Volkswagen Beetle vs Volkswagen GTI
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Volkswagen GTI
Overview
| Spec | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 2.0T S | Golf GTI S |
| Body style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2019 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $20,895 (best) | $34,590 |
| Lowest listing price | $29,990 | $4,599 (best) |
| Median listing price | $29,990 | $4,599 (best) |
| Highest listing price | $29,990 | $4,599 (best) |
| For sale now | 1 | 1 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG (best) | 27 MPG |
| City MPG | 26 MPG (best) | 24 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 33 MPG (best) | 32 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 14.5 gal (best) | 13 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 174 hp | 241 hp (best) |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 seats | 5 seats (best) |
| Doors | 3 | 4 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 29.9 cu ft (best) | — |
| Payload | 705 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,045 lbs (best) | 6,366 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.7 in (best) | 5 in |
| Wheelbase | 100.1 in | 104 in (best) |
| Length | 168.8 in | 169 in (best) |
| Width | 71.9 in (best) | 70 in |
| Height | 58.6 in (best) | 58 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Volkswagen Beetle2.0T S | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | Not Rated | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side crash (driver) | Not Rated | — |
| Side crash (passenger) | Not Rated | — |
| Side pole | Not Rated | — |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 3 | None reported (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 GTI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.0T S $20,895 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Golf GTI S $34,590 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | 2.0T S $25,995 MSRP | SE $39,080 MSRP |
| 3 | 2.0T Final Edition SE $23,045 MSRP | Autobahn $42,480 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 Beetle vs Volkswagen GTI FAQ
- Which is better: 2019 Volkswagen Beetle or 2026 Volkswagen GTI?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2019 Volkswagen Beetle vs 2026 Volkswagen GTI 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 2026 Volkswagen GTI?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle starts lower at $20,895. Live Volkswagen Beetle listings start at $29,990. Live Volkswagen GTI listings start at $4,599.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2019 Volkswagen Beetle or 2026 Volkswagen GTI?
- The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (20,895).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2019 Volkswagen Beetle or 2026 Volkswagen GTI?
- The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (29).
- Which has better horsepower: 2019 Volkswagen Beetle or 2026 Volkswagen GTI?
- The 2026 Volkswagen GTI leads on horsepower in this comparison (241).
- Which has better seats: 2019 Volkswagen Beetle or 2026 Volkswagen GTI?
- The 2026 Volkswagen GTI leads on seats in this comparison (5).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2019 Volkswagen Beetle vs 2026 Volkswagen GTI?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Volkswagen Beetle (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).