Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Subaru Impreza
Overview | |
Years produced1985-1992 | Years produced1993-Present |
MSRP$32,445 | MSRP$22,995 |
Listings3883 | Listings7380 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.8 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
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 SummaryThe 2024 Subaru Impreza has been reworked to improve upon its already strong credentials as an affordable all-wheel-drive economy car. This time around, the more powerful RS trim has been revived, adding some much needed driver excitement. Further bolstered with a comfortable ride and smart features, the new Impreza deserves your consideration. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 241 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 152 hp H4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower241 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City24 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway34 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 241 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 152 hp H4 |
Torque273 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm | Torque145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm |
Horsepower241 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City24 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway34 |
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 Space20.4 cu ft |
Curb Weight3183 lbs | Curb Weight3171 lbs |
Height57.7 in | Height58.3 in |
Length168.9 in | Length176.2 in |
Width81.6 in | Width79.4 in |
Wheelbase103.6 in | Wheelbase105.1 in |
Maximum Payload926 lbs | Maximum Payload1241 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1985-1992 | 1993-Present |
MSRP | $32,445 | $22,995 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 6.8 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
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. | The 2024 Subaru Impreza has been reworked to improve upon its already strong credentials as an affordable all-wheel-drive economy car. This time around, the more powerful RS trim has been revived, adding some much needed driver excitement. Further bolstered with a comfortable ride and smart features, the new Impreza deserves your consideration. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 241 hp I4 | 2.0L 152 hp H4 |
Drive Train | FWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5000 rpm | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City | 24 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 34 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 241 hp I4 | 2.0L 152 hp H4 |
Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm | 145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm |
Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5000 rpm | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 24 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 34 |
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 | 20.4 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3183 lbs | 3171 lbs |
Height | 57.7 in | 58.3 in |
Length | 168.9 in | 176.2 in |
Width | 81.6 in | 79.4 in |
Wheelbase | 103.6 in | 105.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 926 lbs | 1241 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |

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