Fratricidal duel! The GTI versions of Volkswagen head to head

All the GTI versions of Volkswagen go head to head in this interesting drag race.

When it comes to straight-line acceleration, betting on the car with the most horsepower under the bonnet is usually the most logical choice. However, the human element must also be taken into account, and that includes both the driver’s reaction times and how quickly they can change gear. But, let’s be realistic, nowadays trying to shift gears faster than a modern automatic transmission is a pipe dream. What does all this have to do with the interesting drag race we announced in the headline? We’re talking about a race between the most iconic versions of Volkswagen, the GTI variants: Polo GTI, Golf GTI Performance, Golf Clubsport S and Up! GTI. The power difference between these models is around 80 CV in favour of the Golf Clubsport S, but does that difference translate into the final result of the race? There’s only one way to find out…

As we’ve said, the Volkswagen Golf Clubsport S is the fastest in its class with its 310 CV, followed by the Golf GTI Performance with 245 CV and a dual-clutch automatic transmission. Behind them come the Polo GTI with a 2.0 TSI engine producing 200 CV and 320 Nm of torque. Last in this battle is the playful VW Up! GTI, with its modest 115 CV and 200 Nm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=171&v=7OVr7eWSex8

The best part of this race is without doubt the final showdown between the Golf GTI Performance and its bigger brother (Clubsport S). Despite having 65 CV less under the bonnet, the Clubsport S features a manual gearbox, whereas the GTI Performance includes a DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission with the Launch Control system (which allows faster starts by optimising traction to the maximum when pulling away from a standstill). Thanks to these two elements, the Golf GTI Performance is able to beat the all-powerful Golf Clubsport S over the ¼ mile. Purists won’t be very happy with this outcome, but it clearly demonstrates the big advantage a dual-clutch automatic transmission offers over a manual when it comes to reaction speed.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackVolkswagen Golf28 versions · from 24,450 €