Hyundai Elantra N or VW Golf GTI Mk8? They're rivals, so owners often weigh one against the other. Here's how far each one goes, using the makers' and tuners' own figures from our two guides.
At a glance
| Hyundai Elantra N | VW Golf GTI Mk8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Years | 2022– (facelift 2024) | 2020– |
| Engine | 2.0 T-GDi turbo four | 2.0 TSI EA888 Gen 4 |
| Stock power | 276 hp / 289 lb-ft (286 hp with N Grin Shift) (US) | 241 hp / 273 lb-ft (US) |
Power by stage
| Hyundai Elantra N | VW Golf GTI Mk8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | 276–286 hp | 241 hp |
| Stage 1 | 295–350 whp | 328–375 hp |
| Stage 2 | 305–390 whp | 345–392 hp |
| Stage 3 | 350–450 whp | 410–478 hp |
| Stage 4 | 450–500 whp | 500+ hp |
Careful: one car's figures are at the wheels (whp) and the other's at the engine (hp), so they aren't directly comparable. Convert with the crank to wheel calculator.
Typical parts cost
| Hyundai Elantra N | VW Golf GTI Mk8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | flash tunes $499.95–$1,350 (Tork, LAP3) or CAD 799.99 (N75); JB4 $599; plug-in modules $583.80–$697 (aFe, DTE, RaceChip). | APR software $660; APR gearbox (TCU) tune $650 more. Unitronic sells through dealers only. |
| Stage 2 | downpipe $398 catless (LAP3) or $898.95–$1,398.95 with a catalyst (cp-e); intake $387.07–$419 (Injen, aFe, SXTH); intercooler $471.75 (Megan Racing) or £764.83 (Forge); fuel pump $385 (LF, via LAP3). | the same APR file ($660); APR intake $400. |
| Stage 3 | hybrid turbo $1,095–$1,975 (Pure Turbos, LAP3, Turbo Parts Canada) or CAD 4,099.99 (N75 HT450); SSP DCT clutch kit $1,599. | 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 Hyundai Elantra N reaches 450–500 whp and the VW Golf GTI Mk8 500+ hp.