Volkswagen Golf I or Volkswagen Golf II?

1974–1983 vs 1983–1991 · Hatchback 3-door/Hatchback 5-door/Convertible vs Hatchback 3-door/Hatchback 5-door

In short

Length: Golf I 3,815 mm, Golf II 3,985 mm — a 17 cm difference.
Lowest consumption: Golf I 6 l/100 km, Golf II 5.7 l/100 km.
Power: Golf I 37–82 kW, Golf II 40–118 kW.
Standard equipment: Golf I 12 items (L), Golf II 12 items (C).
Neither is listed on Autodrom right now.

Volkswagen Golf I1974–1983 · 9 engines · L, LS, GL, GLSSpecifications →Listings →

Volkswagen Golf II1983–1991 · 9 engines · C, CL, GL, GTSpecifications →Listings →

Only differences

better value

	Volkswagen Golf I1974–1983no listings	Volkswagen Golf II1983–1991no listings
Dimensions
Length	Length3,705 mm–3,815 mm	Length3,985 mm
Width	Width1,610 mm–1,620 mm	Width1,665 mm
Height	Height1,390 mm–1,410 mm	Height1,400 mm–1,415 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase2,400 mm	Wheelbase2,475 mm
Ground clearance	Ground clearance125 mm–130 mm	Ground clearance120 mm–130 mm
Trunk volume	Trunk volume240 l–340 l	Trunk volume340 l
Curb weight	Curb weight750 kg–900 kg	Curb weight845 kg–1,050 kg
Fuel tank	Fuel tank40 l	Fuel tank55 l
Engines
Production years	Production years1974–1983	Production years1983–1991
Body type	Body typeHatchback 3-door, Hatchback 5-door, Convertible	Body typeHatchback 3-door, Hatchback 5-door
Number of engines	Number of engines9	Number of engines9
Power	Power37–82 kW (50–111 hp)	Power40–118 kW (54–160 hp)
Displacement (l)	Displacement (l)1.1–1.8	Displacement (l)1.3–1.8
Fuel	FuelPetrol, Diesel	FuelPetrol, Diesel
Gearbox	GearboxManual, Automatic	GearboxManual, Automatic
Drivetrain	DrivetrainFront-wheel	DrivetrainFront-wheel
Lowest consumption	Lowest consumption6 l/100 km · 1.5 D	Lowest consumption5.7 l/100 km · 1.6 D
Best 0–100 km/h	Best 0–100 km/h8.8 s · 1.8 GTI	Best 0–100 km/h8.3 s · 1.8 G60
Top speed	Top speed182 km/h	Top speed216 km/h
Trim levelsL · C
Items in the base trim	Items in the base trim12 · L	Items in the base trim12 · C
Items in the top trim	Items in the top trim22 · GLS	Items in the top trim24 · GTI
Equipment · Interior5 · 5
Black Interior	Black Interior✓	Black Interior✓
Fabric	Fabric✓	Fabric✓
5 Seats	5 Seats✓	5 Seats✓
Folding Rear Seat	Folding Rear Seat✓	Folding Rear Seat✓
Load Cover	Load Cover✓	Load Cover✓
Equipment · Multimedia2 · 2
Audio Preparation	Audio Preparation✓	Audio Preparation✓
12V Socket	12V Socket✓	12V Socket✓
Equipment · Visibility & lights1 · 1
Halogen Headlights	Halogen Headlights✓	Halogen Headlights✓
Equipment · Safety1 · 1
Rear Door Child Locks	Rear Door Child Locks✓	Rear Door Child Locks✓
Equipment · Exterior3 · 3
Steel Wheels	Steel Wheels✓	Steel Wheels✓
R13 Wheels	R13 Wheels✓	R13 Wheels✓
Full-size spare wheel	Full-size spare wheel✓	Full-size spare wheel✓
On Autodrom now
Listings	Listings0	Listings0

Frequently asked questions

Which is bigger — Volkswagen Golf I or Volkswagen Golf II?

Length: Volkswagen Golf II 3,985 mm, Volkswagen Golf I 3,815 mm (a 170 mm difference). Wheelbase: 2,475 vs 2,400 mm. Boot: 340 vs 340 l.

Which uses less fuel — Volkswagen Golf I or Volkswagen Golf II?

The most frugal Volkswagen Golf I uses 6 l/100 km (1.5 D); the most frugal Volkswagen Golf II 5.7 l/100 km (1.6 D).

Which is more powerful — Volkswagen Golf I or Volkswagen Golf II?

The strongest Volkswagen Golf I makes 82 kW (111 hp) (1.8 GTI); the strongest Volkswagen Golf II 118 kW (160 hp) (1.8 G60).

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