2024 MINI SE Hardtop vs. 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review

Picture of the 2024 MINI SE Hardtop

2024 MINI
SE Hardtop

MSRP*: $30,900
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

Picture of the 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI

2024 Volkswagen
Golf GTI

MSRP*: $31,965 to $40,825
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City Info not available 23 - 24 MPG
MPG - Hwy Info not available 33 - 34 MPG
Seating Capacity 4 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space Info not available Info not available
Engine
  • 181-hp, Electric Motor (Electric Fuel System)
  • 241-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic, Manual
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 181 hp 241 hp
Exterior Length 151.7 in 168.8 in
Exterior Width 68.0 in 70.4 in
Leg Room Front 41.4 in
Rear 30.8 in
Front 41.2 in
Rear 35.0 in
Head Room Front 38.3 in
Rear 36.4 in
Front 38.5 in
Rear 38.1 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Passengers in the back seat will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Volkswagen Golf GTI than the MINI SE Hardtop, due to its greater head- and legroom. As far as headroom and legroom go, there's not much difference between the MINI SE Hardtop and the Volkswagen Golf GTI in the front seats.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). When looking only at MSRP, the MINI SE Hardtop will have less of an impact on your bank account than the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Dimensions
Since the MINI SE Hardtop is much slimmer than the Volkswagen Golf GTI, it'll be much easier to find a wide enough space in a crowded parking lot. If you go with the MINI SE Hardtop, you'll have a much easier time finding a large enough space to park than you will with the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Handling
The MINI SE Hardtop has a smaller turning radius than the Volkswagen Golf GTI, allowing you to more easily maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When it comes to horsepower, the MINI SE Hardtop is significantly less powerful than the Volkswagen Golf GTI. The good news is that, reportedly, cars with lower horsepower engines often have lower insurance premiums.

Powertrain
The MINI SE Hardtop has much less torque than the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which generally means that it won't feel as fast or powerful.

Utility
The MINI SE Hardtop has less seating than the Volkswagen Golf GTI, making the Volkswagen Golf GTI the better choice if you need to chauffeur many passengers.