VW Golf GTI Mk5 or VW Golf GTI Mk8? They're two generations of the same car. Here's how far each one goes, using the makers' and tuners' own figures from our two guides.
At a glance
| VW Golf GTI Mk5 | VW Golf GTI Mk8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Years | 2004–2008 | 2020– |
| Engine | 2.0 TFSI EA113 (AXX, BWA; BPY in the US; BYD on the Edition 30) | 2.0 TSI EA888 Gen 4 |
| Stock power | 200 PS / 280 Nm; Edition 30 and Pirelli 230 PS / 300 Nm | 241 hp / 273 lb-ft (US) |
Power by stage
| VW Golf GTI Mk5 | VW Golf GTI Mk8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | 200–230 PS | 241 hp |
| Stage 1 | 235–260 hp | 328–375 hp |
| Stage 2 | 260–285 hp | 345–392 hp |
| Stage 3 | 300–355 hp | 410–478 hp |
| Stage 4 | 400–490 PS | 500+ hp |
Figures are the tuners' own claims from each guide, on the fuel each tuner states.
Typical parts cost
| VW Golf GTI Mk5 | VW Golf GTI Mk8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | remaps $366.95 on sale (APR), £418.80 (REVO, at Vagtech), €550 (BR-Performance) or £250 on sale (Superchips); DSG software $425–$549.95 or €400; plug-in box €369 on sale (RaceChip). | APR software $660; APR gearbox (TCU) tune $650 more. Unitronic sells through dealers only. |
| Stage 2 | downpipe $399.99 (CTS, no cat) or $599.99 (IE, with cat); fuel pump $295.96–$1,348.95 (Autotech, 034, IE, APR); intercooler $849 before VAT (Wagner), $989.99 (IE) or £805.10 (Forge); intake $299.99–$439.99. | the same APR file ($660); APR intake $400. |
| Stage 3 | K04 turbos €1,109.20 before VAT (Turbo-Total), $1,499.99 (CTS) or €1,595.80 before VAT (TTE350+); APR's K04 kit with software $3,553.95 on sale; plus S3 injectors and a fuel pump. | 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 VW Golf GTI Mk5 reaches 400–490 PS and the VW Golf GTI Mk8 500+ hp.