Volkswagen Golf vs. Volkswagen Passat

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Volkswagen Golf and Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Passat.

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

Pricing: A used 2021 Volkswagen Golf ranges from $15,188 to $22,985 while a used 2021 Volkswagen Passat is priced between $15,990 to $24,653.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Volkswagen Golf loses 34.5 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Passat loses 43.1 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Golf retains 8.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen Passat.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Volkswagen Golf is 8.8 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Passat's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Volkswagen Golf being ranked 8 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Volkswagen Passat being ranked 8 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volkswagen Golf is 8.2 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Passat the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Golf a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Passat.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Volkswagen Golf’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Passat base engine makes 174 horsepower. The Golf is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 515 miles. The Passat is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 666 miles.This gives the Volkswagen Golf the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Volkswagen Passat the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

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

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Volkswagen Golf has higher safety ratings than the Volkswagen Passat, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.86 out of 5 Stars.