1988 Volkswagen Golf/GTI
US · Hatchback · Compact Cars
The 1988 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is listed in the US market as a hatchback with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- 1.8L 4-cylinder (FFS)
- Power
- 241 hp (180 kW)
- Torque
- 273 lb-ft (370 Nm)
- Transmission
- Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Economy
- 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) combined
- Seating
- 5 seats
Key Performance & Dimensions
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.8L 4-cylinder (FFS) | |
| Displacement | 1.8 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Power | 241 hp (180 kW) | |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Performance
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 6.2 s | |
| Top speed | 155 mph (250 km/h) |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual | |
| Gears | 3 to 5 | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Dimensions
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 168.8 in (4,287 mm) | |
| Width | 70.4 in (1,789 mm) | |
| Height | 57.6 in (1,463 mm) | |
| Wheelbase | 103.6 in (2,631 mm) |
Weight
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Curb weight | 3,186 lb (1,445 kg) |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) to 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km) |
Capacity
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | |
| Doors | 5 |
Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Towing capacity, Payload, Ground clearance, Gross vehicle weight rating, Electric range, Battery capacity, Fuel tank, Cargo volume. We leave them out instead of estimating.
Trims and configurations
3 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
No recall campaigns were found in NHTSA data at the last check. Last checked November 8, 2026.
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 22, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 22, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: October 22, 2026
Data verified: October 22, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
- 1987 Volkswagen Golf/GTI
Hatchback, Varies by configuration: Diesel, Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 1.6L 4-cylinder ((NO-CAT)), 1.8L 4-cylinder ((FFS)) · 241 hp (180 kW) · FWD
33 mpg (7.1 L/100 km) to 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) - 1989 Volkswagen Golf/GTI
Hatchback, Varies by configuration: Diesel, Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 1.6L 4-cylinder ((NO-CAT)), 1.8L 4-cylinder ((FFS)) · 241 hp (180 kW) · FWD
34 mpg (6.9 L/100 km) to 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km)
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 1988 Volkswagen Golf/GTI have?
1.8L 4-cylinder ((FFS)). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
How much horsepower does the 1988 Volkswagen Golf/GTI have?
241 hp (180 kW), as listed by our sources.
What is the fuel economy of the 1988 Volkswagen Golf/GTI?
Combined fuel economy is 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 1988 Volkswagen Golf/GTI front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: FWD.
How many seats does the 1988 Volkswagen Golf/GTI have?
5 seats.
How long is the 1988 Volkswagen Golf/GTI?
168.8 in (4,287 mm).
Are there recalls for the 1988 Volkswagen Golf/GTI?
No recall campaigns were found in NHTSA data when we last checked on November 8, 2026. Recall status can change, so confirm with NHTSA or the manufacturer.