VW Golf GTI Mk4 1.8T or VW Polo GTI Mk6 (AW)? 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
| VW Golf GTI Mk4 1.8T | VW Polo GTI Mk6 (AW) | |
|---|---|---|
| Years | 1998–2004 | 2017–2021, facelift 2021– |
| Engine | 1.8T 20V turbo four (AGU, AUM, ARZ, AUQ and others) | 2.0 TSI EA888 (CZPC, DKZC; DNND on the facelift) |
| Stock power | 150 PS / 210 Nm, or 180 PS / 235 Nm | 200 PS / 320 Nm; facelift 207 PS / 320 Nm |
Power by stage
| VW Golf GTI Mk4 1.8T | VW Polo GTI Mk6 (AW) | |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | 150–180 PS | 200–207 PS |
| Stage 1 | 187–225 hp | 232–259 hp |
| Stage 2 | 195–235 hp | 250–285 hp |
| Stage 3 | 240–280 hp | 320–420 hp |
| Stage 4 | 320–380 PS | — no verified parts |
Figures are the tuners' own claims from each guide, on the fuel each tuner states.
Typical parts cost
| VW Golf GTI Mk4 1.8T | VW Polo GTI Mk6 (AW) | |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | remaps $366.95 on sale (APR) or $500–$550 (Unitronic, at UroTuning); turbo-parts Kit 1 with diverter valve and filter €399. | flash tunes $446.95 (APR), £480 (RacingLine, at the dealer) or €620–€690 (BR-Performance); gearbox software €400–£678; plug-in boxes €299–€449 (DTE, RaceChip) or $559 (JB4). |
| Stage 2 | Unitronic Stage 2 file $600 (UroTuning); downpipe with sports cat £575.31 (Scorpion) or $890.78 on sale (Milltek); CTS intake $169.99; cat-back £432.53–$769.44 (Scorpion, Milltek). | intercooler £572.25–£839 (Airtec, Wagner) or $813.37 (do88); intake $268.95–£609.32 (APR, do88, RacingLine); Milltek sports-cat downpipe £983.62 or HJS ECE downpipe £1,935.60–£2,497.20; BR-Performance Stage 2 from €3,800. |
| Stage 3 | K04 kits $1,954.78–$2,427.04 (GIAC / UroTuning) or $2,788.95 on sale (APR, with software); turbo-parts Kit 2 €1,679.99 or hybrid Kit 3 €2,500. | upgraded IS20 turbo €1,259.66–€1,361.85 before VAT (TTE, Turbo-Total), plus software, DSG clutch and cooling; BR-Performance Stage 3 from €7,000. |
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 VW Golf GTI Mk4 1.8T reaches 320–380 PS and the VW Polo GTI Mk6 (AW) — no verified parts.