Volkswagen Beetle vs Volkswagen Golf
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2021 Volkswagen Golf
Overview
| Spec | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 2.0T S | TSI |
| Body style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2019 | 2021 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $20,895 (best) | $23,195 |
| Lowest listing price | $29,990 | $8,423 (best) |
| Median listing price | $29,990 | $16,797 (best) |
| Highest listing price | $29,990 | $16,879 (best) |
| For sale now | 1 | 3 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG | 33 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 26 MPG | 29 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 33 MPG | 39 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 14.5 gal (best) | 13.2 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 174 hp (best) | 147 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2 L (best) | 1.4 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 seats | 5 seats (best) |
| Doors | 3 | 5 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 29.9 cu ft (best) | 25 cu ft |
| Payload | 705 lbs | 915 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,045 lbs | 2,945 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 5.7 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 100.1 in | 103.6 in (best) |
| Length | 168.8 in (best) | 167.6 in |
| Width | 71.9 in (best) | 70.8 in |
| Height | 58.6 in (best) | 58.2 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | Not Rated | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | Not Rated | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | Not Rated | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | Not Rated | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 3 | 1 (best) |
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 | Volkswagen Beetle | Volkswagen Golf |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.0T S $20,895 MSRP(Currently comparing) | TSI $23,195 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | 2.0T S $25,995 MSRP | TSI $23,995 MSRP |
| 3 | 2.0T Final Edition SE $23,045 MSRP | — |
| 4 | 2.0T Final Edition SE $27,295 MSRP | — |
| 5 | 2.0T SE $24,395 MSRP | — |
| 6 | 2.0T SE $28,395 MSRP | — |
| 7 | 2.0T Final Edition SEL $25,995 MSRP | — |
| 8 | 2.0T Final Edition SEL $29,995 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Volkswagen Beetle1 for sale
See all
Volkswagen Golf3 for sale
See all
Certified2018 Volkswagen Golf
TSI S 4-Door
Blue Metallic•black57,569 mi$16,797Greensboro Auto Center
Greensboro, NC
Used2015 Volkswagen Golf
TSI S
Pure White•Titan Black155,705 mi$8,423Jack Hanania Audi Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL
Used2021 Volkswagen Golf
1.4T TSI
Deep Black Pearl•Titan Black50,421 mi$16,879Tim Short Honda
Ivel, KY
Volkswagen Beetle vs Volkswagen Golf FAQ
- Which is better: 2019 Volkswagen Beetle or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2019 Volkswagen Beetle 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: 2019 Volkswagen Beetle or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle starts lower at $20,895. Live Volkswagen Beetle listings start at $29,990. Live Volkswagen Golf listings start at $8,423.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2019 Volkswagen Beetle or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (20,895).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2019 Volkswagen Beetle or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2021 Volkswagen Golf leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (33).
- Which has better horsepower: 2019 Volkswagen Beetle or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle leads on horsepower in this comparison (174).
- Which has better seats: 2019 Volkswagen Beetle or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2021 Volkswagen Golf leads on seats in this comparison (5).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2019 Volkswagen Beetle vs 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Volkswagen Beetle (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall); Volkswagen Golf (5/5 NHTSA overall).