Subaru BRZ vs. Volkswagen Golf GTI
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru BRZ 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 Subaru BRZ and the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
In comparing the Subaru BRZ's and the Volkswagen Golf GTI's specifications and ratings, the Subaru BRZ has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, 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 Subaru BRZ's and the Volkswagen Golf GTI's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: For a new model, the Subaru BRZ's price is between $31,307 and $37,886, with the Volkswagen Golf GTI priced between $32,769 and $42,838.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru BRZ loses 24.3 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Golf GTI loses 35 percent of its value. This means the Subaru BRZ retains 10.7 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 Subaru BRZ is 8.4 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Golf GTI's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Subaru BRZ being ranked 3 out of 15 Best Sports Cars and the Volkswagen Golf GTI being ranked 17 out of 43 Best Small Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru BRZ is 7.9 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Golf GTI the reliability rating is 7.3 out of 10. This gives the Subaru BRZ a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru BRZ’s base engine makes 228 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Golf GTI base engine makes 241 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Volkswagen Golf GTI, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Subaru BRZ, a sports car, has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
Safety Ratings: The Volkswagen Golf GTI has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$31,307 - $37,886
Starting MSRP:
$30,195
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Sports Cars)
$34,022
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Sports Cars)
$28,985 - $42,970
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$32,769 - $42,838
Starting MSRP:
$31,965
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$26,555
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$17,795 - $45,665
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Sports Cars)
$50,979
Category Avg Price Range:
(Sports Cars)
$35,475 - $58,789
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
333
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
65
# Good or Great Deals:
0
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$34,636
Price Range:
$29,999 - $40,715
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$28,855
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$19,171 - $47,673
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,984
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
359
# Good or Great Deals:
25
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$7,614
Depreciation %:
25.2%
Resale Value $:
$22,581
Residual Value %:
74.8%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Sports Cars)
29.8%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Sports Cars)
23.9% - 44.3%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$11,477
Depreciation %:
35.9%
Resale Value $:
$20,488
Residual Value %:
64.1%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)
31.6%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)
24.4% - 40.1%
Subaru BRZ Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
9.0 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Volkswagen Golf GTI Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
7.3 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru BRZ
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.3
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:
1.4%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Golf GTI
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.3
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:
1.5%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.6
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:
2.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2 - 18.8
Subaru BRZ Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 15Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 15Ranking
5 out of / 15Ranking
10 out of / 15Ranking
13 out of / 15Ranking
13 out of / 15Volkswagen Golf GTI Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
7 out of / 43Ranking
8 out of / 43Ranking
11 out of / 21Ranking
12 out of / 43Ranking
14 out of / 43Ranking
17 out of / 43Ranking
17 out of / 43Ranking
18 out of / 24Ranking
20 out of / 43Ranking
26 out of / 43Ranking
32 out of / 43Ranking
32 out of / 43Available Body Styles
Coupe
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Subaru BRZ Trim Levels
Limited, Premium, tS
Volkswagen Golf GTI Trim Levels
380 Autobahn, 380 S, 380 SE, Autobahn, S, SE
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 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
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 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
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
228 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.081 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
241 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
273 foot-lbs @ 1750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.076 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 27 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
264 / 356 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
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
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
33.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
29.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
51.7 inches
Cargo Space:
6.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
83.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.9 inches
Cargo Space:
19.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
111.8 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2820 lbs
Width:
69.9 inches
Height:
51.6 inches
Length:
167.9 inches
Wheelbase:
101.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.1 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3188 lbs
Width:
81.6 inches
Height:
57.6 inches
Length:
168.8 inches
Wheelbase:
103.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
215/45R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P225/40R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Sapphire Blue Pearl / WR Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Red
Ignition Red
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl / Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Atlantic Blue Metallic
Gray
Moonstone Gray
Red
Kings Red Metallic
Silver
Reflex Silver Metallic
White
Opal White Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black/Scalepaper Plaid
