Volkswagen Golf vs. Volkswagen Passat
When we compare the Volkswagen Golf to the Volkswagen Passat, 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, 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 versus the Volkswagen Passat, the Volkswagen Golf is a better car than the Volkswagen Passat.
Volkswagen Golf versus Volkswagen Passat Pricing
A used 2021 Volkswagen Golf ranges from $19,644 to $27,260 while a used 2021 Volkswagen Passat is priced between $19,898 to $29,805.
Volkswagen Golf versus Volkswagen Passat Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Volkswagen Golf is 8.7 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Passat's quality rating is 8.0 out of 10. This results in the Volkswagen Golf being ranked 5 out of 51 Best Small Cars and the Volkswagen Passat being ranked 10 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.
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. 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 trunk 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 Comparison
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 4.75 out of 5 Stars.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$19,644 - $27,260
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
40%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$19,898 - $29,805
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
48%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
6.9 / 10
Safety:
9.5 / 10
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
4 out of / 51Ranking
5 out of / 51Ranking
5 out of / 51Ranking
13 out of / 51Small Cars with Best Resale Value
Ranking
28 out of / 51iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
8 out of / 8Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 13Midsize Cars with Best Resale Value
Ranking
11 out of / 13Summary Review
Not yet available
Summary Review
Not yet available
Pros and Cons
Not yet available
Pros and Cons
Not yet available
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Trim Levels
TSI
Trim Levels
R-Line, S, SE
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
4 years / 50000 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):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.75 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
147 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 1400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
174 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
206 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
29 / 39 / 33
Range (city/hwy):
383 / 515 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular 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):
24 / 36 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
444 / 666 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Heated Seats:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.9 inches
Cargo Space:
17.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
110.9 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Cargo Space:
15.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
102.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2945 lbs
Width:
70.8 inches
Height:
58.2 inches
Length:
167.6 inches
Wheelbase:
103.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3314 lbs
Width:
72.6 inches
Height:
58.7 inches
Length:
193.6 inches
Wheelbase:
110.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
205/55R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
215/55R17