Volkswagen Golf GTI vs GTD video review

Volkswagen claim the GTI goes from 0-62 in 6.4 seconds, which is about a second faster than the GTD. In this video review, we see what happens in an ultimate drag race. 

The GTI took 6.9 seconds to get to 62mph, while the GTD needed 7.9. The GTI has a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 217bhp which is 36 more than the GTD. However, its 350Nm of torque output is 30Nm less, and it returns over 20mpg less at the pumps, with a figure of 47.1mpg.

The Volkswagen Golf GTD costs £25,285, which is around £500 less than the GTI. It comes with a 2.0-litre diesel engine with 181bhp and 380Nm of torque. Despite this great performance, Volkswagen claim the GTD will return 67.3mpg and emit just 109g/km of CO2.

On the road, the GTI is practically perfect, with beautifully weighted steering and tonnes of grip. The problem is though, it's just not that much fun - a Megane RS is much better in this department. 

What about the GTD? Well, it's more or less identical inside the cabin, and the driving experience is similar too. 

So which delivers the best blend of performance and economy? Well, for ultimate fuel economy, the GTD is hard to beat, and it's cheaper. But the GTI is hardly uneconomical, and the extra performance and sharper handling goes a long way, too. Watch the video review and see what you think.