires changes everyything! How dumb. Makes all,of this completely useless and uncomparable.

[@cicada3312]

Job well done

[@arturoguerrero498]

There are no drag races !!!!!!! WTF

[@kalebsmith325]

I am glad they finally gave the GLI some decent power. It's too bad they couldn't give that to the mk6. The redesign of the Jetta is absolutely hideous now. I would have picked a mk6 GLI over GTI, but now I think I would pick the GTI.

[@JeffSpehar-ov1cn]

I think they look great, especially in black.

[@CRVgarage]

I think VW should slap GTI badge on both the cars.

[@73bennyj]

Thanks For The tire review. 🥴👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻

[@DeadlyPinch]

Such waste of time, they should have demanded summer tires for both cars to get an accurate comparison! After 3:48 I stopped watching...

[@Jacobk66]

True VW fans know the GTI is a better car because VW doesn’t really care about American VWs which the Jetta is. It will add some nice options and be cheaper but it’s still not a true VW.

[@JeffSpehar-ov1cn]

All the expert reviewers disagree with you.

[@mimaz7155]

All these data about 1-60 in 6 seconds and all the other speed stuff doesn't make a difference in any of the major metropolitan areas on a daily basis. You are stuck in traffic, lucky if you move 25 MPH.

[@brosephjock]

This review literally tells you nothing because of The all seasons Vs summers. Why did they even do this lmao. Waste of time.

[@aliasmakaveli6314]

Just drag race them side by side. Lol

[@martymet]

clearly they should have done these tests with the same tires. this whole video is worthless without the same tires.

[@originalswolfsburg9889]

A good facelift and buttlift will make the GLi a really nice car. The way it looks now just doesn’t deserve the vw or Gli badge. Car is hideous

[@myjeanification]

wtf seriously fix your title to testing tires.

[@gli.stephenmtl3749]

I thought that it was a good test yes not for same byers that's what i get out of these machines thinking about getting a gli in Canada we get 2 modules fully equipped 35 aneversary autobond or non 35th fully loaded autobond

[@styles234]

I just bought a GLI 35 and I couldn't be happier! Nicest car I've ever owned and drives both like a GTI and an Audi A4 if you want it to. The 35th anniversary edition has a comfort mode which really chills out the noise and harshness if you just want to hunker down for a road trip or get home late at night.

[@gli.stephenmtl3749]

@@styles234 nice. . Congrats I hope u have lots of fun.but 2 comment on ur gti or gli or audi they don't really drive the same or sound the same I find that the gli is the moor subdued. The gti is moor on point and much better quality inside. And the audi is not my cup of t ps were r u from would like to get ur opinion comment anytime

[@styles234]

@@gli.stephenmtl3749 I'm from Canada so I have the top level trim in the GLI and I've driven the GTI as well. The GLI and GTI are super similar, especially with the GLI in sport mode. But if you have the 35th edition you get access to the adaptive suspension and that gets you comfort mode which turns it into quite the comfortable distance cruiser.

[@gli.stephenmtl3749]

@@styles234 I will agree but 1 little thing u must agree that the gti is moor planted and on point and don't sound the same the lower trim gets the same adapted suspension the only difference is the bagging and mags black top mirror and wing is that right. How long have u had the gli

[@Crumblacrumbs]

terrible review

[@ayushpandey51]

Absolutely pathetic!

[@greghansford6000]

So GLI is better, cop that GTI wankers

[@hadza7ah]

Gti all day. The GLI will never compare.

[@JeffSpehar-ov1cn]

GLI for adults.

[@LuisGonzalez-sb9lx]

Which one looks uglier and more dated? 🤔🤔🤔

[@chocolatewheelchair]

Rad 🤘🏻♥️

[@z3r0f4Lc0n]

Garbage review, are you guys serious? lol

[@SaraK_69]

Nice video but you really need to test again with the same type of tires.

[@andrelima5124]

With summer tires the GTI is a tiny bit better (talking about performance) but......for a man with a small family the Jetta is the right choice.

[@卓尧杜]

André Lima Don’t get a child yet😂 wait until you lose interest in cars

[@andrelima5124]

@@卓尧杜 Bruh 😂

[@alirezarashidian5292]

This is actually not true. It's actually been proven the GLI is faster in a straight line

[@jsoso9015]

@@alirezarashidian5292 you make completely no sense lol they both have the same engine and tranny. Gti might be slightly quicker due to weight difference.

[@donovanowens8owens]

@@jsoso9015 He did make sense the gli is geared better for straight lines.