Volkswagen GTI vs Volkswagen R32
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2008 Volkswagen R32
Overview
| Spec | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S | Volkswagen R32R32 |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Golf GTI S | R32 |
| Body style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 7-speed automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2008 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S | Volkswagen R32R32 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $34,590 | $32,990 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $4,599 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $4,599 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $4,599 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 1 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S | Volkswagen R32R32 |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 27 MPG (best) | 20 MPG |
| City MPG | 24 MPG (best) | 18 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 32 MPG (best) | 23 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 13 gal | 14.5 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S | Volkswagen R32R32 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 241 hp | 250 hp (best) |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft (best) | 236 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2 L | 3.2 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | V6 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S | Volkswagen R32R32 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 (best) | 3 |
| Cargo volume | — | 43.4 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 6,366 lbs | 3,547 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 5 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 104 in (best) | 101.5 in |
| Length | 169 in (best) | 167.2 in |
| Width | 70 in (best) | 69.2 in |
| Height | 58 in (best) | 57.7 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S | Volkswagen R32R32 |
|---|---|---|
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported (best) | 2 |
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 GTI | Volkswagen R32 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Golf GTI S $34,590 MSRP(Currently comparing) | R32 $32,990 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | SE $39,080 MSRP | — |
| 3 | Autobahn $42,480 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Volkswagen GTI vs Volkswagen R32 FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Volkswagen GTI or 2008 Volkswagen R32?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Volkswagen GTI vs 2008 Volkswagen R32 on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Volkswagen GTI or 2008 Volkswagen R32?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2008 Volkswagen R32 starts lower at $32,990. Live Volkswagen GTI listings start at $4,599.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Volkswagen GTI or 2008 Volkswagen R32?
- The 2008 Volkswagen R32 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (32,990).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Volkswagen GTI or 2008 Volkswagen R32?
- The 2026 Volkswagen GTI leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (27).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Volkswagen GTI or 2008 Volkswagen R32?
- The 2008 Volkswagen R32 leads on horsepower in this comparison (250).