2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a continuation of the iconic hot hatch lineage that began with the 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit GTI, maintained its reputation for blending performance with practicality. The GTI shared its basic structure with the regular Golf but featured subtle enhancements like red GTI badges, a red horizontal strip across the grille, and painted brake calipers. The exterior was further distinguished by standard 18-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lamps, and a lowered stance. Inside, the GTI offered a sporty ambiance with red ambient lighting, a race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel, and heated front sport seats available in Clark plaid cloth or leather, depending on the trim level.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, as Nissan's flagship sedan, showcased bold styling elements like a "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille, which influenced other Nissan models. The Maxima's steeply-angled front end and massive grille gave it a distinctive, almost locomotive-like appearance. The 40th Anniversary Edition featured a two-tone exterior, model-specific 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, and red semi-aniline leather upholstery, adding a touch of luxury. The interior was dressed up with white gauge faces and heated rear seats, providing a stylish and functional cabin environment.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI was all about performance, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The GTI's handling was a standout feature, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and variable-ratio steering. The top-of-the-line Autobahn model came with DCC adaptive damping, enhancing its agility. However, the performance-oriented setup resulted in a rough ride on ordinary roads. The GTI offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a DSG seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, with the latter being an $800 option. Fuel economy was respectable, with the manual transmission achieving 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined, and the dual-clutch automatic slightly better at 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not a "four-door sports car," the Maxima delivered a quick and enjoyable driving experience, with the V6 engine providing a satisfying exhaust note. The CVT was one of the better examples, responding quickly and efficiently. However, the Maxima's steering lacked precision and feel, and the front end struggled with grip, leading to torque steer under heavy throttle. Despite these limitations, the Maxima offered a comfortable ride and a quiet cabin, making it a solid choice for highway cruising.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in form and function, with its compact hatchback design offering practicality and versatility. With a 103.6-inch wheelbase and dimensions of 168.0 inches long, 70.8 inches wide, and 57.8 inches tall, the GTI provided 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 was spacious enough for taller drivers, while the second row was adequate for two average-sized adults. The GTI's tight turning circle of 35.8 feet and excellent outward visibility made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Inside, clever storage options included large front door pockets and well-sized cupholders, although the mechanical handbrake interfered slightly with access to the cupholders.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat comfort, offering generous headroom and legroom for the driver and front passenger. However, rear-seat passengers experienced cramped conditions, with rear headroom and legroom near the bottom of the class. The seats were positioned far inboard, creating a close feeling in the cabin. Despite this, the Maxima's "Zero Gravity" front seats, designed using NASA research, provided excellent support and comfort. Cargo space was limited to 14.3 cubic feet, the smallest in its competitive set, and the conventional trunk design lacked the versatility of hatchback competitors like the Kia Stinger and Volkswagen Arteon.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a mix of modern and traditional technology. It retained an analog gauge cluster, complemented by a configurable driver information screen. The GTI's infotainment system, VW MIB, was standard across all trims, with the S model using a 6.5-inch screen and SE and Autobahn models upgrading to an 8-inch screen with navigation. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink, with Bluetooth and two USB ports included. Volkswagen Car-Net offered additional connectivity options, including a mobile app and Amazon Alexa integration. Standard smart technology included LED daytime running lights, fog lights, and taillights, with higher trims adding adaptive front lighting and dynamic cornering lights.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology showed its age, despite covering the basics. The standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. An 11-speaker Bose audio system was available. However, the touchscreen's dated graphics and small icons made it difficult to use while driving, and the notification sounds were jarring. The Maxima did provide plenty of analog controls, including shortcut buttons and knobs for climate control and audio, reducing reliance on the touchscreen.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores from the IIHS in most crash-test categories, with an "Acceptable" score for small overlap front; passenger side, and headlights. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera. The Autobahn trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, park distance control, park assist, and high-beam control.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima earned an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features under the Nissan Safety Shield 360 banner included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic emergency braking. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, a driver-alertness monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. However, the Maxima did not include the ProPilot Assist system available in other Nissan models.