Here is in an interesting comparison test between the top Volkswagen Golf VII performers in the petrol and diesel classes, the GTI and GTD. The VW Golf VII GTI is not exactly the most powerful, petrol-powered Golf you can have exactly, if you take into consideration the R version of the hot hatch. However, you still get a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter TSI turbo engine that delivers 230 PS and 350 Nm of torque. With this engine, the seventh generation Golf GTI is able to accelerate from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 6.4 seconds. Its top speed is rated at 155 mph (250 km/h). On the diesel side, the VW Golf VII GTD has a 2.0 TDI engine that's able to put out as much as 184 PS and 380 Nm of torque. The Golf VII GTD needs 7.5 seconds to reach the 62 mph (100 km/h) mark from a standing start and it can reach a maximum speed of 142 mph (230 km/h). The new Golf GTI is priced from €28,350, while the GTD is a bit more expensive, with a base price of 29,350 EUR.
So, the GTD Golf loses at both performance and price when compared to the GTI. What about efficiency. Volkswagen rates the Golf VII GTD with a 60.1 mpg (4.7 l/100 km) fuel economy and a 122 g/km CO2 emissions level. The GTI on the other hand, offers just 43.5 mpg (6.5 l/100 km) and emits 149 g/km CO2 of CO2.