VW Golf GTI VS VW Golf GTD review - Auto Express

Volkswagen Golf GTD review: bit.ly/14FnXLZ
Volkswagen Golf GTI review: bit.ly/18Af60p
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Volkswagen claim the GTI goes from 0-62 in 6.4 seconds, which is about a second faster than the GTD. In this video review, we see what happens in an ultimate drag race.
The GTI took 6.9 seconds to get to 62mph, while the GTD needed 7.9. The GTI has a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 217bhp which is 36 more than the GTD. However, it's 350Nm of torque output is 30Nm less, and it returns over 20mpg less at the pumps, with a figure of 47.1mpg.
The Volkswagen Golf GTD costs £25,285, which is around £500 less than the GTI. It comes with a 2.0-litre diesel engine with 181bhp and 380Nm of torque. Despite this great performance, Volkswagen claim the GTD will return 67.3mpg and emit just 109g/km of CO2.
On the road, the GTI is practically perfect, with beautifully weighted steering and tonnes of grip. The problem is though, it's just not that much fun - a Megane RS is much better in this department.
What about the GTD? Well, it's more or less identical inside the cabin, and the driving experience is similar too.
So which delivers the best blend of performance and economy? Well, for ultimate fuel economy, the GTD is hard to beat, and it's cheaper. But the GTI is hardly uneconomical, and the extra performance and sharper handling goes a long way, too.

[@milosilic23]

For an everyday driver, the GTD is a very good car. It has enough power for the motorway, overtaking and an occasional track day, without breaking your wallet. So, i would rather have the GTD. Looks good too.

[@soundseeker63]

GTi driver - tyre smoking start. GTD driver - (late) granny start. We knew the GTi would win anyway, but this is just stupid!

[@steevieweevie]

I've got a GTD, my dad's got a GTI. Driven both and there really isn't much difference in the real world. Think I made the right choice given the difference in running costs, insurance etc.

[@rupe30]

At least start the drag at the same time!

[@mark-1rc502]

Yep!

[@bluestuable]

was enjoying this video until he recommended a Megane! haha, I stopped the video wrote this and left.

[@michaelmullins1448]

looooool gtd all the way

[@josemesquita2448]

I did the same!

[@RypienGT]

I read your comment, then paused the video to type this, and am currently undecided if I'll watch the next 3 minutes or bail .....

[@bobwas4]

i just recieved my gtd mk7, and in all honesty it dont make you wanna drive fast anyways, its so comfortable. a lovely cruiser. and handles exactly the same as a gti so really well.

[@DoctaM3]

Interesting.. I am still in love with these cars... in fact, I miss my R32.... Getting the itch to pick up a new R but really like the Mk V more.

[@tadeokeith2535]

instaBlaster...

[@mark-1rc502]

Straight line power the higher bhp petrol will always win,. Its different horses for different courses., personally I don't like diesel cars I feel people get them Misconstrued as being fast because of the way it delivers it power lower and mid rpm, if your on the move and you need that overtake there is certainly enough grunt for that. And the likes of a GTD will certainly hold off any attempt to over take it on a motorway easily within legal limits its only if you go all out war and take it over a 100mph you find the lack of bhp in the diesel is apparent , and again if your a bit of a rally driver down the B roads you may the find petrol equivalent a bit better poised in the bends . For me is love to have an economical car like the GTD but I'd want the git for when the Red mist shows its ugly head .,! But I do ask my self is it worth paying the extra for that one moment of madness.

[@niceboy60]

Diesel is king . some of us didn't buy our cars only to use in Tracks most of us live in the real wold with speed limits , speed cameras , red lights and zebra crossings , everyone knows diesel is slower , however diesel is much more fun to drive because of the Explosive torque . GTD specs 7.5 sec from 0-60 mph top speed 143 mph Motorway MPG 76 MPG road tax £20 (for the all year) . This specs are good enough in the real world or for non Topgear stig drivers

[@liof16]

As a company car doing >20K miles per year, the GTD wins hands-down for me :p

[@ScreamOG1]

I'm considering a used gtd (5k miles on the clock), it will cost me about 400 a month but I get about 375 car allowance.. How are you finding it?

