Golf GTI 1985 vs 2015 Comparison (infographic)

Our friends at Spork Marketing got together with VWPartsVortex.com to create an infographic comparing the 1985 Volkswagen Golf GTI with today’s 2015 Golf GTI to show how much the little car has improved in thirty years.

The 2015 Golf GTI, which Jimmy reviewed just last week, boasts twice the horsepower of its 1985 counterpart, far better fuel economy, and much higher safety standards. Many of the options and features in today’s Golf weren’t even in existence in 1985 either. Most of them weren’t even predicted by Michael J Fox when he came to the future.

Here’s a list of some of what’s highlighted in the infographic below:

  • Engine horsepower increased from 100 to 220
  • Zero to 60 times decreased from 8.5 seconds to 5.8 seconds
  • Curb weight increased nearly 1,000lbs
  • Transmission options increased from standard 5-speed to 6-speed manual or 6-speed dual clutch automatic
  • Power windows and locks were not available on the 1985 model, and air conditioning was optional. This is all standard equipment in 2015.

final-golf-vs-golf-graphic

Aaron Turpen
An automotive enthusiast for most of his adult life, Aaron has worked in and around the industry in many ways. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP), the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA), the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA), and freelances as a writer and journalist around the Web and in print. You can find his portfolio at AaronOnAutos.com.