2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2021 Dodge Charger

The 2021 Dodge Charger, in its seventh generation, continued to captivate buyers with its array of variants, including the top-tier SRT Hellcat Redeye. Despite the subtle differences among models, the Charger maintained a consistent design, appealing to the "brotherhood of muscle" with its widebody options and functional performance hood. The exterior featured a variety of tire, wheel, brake, and color options, with standard halogen projector headlights and optional HID projector lights. However, the design had remained largely unchanged for a decade, making it difficult for casual observers to determine the model's age.

Inside, the Charger had seen updates over the years, but it still lacked in comfort and convenience features. The fit and finish had improved, yet the gauge cluster and climate controls revealed the car's age. Hard plastic and rubberized surfaces were prevalent, and while higher trims offered Nappa leather seats, most models came with standard cloth seats. The interior was functional but fell short of premium expectations, especially for models priced over $70,000.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a hot hatch icon since its debut as the Rabbit GTI in 1983, continued to define the genre with its seventh-generation model. The GTI shared its basics with the regular Golf but added subtle enhancements like red GTI badges, a red horizontal strip on the grille, and painted brake calipers. The lowered stance, stainless-steel exhaust tips, and gloss black accents gave it a sporty look. Inside, the GTI featured red ambient lighting, a race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel, and heated front sport seats with either Clark plaid cloth or leather upholstery.

The GTI's interior exuded quality, with high-grade materials and well-installed surfaces. The sporty appearance was complemented by practical features like a black headliner, aluminum-look pedals, and illuminated door sills. The GTI's design balanced performance and everyday usability, making it a standout in the compact hatchback segment.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of engines to suit different preferences. The SXT, SXT AWD, GT, and GT AWD models were powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. The R/T model featured a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, providing a 1,000-pound towing capacity. The Scat Pack models boasted a 6.4-liter HEMI V8, producing 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque.

The SRT Hellcat models took performance to the next level with a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. The standard Hellcat engine generated 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, while the Hellcat Redeye's high-output version delivered an impressive 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the Hellcat Redeye managed to be both track-ready and suitable for everyday driving. However, its fuel efficiency was the lowest among the Charger lineup, with an EPA-estimated 12 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, known for its performance, featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The GTI's handling was a highlight, with four-wheel independent suspension, variable-ratio steering, and Golf R front brakes. The top-of-the-line Autobahn model included DCC adaptive damping for improved ride quality.

The GTI offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG). While the DSG provided quick shifts and paddle shifters, the manual transmission enhanced driver engagement. The GTI's fuel economy was commendable, with the manual achieving 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined, while the DSG offered slightly better figures.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door, five-passenger sedan, balanced performance with practicality. Its spacious back seat and 60/40 split-folding rear seat expanded the trunk's cargo capacity. The instrument cluster varied by model, with speedometers ranging from 140 mph to 220 mph. The steering wheel featured easy-to-reach buttons, and paddle shifters were available on all but the base model. However, the interior's hard plastics and dated technology detracted from its overall appeal.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a compact hatchback, excelled in form and function. Its 103.6-inch wheelbase and compact dimensions made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The GTI offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The front row provided ample space for taller drivers, while the rear seats accommodated two average-sized adults comfortably. The GTI's sharp steering and tight turning circle made parking a breeze, and clever storage options, like large front door pockets and grippy cupholders, added to its practicality.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic standard features, including push-button start, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, a six-speaker audio system, four USB ports, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, keyless entry, and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen. Available upgrades included a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio systems, HD Radio, navigation, and a WiFi hotspot. However, the lack of a head-up display and the outdated Uconnect system detracted from its tech appeal.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured the VW MIB touchscreen infotainment system, with S models using a 6.5-inch screen and SE and Autobahn models getting an 8-inch screen with navigation. The MIB system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink, with Bluetooth and two USB ports as standard. SE models included a three-month trial of SiriusXM with 360L. Volkswagen Car-Net offered remote access, safety features, and a hotspot portal, with Alexa integration for added convenience. The GTI also came with LED lighting, keyless access, rain-sensing wipers, and heated mirrors.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included brake assist, electronic stability control, hill start assist, rear park assist, rain brake support, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic headlights.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" rating for small overlap front passenger side and headlights. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, multiple airbags, tire-pressure monitoring, a rearview camera, and an automatic post-collision braking system. The Autobahn trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, park distance control, park assist, and high-beam control.