Ford Fiesta vs. Volkswagen Golf GTI

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Golf GTI contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Ford Fiesta and the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

In comparing the Ford Fiesta's and the Volkswagen Golf GTI's specifications and ratings, the Ford Fiesta has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability and resale value. The Volkswagen Golf GTI has the advantage in the areas of interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ford Fiesta's and the Volkswagen Golf GTI's specifications and ratings, the Ford Fiesta is a better car than the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Pricing: A used 2019 Ford Fiesta ranges from $9,500 to $18,960 while a used 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI is priced between $19,496 to $28,579.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Fiesta loses 30.7 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Golf GTI loses 35 percent of its value. This means the Ford Fiesta retains 4.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Fiesta is 8.2 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Golf GTI's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Ford Fiesta being ranked 24 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Volkswagen Golf GTI being ranked 17 out of 43.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Fiesta is 8.0 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Golf GTI the reliability rating is 7.3 out of 10. This gives the Ford Fiesta a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Fiesta’s base engine makes 120 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Golf GTI base engine makes 228 horsepower. The Fiesta is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 434 miles. The Golf GTI is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 422 miles. This gives the Ford Fiesta the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Volkswagen Golf GTI, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Ford Fiesta, a subcompact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has higher safety ratings than the Ford Fiesta, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.