Cupra Leon VZ or VW Golf GTI Mk8? Both use the EA888 2.0 turbo engine family. Here's how far each one goes, using the makers' and tuners' own figures from our two guides.
At a glance
| Cupra Leon VZ | VW Golf GTI Mk8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Years | 2020– | 2020– |
| Engine | 2.0 TSI EA888 Gen 4 (DNPA 245, DNFC 300, DNFB 310) | 2.0 TSI EA888 Gen 4 |
| Stock power | 245, 300, 310, 325 or 333 PS; 370–420 Nm | 241 hp / 273 lb-ft (US) |
Power by stage
| Cupra Leon VZ | VW Golf GTI Mk8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | 245–333 PS | 241 hp |
| Stage 1 | 290–410 PS / hp | 328–375 hp |
| Stage 2 | 350–454 PS / hp | 345–392 hp |
| Stage 3 | 410–526 PS / hp | 410–478 hp |
| Stage 4 | — no verified parts | 500+ hp |
Figures are the tuners' own claims from each guide, on the fuel each tuner states.
Typical parts cost
| Cupra Leon VZ | VW Golf GTI Mk8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | remaps $526.95 (APR), €499 (TVS) or €650–€690 (BR-Performance); ABT's control unit €2,990.01; DSG software $649.95 (APR) or €400 (BR); plug-in boxes €549–€609 (RaceChip) or €799–€899 (DTE). | APR software $660; APR gearbox (TCU) tune $650 more. Unitronic sells through dealers only. |
| Stage 2 | intercooler £861.23 (Forge), $999 on sale (Wagner, 310 ST) or $1,177.98 (do88); intake £324.35 (Forge); HJS ECE downpipe with filter £2,695.20; filter-back exhaust £968.04–£1,674.46. | the same APR file ($660); APR intake $400. |
| Stage 3 | APR PowerMax GT2563S turbo system $2,499.95; HGP's TÜV-tested packages €9,600–€14,900 plus fitting. | the same APR file ($660); the turbo is extra. |
List prices from the guides, before shipping, import tax and fitting. "—" means that guide has no cost line for the stage.
Where each one ends up
At Stage 4 the Cupra Leon VZ reaches — no verified parts and the VW Golf GTI Mk8 500+ hp.