Ford Mustang vs. Volkswagen Jetta GLI
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Mustang and Volkswagen Jetta GLI 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 Mustang and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI.
When we compare the Ford Mustang's and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI's specifications and ratings, the Ford Mustang has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Volkswagen Jetta GLI has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Ford Mustang's and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a better car than the Ford Mustang.
Pricing: A used 2024 Ford Mustang ranges from $38,893 to $64,667 while a used 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is priced between $27,200 to $34,269. For a new model, the Ford Mustang's price is between $39,751 and $64,880, with the Volkswagen Jetta GLI priced between $29,456 and $35,411.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Mustang loses 43.5 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI loses 36.2 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Jetta GLI retains 7.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Mustang.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Mustang’s base engine makes 315 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI base engine makes 228 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Volkswagen Jetta GLI, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Ford Mustang, a sports car, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room and front leg room.
Safety Ratings: The Volkswagen Jetta GLI has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
39751 - 64880
Starting MSRP:
39020
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Sports Cars)
34022
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Sports Cars)
28985 - 42970
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
29456 - 35411
Starting MSRP:
28085
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
26555
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
17795 - 45665
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
53095
Price Range:
38893 - 64667
Category Avg Price:
(Sports Cars)
50979
Category Avg Price Range:
(Sports Cars)
35475 - 58789
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1742
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
14724
# Good or Great Deals:
420
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
30280
Price Range:
27200 - 34269
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
28855
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
19171 - 47673
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
62
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
16419
# Good or Great Deals:
27
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
17297
Depreciation %:
0.44328098
Resale Value $:
21723
Residual Value %:
0.5567190200000001
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Sports Cars)
0.29826328
Category Depreciation Range:
(Sports Cars)
0.23886597 - 0.44328098
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
10429
Depreciation %:
0.37134771
Resale Value $:
17656
Residual Value %:
0.62865229
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)
0.3164027
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)
0.24379468 - 0.4011125
Ford Mustang Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.771391 / 10
Reliability:
7.752249 / 10
Retained Value:
7.790533 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Volkswagen Jetta GLI Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.250764 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Mustang
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
8.9
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Sports Cars)
12.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Sports Cars)
8.9 - 15.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.003
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
11.2
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
10.1 - 13.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.1712981358752765
Typical Category Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
2.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
1.6 - 6.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.0488003035499265
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.0 - 18.8
Ford Mustang Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 14Ranking
4 out of / 14Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
5 out of / 5Ranking
6 out of / 6Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 9Ranking
14 out of / 14Volkswagen Jetta GLI Rankings
Ranking
7 out of / 37Ranking
10 out of / 37Ranking
16 out of / 37Ranking
18 out of / 22Ranking
23 out of / 37Ranking
29 out of / 37Ranking
33 out of / 37Ranking
36 out of / 37Available Body Styles
Convertible, Coupe
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Mustang Trim Levels
EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT Premium, Dark Horse, GT
Volkswagen Jetta GLI Trim Levels
40th Anniversary Edition, Autobahn
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
315 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
350 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.084 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
228 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.070 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 33 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
352 / 528 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
35.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
29.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
44.6 inches
Cargo Space:
10.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
89.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Cargo Space:
14.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
94.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3747 lbs
Width:
81.9 inches
Height:
54.8 inches
Length:
189.4 inches
Wheelbase:
107 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3274 lbs
Width:
80.2 inches
Height:
57.3 inches
Length:
186.9 inches
Wheelbase:
105.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.2 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/55R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/45R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Shadow Black
Blue
Atlas Blue / Grabber Blue / Vapor Blue
Gray
Carbonized Gray / Dark Matter Gray
Red
Race Red / Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White
Yellow
Yellow Splash Metallic Tri-coat
Exterior Colors
Black
Not available
Blue
Rising Blue Metallic
Gray
Pure Gray
Red
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Pure White
Yellow
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black Onyx
Gray
Space Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black
Gray
Not available