[@Rapscallion2009]

Which is best is a very subjective thing. Some people would prefer the more easy-going diesel engine and restrained styling of the GTD more. For company car drivers it's no contest. The GTD's low CO2, good fuel economy and firmer residuals make it much, much cheaper to own for them. I always think it's a bit irrelevant when journalists make subjective calls like whether an option is worth the extra, or which of 2 choices they prefer. It's all very well to say "Fitting 4x4 for £2000 isn't worth it", but the thing is.. it might be if you simply can't live without it due to where you live, for example. It's fine to say that "£2000 is a lot of pay for a 4x4 option" or even "Rather than specify 4x4, it might be cheaper to instead buy a variant which already has 4x4 as standard". But simply stating an option "isn't worth the money" - well, that depends on how much you need or want it and how much it costs and how much money you have.

[@philholroyd9119]

Just had my gtd remapped, +40 bhp, +90 torque's, the result would be very different 🖕

[@kb8729]

Probably not off the mark the diesel doesn't get away well. I own a mapped gtd. Its a diesel not a Gti

[@Tadaslkz]

@@kb8729 any problems after remaping?

[@dopiaza2006]

@@kb8729 more weight over the front wheels. in theory the gtd will take off quicker

[@Wargwarn]

You can also remap the GTi though so that's a stupid comparison.

[@Birmingham_racing]

I'm a diesel fan and owner but with petrol engines getting more economical i would go for the petrol on this one

[@Bokuma01]

This is the most useless review i've ever seen. "The diesel sounds like a diesel". "The diesel has more midrange power". "The diesel is more economical". NO SHIT, SHERLOCK!

[@nmeister67]

The comment about petrol being more responsive seems to be a bit of a cliché these days. After driving mostly diesels for the last 5ish years, when I get back into even a powerful petrol, I find myself missing the "immediate" low down power that diesels give you without need to change down. In my opinion: Diesel = A more relaxed/lazy power delivery Petrol = A more laboured/exciting delivery I think it depends what you prefer and are used to at the end of the day!

[@teamlytweight2934]

Im pretty sure you can remap the diesel engine that way it can match up to GTI. I'm going for GTD to save money and drive it fast I test drove the GTD and it was sick for a diesel engine tbh so YEAH

[@JustAlb1n]

worst review ever

[@mark-lh1ur]

the GTD looks very nice , the best looking of the mk 7 range

[@tye5819]

I agree

[@rodstawaa]

One hell of a jump start!

[@MadProductionsink]

The GTI has 30hp more but costs 5000£ more, if you're smart enough you would get the GTD and give it a mild remap of 30hp which costs 50£ and get even more torque and you get the same performance.

[@__jake46]

What u arnt considering is the dpf in the gtd will clog up in less than a year if u arnt doing 25000 miles a year a lot of ppl buy diesel thinkin they will see the station less but in reality if u don't do the big commute to have them miles at the end of the year you will be handed a 4 figure bill to sort the dpf that isn't included in ur warranty gtd if u do the miles got all the way if not more fun on a normal day to day drive and the performance pack is defo worth a mention too

[@TheCompyshop]

What a lot of people don't realize is how much power volkswagen holds back on that TDI engine. You can take that $500 you saved and go get the ECU tuned. And holy crap you will be surprised.

[@paullockwood7219]

What a totally unbiased review... You could tell he hated anything diesel..🤣 181bhp ain't too shabby. 😁

[@craig1553]

GTD all day long, double the MPG more money in your sky rocket for a cheeky Costa latte. 99% of the population do not drive with “urgency” and there are usually other cars on the road. It’s about time the car industry provided realistic reviews and figures and service costs, road tax etc etc......

[@ImHereToAnnoyYou]

No I disagree, the GTD looks like the winner here. The VW Golf GTi is long gone, Audi and Seat are better at both ends of the scale and have been since the Mk4. GTD is the new GTi and you know it, there is no case for the GTi anymore, only on forums.

[@joanuc]

totaly true in theory, but vags 2.0 tsi has good response between 2k and 7k revs. and my mk6 dsg in normal mode switches gear at 1.5 or before. i mean it has both good attributes! the best thing in a gti is the engine, its awesome

[@newtsarmy]

Would have been good to see a rolling-race in-gear, say from 30-80mph rather than a 0-60/standing quarter etc, as that's more likely in the real world and might uncover more interesting findings. Good stuff though!

