Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Chevrolet Impala
Overview | |
Years produced1985-1992 | Years produced1958-1985 |
MSRP$32,445 | MSRP$27,060 |
Average price$18,892 | Average price$11,577 |
Listings3348 | Listings3001 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.0 out of 10 |
Pros
| |
Reviews SummaryRent a car while abroad, and there’s a decent chance the agent at the counter will ask if you’d like to upgrade to one equipped with an automatic transmission. Manual transmissions are just more common overseas, particularly in Europe. So, it’s interesting to learn that VW’s decision to drop the manual transmission from the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI was driven by a lack of demand in Germany, and despite increased demand in the United States. The loss of the stick shift is a big deal–this is one of the first ever hot hatchbacks, after all–but it’s only the headline among a short list of notable changes the car receives for this model year. Verdict: The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is still one of the best hatchbacks you can buy today. With a terrific powertrain and everyday practicality, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a useful car that’s also extremely fun to drive. | |
Reviews SummaryHas the world moved beyond the full-size family sedan? The answer might be yes. Considering that a Chevrolet Impala provides just a few inches of extra space here and a few cubic feet of additional trunk room there, but at a cost in terms of purchase price and fuel economy, it's hard to justify a big car’s existence. Yet, the Impala exists, and within its segment, it is absolutely worthy of consideration. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 241 hp I4 | Engine2.5L 196 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower241 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower196 hp @ 6300 rpm |
MPG City24 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway31 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 241 hp I4 | Engine Name2.5L 196 hp I4 |
Torque273 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm | Torque186 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
Horsepower241 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower196 hp @ 6300 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City24 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway31 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation System |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space19.9 cu ft | Cargo Space18.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight3183 lbs | Curb Weight3730 lbs |
Height57.7 in | Height58.9 in |
Length168.9 in | Length201.3 in |
Width81.6 in | Width84.2 in |
Wheelbase103.6 in | Wheelbase111.7 in |
Maximum Payload926 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1985-1992 | 1958-1985 |
MSRP | $32,445 | $27,060 |
Average price | $18,892 | $11,577 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 7.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| |
Summary | Rent a car while abroad, and there’s a decent chance the agent at the counter will ask if you’d like to upgrade to one equipped with an automatic transmission. Manual transmissions are just more common overseas, particularly in Europe. So, it’s interesting to learn that VW’s decision to drop the manual transmission from the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI was driven by a lack of demand in Germany, and despite increased demand in the United States. The loss of the stick shift is a big deal–this is one of the first ever hot hatchbacks, after all–but it’s only the headline among a short list of notable changes the car receives for this model year. Verdict: The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is still one of the best hatchbacks you can buy today. With a terrific powertrain and everyday practicality, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a useful car that’s also extremely fun to drive. | Has the world moved beyond the full-size family sedan? The answer might be yes. Considering that a Chevrolet Impala provides just a few inches of extra space here and a few cubic feet of additional trunk room there, but at a cost in terms of purchase price and fuel economy, it's hard to justify a big car’s existence. Yet, the Impala exists, and within its segment, it is absolutely worthy of consideration. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 241 hp I4 | 2.5L 196 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5000 rpm | 196 hp @ 6300 rpm |
MPG City | 24 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 31 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 241 hp I4 | 2.5L 196 hp I4 |
Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm | 186 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5000 rpm | 196 hp @ 6300 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 24 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 31 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 19.9 cu ft | 18.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3183 lbs | 3730 lbs |
Height | 57.7 in | 58.9 in |
Length | 168.9 in | 201.3 in |
Width | 81.6 in | 84.2 in |
Wheelbase | 103.6 in | 111.7 in |
Maximum Payload | 926 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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