VW Golf GTI Mk7 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 Mk7 | VW Golf GTI Mk8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Years | 2015–2021 | 2020– |
| Engine | 2.0 TSI EA888 Gen 3 | 2.0 TSI EA888 Gen 4 |
| Stock power | 210 hp / 258 lb-ft (US) | 241 hp / 273 lb-ft (US) |
Power by stage
| VW Golf GTI Mk7 | VW Golf GTI Mk8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | 210 hp | 241 hp |
| Stage 1 | 290–337 hp | 328–375 hp |
| Stage 2 | 334–351 hp | 345–392 hp |
| Stage 3 | ~380–400 hp | 410–478 hp |
| Stage 4 | 500+ hp | 500+ hp |
Figures are the tuners' own claims from each guide, on the fuel each tuner states.
Typical parts cost
| VW Golf GTI Mk7 | VW Golf GTI Mk8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | software $500–$560 (IE, APR); APR's cable for flashing at home $130 more. Unitronic sells through dealers only. | APR software $660; APR gearbox (TCU) tune $650 more. Unitronic sells through dealers only. |
| Stage 2 | the same APR file ($560); downpipe $850–$880; intake $521 (034) or £316 (APR); intercooler $540–$1,200 (CTS, Mishimoto) or £899 (Wagner). | the same APR file ($660); APR intake $400. |
| Stage 3 | — | 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 Mk7 reaches 500+ hp and the VW Golf GTI Mk8 500+ hp.