[@m.allmark]

Currently got the mk5 gti and love the car. As I have a small business I was leaning towards a GTD (more mpg and £20/year road tax) next but I still only do 7-10k miles a year even with business so i'm not sure that would justify the diesel?

[@davidhayes4814]

I quite liked this bloke's comments. Compared to the new Topgear's silly drag race this was quite informative. Of some interest, maybe, is that if you configure either diesel or petrol Golfs, with more basic engines, adding the options to equate to GTI/GTD specs, then you are paying very little extra for these performance engines. You would be astonished how expensive other Golfs become.

[@Spawn223311]

why the heck does the gtd doesnt have separate dual exhaust? -_- dont they know it looks a lot better? man!

[@OnyxGuard94]

Because they want to make the R and GTI special.

[@1996Smiller]

Don't want people who were set on a GTI because of its looks to go for the GTD

[@Darksyne]

At gas prices today especially with diesel being cheaper than gasoline in the summer in canada i'd gladly take the GTD over the GTI

[@zdowns1]

I like how it's chastising you at 1:01 for pressing the accelerator.

[@Codestud]

The UK press tends to exhibit snobbery against performance diesels, so no surprises here.

[@darrel.cooper]

it's good to diesel hate because they're hateful. the reason the GTi got a head start is because it had a manual gearbox. GTi is probably the best all round car on sale today. diesel will give bother in later life. certainty

[@dopiaza2006]

The GTD DSG has launch control. They clearly weren't using it - and they were asleep.

[@lansiman]

yea,you mean people don't care even if gti is doing 4mpg higher fuel consumption hurts no matter how u look at it,just in gti it doesn't hurt the fan enough to get another car

[@muri4298]

Diesel engines create too many problems. Petrol is a lot simpler, more expensive to run but more reliable

[@matyasmatejka4242]

In case of VW... i can't agree. VW has great diesel engines, if you talk aboute reliability. VW is known for reliable, bulletproof diesel engines, as 1.9TDI PD(GOLF 4), or 2.0TDI CR(GOLF 6GTD+). The only bad one was 2.0TDI PD-they were making them till 2009. VW is not that good with petrol engines, from my expierence.

[@grantmotox123]

i know, but in the outright drag race the GTI wooped the GTD, the gap wouldnt of been as significant using roll-ons.

[@bhavishyachandra]

in gear acceleration is where the diesel engines shine. Anyhow, gtd is built for countries where diesel is considerably cheaper than petrol. :)

[@gonzogb87]

GTD driver has the reactions of a stoned sloth

[@klavier285]

I want the GTD, VW America sucks hard with their lineup.

[@wilf81]

60-100 mph is the only important number as that tells you how good it would be for overtaking.

[@jay123health]

love diesel engines thats all i drive better fuel economy more torque more fun too drive. Petrol engines feel like go kart engines too me lol I can never go back and diesel engines last longer and have better resale value

[@nsoper19]

jay123health all true untill a little vw emission scandal happened

[@maggotpudding]

I can't see why VW bothered with the GTD. It's stupid idea putting diesel engine in a GTI, makes it worse. Instead they could've done normal Golf but with sligthly more powerful engine than usually.

[@thedriverofallthings]

Can we do miles per litre as that’s how we buy our fuel Not in gallons

[@ljakrtsh1]

finally someone made this test...great!

[@MattDoherty]

I just cannot agree with this analysis. Day to day (and not just a drive to the track for a drag race) the GTD is surely the best mix of economy and fun? ~10MPG difference getting to the race track isn't insignificant, times that over a 30,000 mile life span and it's a lot of wonga. If you want the most day to day fun, get the GTI. If you want the best day to day fun and some economy go for the GTD

[@MyRealName]

natural feedback from the steering? have you ever driven a car with hydraulically assisted steering, or a car with non assisted steering? there is barely any feedback from gti's steering.

[@Valenni]

Why compare these cars on performance? It should be a GTD vs a Merc A220 or something. The GTI and GTD are for different markets!

