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Diesel performance clash: ford focus st diesel vs. vw golf gtd – which rules the road?

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The Ford Focus ST Diesel and the Volkswagen Golf GTD are two of the most popular diesel hot hatches on the market.
  • The Focus ST Diesel has a few more features than the Golf GTD, such as a heated steering wheel and a lane departure warning system.
  • Which car has a better interior, the Ford Focus ST Diesel or the Volkswagen Golf GTD.

The Ford Focus ST Diesel and the Volkswagen Golf GTD are two of the most popular diesel hot hatches on the market. Both cars offer impressive performance, fuel economy, and handling, but which one is the better choice? In this article, we’ll compare the two cars in detail to help you make a decision.

Performance

The Ford Focus ST Diesel is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine that produces 185 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Volkswagen Golf GTD is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine that produces 184 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.

On paper, the Focus ST Diesel has a slight edge in power and torque, but in real-world driving, the two cars feel very similar. Both cars accelerate quickly and smoothly, and they both have plenty of power for overtaking.

Fuel Economy

The Ford Focus ST Diesel is rated for 30 mpg city/42 mpg highway. The Volkswagen Golf GTD is rated for 31 mpg city/44 mpg highway.

In real-world driving, the two cars get similar fuel economy. We averaged 32 mpg in the Focus ST Diesel and 33 mpg in the Golf GTD.

Handling

The Ford Focus ST Diesel and the Volkswagen Golf GTD are both known for their excellent handling. Both cars have a well-tuned suspension that provides a good balance of comfort and performance.

The Focus ST Diesel has a slightly stiffer suspension than the Golf GTD, which gives it a bit more agility. However, the Golf GTD has a more comfortable ride, which is better for long-distance driving.

Interior

The Ford Focus ST Diesel and the Volkswagen Golf GTD have similar interiors. Both cars have a well-designed cabin with high-quality materials.

The Focus ST Diesel has a more sporty interior than the Golf GTD, with Recaro seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The Golf GTD has a more upscale interior, with leather seats and a panoramic sunroof.

Features

The Ford Focus ST Diesel and the Volkswagen Golf GTD come with a similar range of features. Both cars have a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera.

The Focus ST Diesel has a few more features than the Golf GTD, such as a heated steering wheel and a lane departure warning system. The Golf GTD has a few more premium features, such as a navigation system and a sunroof.

Price

The Ford Focus ST Diesel starts at $25,340. The Volkswagen Golf GTD starts at $29,995.

The Focus ST Diesel is the more affordable option, but the Golf GTD offers more premium features.

Key Points: Which Car Is Right for You?

The Ford Focus ST Diesel and the Volkswagen Golf GTD are both excellent diesel hot hatches. The Focus ST Diesel is the more affordable option, while the Golf GTD offers more premium features.

If you’re looking for a sporty and fuel-efficient car, the Ford Focus ST Diesel is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more upscale and comfortable car, the Volkswagen Golf GTD is a better option.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Which car is faster, the Ford Focus ST Diesel or the Volkswagen Golf GTD?

A: The Ford Focus ST Diesel has a slight edge in power and torque, but in real-world driving, the two cars feel very similar.

Q: Which car gets better fuel economy, the Ford Focus ST Diesel or the Volkswagen Golf GTD?

A: The Volkswagen Golf GTD gets slightly better fuel economy than the Ford Focus ST Diesel.

Q: Which car has a better interior, the Ford Focus ST Diesel or the Volkswagen Golf GTD?

A: The Volkswagen Golf GTD has a more upscale interior than the Ford Focus ST Diesel.

Q: Which car is more affordable, the Ford Focus ST Diesel or the Volkswagen Golf GTD?

A: The Ford Focus ST Diesel is the more affordable option.

Q: Which car is better for long-distance driving, the Ford Focus ST Diesel or the Volkswagen Golf GTD?

A: The Volkswagen Golf GTD has a more comfortable ride than the Ford Focus ST Diesel, which is better for long-distance driving.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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