Volkswagen GTI vs Volkswagen Beetle Dimensions & Size Comparison
Comparing 2015 catalog dimensions. Volkswagen GTI · Volkswagen Beetle
- Length168.0 in
- Height56.8 in
- Wheelbase103.6 in
- Ground clearance5.0 in
- Curb weight2,972 lb – 3,031 lb
- Width70.5 in – 70.8 in
- Volkswagen Beetle width71.2 in
Which is bigger?
- Length: Volkswagen GTI is 0.4 in shorter (168.0 in vs 168.4 in)
- Width: Volkswagen GTI is 0.5 in narrower (70.7 in vs 71.2 in)
- Height: Volkswagen Beetle is 1.5 in taller (56.8 in vs 58.3 in)
- Wheelbase: Volkswagen GTI has a 3.6 in longer wheelbase (103.6 in vs 100.0 in)
- Ground clearance: Volkswagen Beetle has 0.6 in more ground clearance (5.0 in vs 5.6 in)
- Curb weight: Volkswagen Beetle is 167 lb heavier (3,002 lb vs 3,169 lb)
Biggest size differences
- Ground clearance: Volkswagen Beetle has 0.6 in more ground clearance (5.0 in vs 5.6 in)
- Curb weight: Volkswagen Beetle is 167 lb heavier (3,002 lb vs 3,169 lb)
- Wheelbase: Volkswagen GTI has a 3.6 in longer wheelbase (103.6 in vs 100.0 in)
- Height: Volkswagen Beetle is 1.5 in taller (56.8 in vs 58.3 in)
- Width: Volkswagen GTI is 0.5 in narrower (70.7 in vs 71.2 in)
Practical verdicts
- Easier to fit in a short garageVolkswagen GTI — Volkswagen GTI is shorter by 0.4 in Check garage fit for Volkswagen GTI · garage fit for Volkswagen Beetle
- Narrower for tight parkingVolkswagen GTI — Volkswagen GTI is narrower by 0.5 in
- More ground clearanceVolkswagen Beetle — Volkswagen Beetle has 0.6 in more clearance
- Smaller exterior footprintVolkswagen GTI — Based on length × width (Volkswagen GTI)
Dimension comparison
| Spec | Volkswagen GTI | Volkswagen Beetle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 168.0 in | 168.4 in | 0.4 in |
| Width | 70.7 in | 71.2 in | 0.5 in |
| Height | 56.8 in | 58.3 in | 1.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.6 in | 100.0 in | 3.6 in |
| Ground clearance | 5.0 in | 5.6 in | 0.6 in |
| Curb weight | 3,002 lb | 3,169 lb | 167 lb |
Values use trim midpoints when a model year lists a range.
Compare by year
Overlapping model years with dimension data.
Already own one of these cars?
Jump to maintenance sizes on the vehicle page — tires, wipers, battery, and oil when present in the catalog.