[@michaelmullins1448]

my boss has a gtd ....13plate its a stunner the drive is superb

[@TheCompyshop]

Not really. You can switch it back to factory easily before you go back in for a warranty claim.

[@steveoliverc]

Great comparison! thanks

[@SeyiB]

I agree with that conclusion... Great video

[@joanuc]

gti would be much better, its engine is fantastic

[@leonardoflores4725]

People don't understand thats its not about "saving at the fuel pump" for diesel fans, its more of the reliability and the expense of wearing out a petrol engine versus a diesel engine. I'd rather have a car that will easily last me 300k plus miles then a petrol engine that preforms better, but if not upkept EXTREMELY TIMELY AND PRECISELY (due to the fact that vw's are expensive as fu*k to repair) can take a shit on me. I have a 1998 Jetta GLX with a 5 speed manual VR6 and repairing the transmission labor alone costs over $1000! (imagine how much a 2015 DSG transmission costs to repair!)

[@simonwall23]

You obviously know nothing about the expense of modern common rail diesel engines. All good when the car is in warranty but outside and it is huge money. EGR Cooler, Injectors, DPF Filter, Turbocharger. Massive money.

[@cyclemartin4073]

I think this was a Biased test , set up a scenario like Rolling side by side at 40mph and boot it (AT THE SAME TIME) not like your flakey drag race. So as if to replicate passing a 40mph speed camera on a dual carriageway and nail it once past the lines , up to a reasonable speed you’d be likely to achieve in a short blast along a dual carriageway before catching other traffic . May be upto 70-80mph from 40. Mph let’s see how well the gti does in that scenario because that’s more real world than 0-60mph

[@JGreen444]

nasty nick The GTi would still win quite easily.

[@rob11s]

chip tuning that GTD would turn it into a monster of a car :)

[@ivandoe33]

Seriously, which is cheaper to run if You push these cars to its limits often? How long before pushed-to-the-limits diesel gets serious breakdown compared to petrol? What's the pricing on repairs comparing diesel and petrol? Think twice, it's not only mpg and the fuel price.

[@user-lh1lg2ut5l]

Diesel engines dont break down.. very rare

[@Eagle030595]

I would go with GTD because it's cheaper and have better fuel economy, also better torque. Also, you will be special because not a lot of people buys GTD over GTI. :)

[@Duncan038]

Petrol always. Diesel is for trucks or taxis.

[@Duncan038]

R32 for the win , if you cant afford to run one you can have a diseasel

[@mrtypr]

haha how ignorant you are

[@mrtypr]

Dude you still think diesel is for trucks ? There's plenty of normal cars these days that run fine on diesel, your comment was fact 20 years ago

[@mrtypr]

Oh sorry must of hit reply on wrong person, that was for duncun

[@winchuni22]

Unless you spend a lot of your time on the motorway...

[@SouthGreatLand]

You can easily Chip the Diesel and I've seen the GTD develop 520nm of torque on a dyno which would trump the GTI

[@milosilic23]

Mat can't handle all the reviews :)

[@thomasbaker6372]

Iv got a mk5 gt tdi and i keep up with 2.0 Iv done 142mph and was she was still pulling

[@88cdot]

U chat out ur arse mate in ur oil burner u will get smoked by the gti u must have been racing a OAP Calm down jeremy hahaha

[@Danial0152]

Petrol will always be better than Diesel

[@michaelmullins1448]

are u on crack ?/// its 2018 GTD is a stunner boy

[@fundiver198]

If you want a sporty car, then get one with a petrol engine and screw fuel consumption. And if you want a fast and comfortable motorway cruiser, then whats wrong with the standard 150 hp diesel Golf? So for me the GTD is a car, nobody really needs or wants. And its the same story with all performance diesels, be it the Mercedes SLK diesel roadster or the BMW 550d M

[@djchasen1878]

What is the color of the GTD - black or dark grey?

[@lugassydavid]

carbon steel grey

[@kb8729]

How can the GTi be the winner when he says based on performance, handling and top end speed? Aren't they already a given? It's a gti, a petrol and has 227bhp not 181bhp. Not the best video I've seen!

