Volkswagen Golf GTI vs MINI Cooper

2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$31,965MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 MINI Cooper
2023 MINI Cooper
$27,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$31,965MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 MINI Cooper
$27,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

Years produced

1985-1992

Years produced

1978

MSRP

$31,965

MSRP

$27,400

Average price

$19,102

Average price

$17,801

Listings

4493

Listings

6321
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Great handling
  • Manual transmission available (for now)
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Poor ergonomic design
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Powerful engine
  • Manual transmission available
Cons
  • Not much cargo space
  • Poor value for money

Reviews Summary

The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI was introduced for the 2022 model year and enters 2024 essentially unchanged. The main news is that 2024 marks the last year a manual transmission will be available in this classic hot hatchback. Volkswagen is making a 380 special edition package standard on all stick-shift GTIs to commemorate that. A more substantial update is expected for the 2025 model year.

Verdict: The GTI is a great all-rounder held back by poor interior design choices and a staid personality.

Reviews Summary

You either join the MINI camp or shake your head “no.” There has never been a middle ground with a MINI. That’s the point—to drive a fun-looking, fun-to-drive small car that’s unlike anything else in the neighborhood. For 2023, the MINI Cooper offers a limited-run Resolute Edition and a few new paint colors. We tested a two-door Hardtop John Cooper Works (JCW) while participating in a rally with more than 700 MINI owners. Maybe next time you’ll join them with your new MINI.

Search for a MINI Cooper on CarGurus

No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 241 hp I4

Engine

1.5L 134 hp I3

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

4

Horsepower

241 hp @ 5000 rpm

Horsepower

134 hp @ 4500 rpm

MPG City

24

MPG City

29

MPG Highway

33

MPG Highway

38
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$31,965MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 MINI Cooper
2023 MINI Cooper
$27,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$31,965MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 MINI Cooper
$27,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
Years produced
1985-1992
1978
MSRP
$31,965
$27,400
Average price
$19,102
$17,801
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.6
4.6
Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

6.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Great handling
  • Manual transmission available (for now)
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Poor ergonomic design
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Powerful engine
  • Manual transmission available
Cons
  • Not much cargo space
  • Poor value for money
Summary

The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI was introduced for the 2022 model year and enters 2024 essentially unchanged. The main news is that 2024 marks the last year a manual transmission will be available in this classic hot hatchback. Volkswagen is making a 380 special edition package standard on all stick-shift GTIs to commemorate that. A more substantial update is expected for the 2025 model year.

Verdict: The GTI is a great all-rounder held back by poor interior design choices and a staid personality.

You either join the MINI camp or shake your head “no.” There has never been a middle ground with a MINI. That’s the point—to drive a fun-looking, fun-to-drive small car that’s unlike anything else in the neighborhood. For 2023, the MINI Cooper offers a limited-run Resolute Edition and a few new paint colors. We tested a two-door Hardtop John Cooper Works (JCW) while participating in a rally with more than 700 MINI owners. Maybe next time you’ll join them with your new MINI.

Search for a MINI Cooper on CarGurus

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 241 hp I4
1.5L 134 hp I3
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
4
Horsepower
241 hp @ 5000 rpm
134 hp @ 4500 rpm
MPG City
24
29
MPG Highway
33
38
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