Volkswagen Golf GTI vs GTD video review

4 Sep, 2013 10:03am

The new Volkswagen Golf GTI is pitted against the frugal Golf GTD in this video review

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, its 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. Watch the video review and see what you think.

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Submitted by Jack Kirby on Thu, 2013-09-05 09:01.

This review seems a bit stupid. Isn't it obvious that the GTD is going to be more fuel efficient and have lower tax etc. Doesn't take a genius to work that out. If you want style but good fuel consumption then GTD. If you want fun and sporty drive/sounds etc then buy a GTI. Simple.

Submitted by ekranoplan on Thu, 2013-09-05 17:32.

Rubbish start off the line byt eh GTD driver - they were about a second late!

Submitted by paulhitch on Thu, 2013-09-05 21:17.

Yet another review of yet more sub-variants of the VW Golf. Ad infinitum progresses to ad nauseum and thence ad absurdum

Submitted by Richard on Fri, 2013-09-06 13:50.

How about chipping the GTD to give an extra 30bhp and loads more torques.
The performance would be much closer.

Submitted by Jack Kirby on Fri, 2013-09-06 15:40.

Yet another comment complaining about VW.
Yet another comment moaning at AE for reviewing.

Do us all a favor and find another website please!!

Submitted by paulhitch on Fri, 2013-09-06 17:50.

There are comparable vehicles by Ford, Daimler-Benz, GM etc. etc. AE need to remember this and also you could do us all a favour by developing a broader outlook. This publication is not supposed to be a puff for any particular manufacturer.

Submitted by Colin on Fri, 2013-09-06 19:49.

Strange review, did he really think the GTD would be anywhere near the GTi? Really?
Oh and he said the GTD got 42 vs 36 mpg going to the track. How could anyone only get 6 mpg more than the GTi?

Submitted by Mike1991 on Fri, 2013-09-06 23:00.

Exactly my thoughts. GTD driver was terrible. I think I would have the GTD over GTI. Its cheaper, looks the same and will feel as fast in every day driving. Plus 50mpg easy and cheap tax.

Submitted by norfolk on Sat, 2013-09-07 05:21.

Not your typical drag race starter!

Submitted by norfolk on Sat, 2013-09-07 05:22.

Awful start by the GTD driver

Submitted by Tommo on Sat, 2013-09-07 05:47.

The 0-60 time quoted for the standard GTi is wrong (6.4 secs is with the upgraded Perfomance Pack option). If you quote stats, please make sure they right.

Submitted by Jack Kirby on Sat, 2013-09-07 08:31.

I do have a broader outlook. I just get bored of reading your anti AE and anti VAG comments all the time. It's up to AE what they want to review. If you don't like it then go read another review website. There are plenty to choose from bud!

Submitted by paulhitch on Sat, 2013-09-07 17:52.

Not all the time. Just when they deserve it which obviously is more often than you would concede. By the way, some curious Americanisms are creeping into your posts. Do you actually live in this country?

Yes I read other motoring websites frequently which is why I am less than fully impressed by this one.

Submitted by Jack Kirby on Mon, 2013-09-09 08:17.

Americanisms, such as?? I live in Essex so yes.

Submitted by paulhitch on Mon, 2013-09-09 09:47.

E.g. "go read" and "bud"! Thanks for clearing up your place of abode. I had wondered whether you were operating under a pseudonym and your real name was Johannes Kirchner or some such.

Submitted by Jack Kirby on Mon, 2013-09-09 10:00.

Ha-ha. Just words, still speaking English which is more than what some people on here do!

Submitted by PetrolHead on Mon, 2013-09-09 13:03.

It's a mystery why anyone would look at a powerful Golf GTi, and then opt to put a diesel engine in it (aka a GTD), unless it's purely down to saving money or the company insists on it. When we're talking about performance and how the cars feel & sound, the petrol GTi is on a totally different planet. Petrols have a flexibility & creamy smoothness (but also a lovely rorty sound) that rattling diesels can only dream of. If you're forced to have a have diesel, then the GTD is a superb choice, but as a private buyer there's only one option: Petrol.

Submitted by tom on Tue, 2013-09-10 17:06.

Autoexpress - thank you very much for your service and for this GTD vs GTI review. It was helfpul and I am thankful. God is good and the Bible is true- it is our review of us- perfect!