[@Taylor40667]

The only point of the gtd is for company drivers nothing else. Because of these cars cost 25k so if you spend £25,000 on a diesel which SAVES you money. Why have you just spent 25k. Over 15,000 miles the difference between diesel and petrol will be about £1000 max so that's nothing to someone who has just spent 25k. I've just ordered a gti 3dr no dsg with options 30k the gtd is good on paper but does not make sense.

[@TheCanadianCyclist]

I'll take one of each!

[@Mr8peter8]

I love my 2014 GTD stage 2 ...161kw that will do it😘😘👌

[@FranzKrammer4746]

67 mpg for the turbo.diesel.....but I can live with 47 mpg for the peppier sporty GTI

[@wickiezulu]

A pity Volkswagen is unwilling to push the Golf GTD pass the 200 hp + barrier.

[@SupercarsGT]

I love the GTI althought his design is so simple

[@swift2117]

So you could have had as many chances to film again but this was the best cut. The Gtd driver should be sacked !

[@seoulman912]

Why didn't you test the GTI with the DSG?

[@upload9595]

Why the GTD driver waited only 1,2 secs he may wait 4,5 minutes before he starts the race ....

[@v_alexiadis]

If you like driving, petrol beats diesel every single time.

[@Rahhhhhnman]

MPG stats between a petrol and diesel car = no point at all

[@sandroballester12]

seen better reviews than this auto Bill have one were they compare the two and have a drag race both using dsg gearboxes and the gtd wasn't that far off behind the gti

[@kennethli260]

GTD!!!

[@19Spider87]

You obviously never driven a car with DSG. That is how it reacts without launch control.

[@Maurazio]

if you have high mileage maybe. but who would want a diesel GTI, i mean just hear the sound

[@mehdimoutadjer1096]

I love my GT.TDI MK4 guys..

[@upload9595]

Exactly.

[@samvrs]

Want that GTD😍

[@fahmad7194]

Petrol rules!

[@o3tomas]

It's not a review of cars, more like a review of fuel types.

[@zaighamtariq8226]

U say it has 380 torque. Thts not true. I cant find any gtd wit tht amount of torque

[@KifazoidDesigns]

MMM nice the golf 7 is nice but that's just it just nice.

[@kb8729]

Did anyone get 67mpg? I can't seem to get a better average than 40mpg.

[@3150xYz]

Same dsg

[@suhaas307]

2:46 - 2:52 "The biggest difference between the GTI and the GTD on the road is the engine.." Yeah, no shit! Sherlock!

[@bartusiek123]

I would say it's water from aircon

[@DJzSith]

Somebody who can't afford (purchase and running costs) of a more powerful car? Hot hatch = cheap performance, or at least it used to be cheap GTD, just marketing, makes the 2.0D appeal to a younger audience,

[@djjackjones1]

Volkswagen, STOP the auto DSG boxes!! I want a manual, proper box!! As for GTI / GTD, where can you use the minor extra performance of the GTI?? You can't! You'll either get grassed up for dangerous driving! Flashed by a camera! Or seen by a copper hiding round a hedge! The 'smoker' wins every time!! I'm soon to be after a MK6 GTD '09-10.

[@zues2013]

Just because you shift like a grandma and pretend your in fast and the furious doesn't make it proper smh 🖕🏿😂

[@haych3657]

@@zues2013 😂😂ikr

[@93455Driver]

Diesely?

[@CR4ZYHOR5E]

What an infuriating review. Another car reviewer who has watched too may episodes of Top Gear. Why don't you tell us things that make a difference in the real world. The GTI will be bought by VW loyal 'driving enthusiasts' and the GTD by fleet/lease companies for company car drivers. GTD will outsell GTI by 3 to 1. Surely a better comparison for 'car enthusiasts' is the GTI versus BMW M135i. Best quote...'the biggest difference between the two cars is the engine.'

[@loue6083]

Give the cars to EVO magazine for a proper review.

[@heisenberg3139]

for you it is the winner in the test, because ist the best Car, if u have to ride the Way to work every day your preferences are different...........

[@Phen0mable]

I think that leon fr+ is a better choice over golf

[@steveo8533]

If you want an estate there’s only one option.