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Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Audi A4

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Audi A4 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 GTI and the Audi A4.

When comparing the Volkswagen Golf GTI's and the Audi A4's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf GTI 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, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Audi A4 has the advantage in the area of reliability. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen Golf GTI's and the Audi A4's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is a better car than the Audi A4.

Pricing: A used 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI ranges from $29,999 to $40,715 while a used 2024 Audi A4 is priced between $39,992 to $51,860. For a new model, the Volkswagen Golf GTI's price is between $32,769 and $42,838, with the Audi A4 priced between $45,370 and $54,500.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Volkswagen Golf GTI loses 35 percent of its value and the Audi A4 loses 50.2 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Golf GTI retains 15.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Audi A4.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Volkswagen Golf GTI is 8.5 out of 10 while the Audi A4's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Volkswagen Golf GTI being ranked 17 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Audi A4 being ranked 6 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volkswagen Golf GTI is 7.3 out of 10. For the Audi A4 the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the Audi A4 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Volkswagen Golf GTI’s base engine makes 241 horsepower, and the Audi A4 base engine makes 201 horsepower.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear head room, and cargo space. The Audi A4 has the advantage in the areas of front leg room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Volkswagen Golf GTI and Audi A4 are comparable in regards to front shoulder room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Audi A4 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Audi A4

2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
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Volkswagen Golf GTI for Sale

2024 Audi A4
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Audi A4 for Sale

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

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

$45,370 - $54,500

Starting MSRP:

$41,900

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

$48,375

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

$31,800 - $79,900

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:

1,785

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

365

# Good or Great Deals:

9

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$45,394

Price Range:

$39,992 - $51,860

Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

$52,490

Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

$35,163 - $100,522

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

265

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

3,057

# Good or Great Deals:

29

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%

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

$21,732

Depreciation %:

51.9%

Resale Value $:

$20,168

Residual Value %:

48.1%

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

48.9%

Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

33.5% - 53.5%

Volkswagen Golf GTI Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.5 / 10

Reliability:

7.3 / 10

Retained Value:

8.3 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10

Audi A4 Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.5 / 10

Reliability:

8.1 / 10

Retained Value:

7.4 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10



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%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Audi A4

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

8.7

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

10.6

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

8.1 - 14.3

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

1.3%



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

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

2.2

Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

2.2

Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

1.2 - 14.6

Volkswagen Golf GTI Rankings

Best Small Cars Under $35k

1 / 3

Most Reliable Small Cars Under $35k

1 / 3

Most Reliable Small Cars Under $20k

1 / 3

Most Reliable Small Cars Under $25k

1 / 3

Most Reliable Small Cars Under $30k

1 / 3

Best Family Small Cars

7 / 43

Small Cars with the Most Horsepower

8 / 43

Best Manual Transmission Small Cars

11 / 21

Small Cars with the Most Cargo Space

12 / 43

Safest Small Cars

14 / 43

Best Small Cars

17 / 43

Small Cars with the Most Legroom

17 / 43

Most Affordable Small Cars

18 / 24

Best Gas Mileage Small Cars

20 / 43

Most Reliable Small Cars

26 / 43

Small Cars with Best Resale Value

32 / 43

Most Comfortable Small Cars

32 / 43

Audi A4 Rankings

Luxury Small Cars with the Most Legroom

3 / 36

Best Family Luxury Small Cars

5 / 36

Best Luxury Small Cars

6 / 36

Most Reliable Luxury Small Cars

6 / 36

Most Affordable Luxury Small Cars

7 / 31

Best Luxury Small Cars for the Money

7 / 12

Luxury Small Cars with the Most Horsepower

27 / 36

Most Comfortable Luxury Small Cars

29 / 36

Best Luxury Small Cars for Tall People

30 / 36

Luxury Small Cars with Best Resale Value

31 / 36

Available Body Styles

Hatchback

Available Body Styles

Sedan

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Volkswagen Golf GTI Trim Levels

380 Autobahn, 380 S, 380 SE, Autobahn, S, SE

Audi A4 Trim Levels

quattro Premium 40 TFSI, quattro Premium Plus 40 TFSI, quattro Prestige 40 TFSI, quattro S line Prem Plus 45 TFSI, quattro S line Premium 45 TFSI, quattro S line Prestige 45 TFSI

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:

4 years

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

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

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

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

201 hp @ 4200 rpm

Torque:

236 foot-lbs @ 1450 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.055 hp per pound

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

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


26 / 35 / 30

Range (city/hwy):

398 / 536 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Heated Seats

Standard

Heated Steering Wheel:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Standard

Automatic Parking:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Wifi:

Available

Air Suspension:

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

Roof Rack:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Heated Seats

Standard

Heated Steering Wheel:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Automatic Parking:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Standard

Navigation System:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Standard

Wifi:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

Standard

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot 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

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

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

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

37.3 inches

Front Leg Room:

41.3 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

55.9 inches

Rear Head Room:

37.4 inches

Rear Leg Room:

35.7 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

54.5 inches

Cargo Space:

12 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

92.0 cubic feet

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

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3638 lbs

Width:

79.6 inches

Height:

56.2 inches

Length:

187.5 inches

Wheelbase:

111 inches

Ground Clearance:

5.2 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

polished aluminum alloy with painted accents

Tire Size:

P225/40R18

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

225/50R17

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

Green

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Brilliant Black / Mythos Black Metallic

Blue

Navarra Blue Metallic

Gray

Manhattan Gray Metallic

Red

Not available

Silver

Florett Silver Metallic

White

Arkona White / Glacier White Metallic

Green

District Green Metallic

Interior Colors

Black

Titan Black/Scalepaper Plaid

Beige

Not available

Brown

Not available

Gray

Not available

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Beige

Atlas Beige

Brown

Okapi Brown

Gray

Rock Gray

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