Toyota Celica vs Volkswagen Golf
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2021 Volkswagen Golf
Overview
| Spec | Toyota CelicaGT | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | GT | TSI |
| Body style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2005 | 2021 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Toyota CelicaGT | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $17,670 (best) | $23,195 |
| Lowest listing price | — | $16,797 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $16,838 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $16,879 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 2 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Toyota CelicaGT | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 26 MPG | 33 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 23 MPG | 29 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 30 MPG | 39 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 14.5 gal (best) | 13.2 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Toyota CelicaGT | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 140 hp | 147 hp (best) |
| Torque | 125 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 1.8 L (best) | 1.4 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Toyota CelicaGT | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 seats | 5 seats (best) |
| Doors | 3 | 5 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 16.9 cu ft | 25 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | — | 915 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,425 lbs (best) | 2,945 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.5 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 102.4 in | 103.6 in (best) |
| Length | 170.5 in (best) | 167.6 in |
| Width | 68.3 in | 70.8 in (best) |
| Height | 51.4 in | 58.2 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Toyota CelicaGT | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 1 | 1 |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Toyota Celica | Volkswagen Golf |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GT $17,670 MSRP(Currently comparing) | TSI $23,195 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | GT $18,470 MSRP | TSI $23,995 MSRP |
| 3 | GTS $22,335 MSRP | — |
| 4 | GTS $23,035 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Toyota Celica vs Volkswagen Golf FAQ
- Which is better: 2005 Toyota Celica or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2005 Toyota Celica vs 2021 Volkswagen Golf on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2005 Toyota Celica or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2005 Toyota Celica starts lower at $17,670. Live Volkswagen Golf listings start at $16,797.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2005 Toyota Celica or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2005 Toyota Celica leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (17,670).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2005 Toyota Celica or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2021 Volkswagen Golf leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (33).
- Which has better horsepower: 2005 Toyota Celica or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2005 Toyota Celica leads on horsepower in this comparison (180).
- Which has better seats: 2005 Toyota Celica or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2021 Volkswagen Golf leads on seats in this comparison (5).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2005 Toyota Celica vs 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Volkswagen Golf (5/5 NHTSA overall).