Pontiac Vibe vs. Volkswagen GTI Review

Utility
The Pontiac Vibe and the Volkswagen GTI can accommodate the same number of passengers.

Performance
When it comes to horsepower, the GTI packs quite a punch and will knock the Vibe down a few rungs. However, remember that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Dimensions
The Volkswagen GTI is tremendously more bulky than the Pontiac Vibe. The Vibe's tank is almost the same size as the Volkswagen GTI's, though the Volkswagen GTI's is slightly bigger. The GTI and the Pontiac Vibe compete for the same parking spaces.

Convenience
The Vibe's fuel tank will need to be replenished more often than the unit in the Volkswagen GTI.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs about the same to get the Pontiac Vibe to the dealership as the GTI. There frankly isn't much of a difference in gas mileage here, but if you must know, the Volkswagen GTI is a bit more economical than the Pontiac. When it comes to gas mileage, the Volkswagen GTI has the Pontiac Vibe beat. With respect to MSRP, the Pontiac Vibe costs considerably less than the Volkswagen GTI.

Handling
With their comparable turning radii, the Pontiac Vibe and the Volkswagen GTI quite certainly handle almost the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The Pontiac Vibe's engine is a little smaller than the Volkswagen GTI's, but not terribly so. Torque is roughly equivalent to acceleration, and in this respect, the Volkswagen GTI is tremendously more powerful than the Vibe. Torque equals pickup, and the Volkswagen GTI will have picked up and gone by the time the Vibe finally gets moving.

Comfort
Taller drivers will considerably enjoy the extra head room in the Vibe's front cabin compared to the Volkswagen GTI. The Pontiac is not particularly more spacious for your passengers than the Volkswagen GTI.

Warranty
The Volkswagen GTI and the Vibe have the same basic after-sale protection.