1997 Volkswagen Golf/GTI
US · Hatchback · Compact Cars
The 1997 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is listed in the US market as a hatchback. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder turbocharged ((DSL,TRBO)), 2.0L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 2.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS))
- Power
- 241 hp (180 kW)
- Torque
- 273 lb-ft (370 Nm)
- Transmission
- Varies by configuration: Manual, Automatic
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Varies by configuration: Diesel, Gasoline
- Seating
- 5 seats
Key Performance & Dimensions
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder turbocharged ((DSL,TRBO)), 2.0L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 2.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)) | |
| Displacement | 1.9 L to 2.8 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 to 6 | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Power | 241 hp (180 kW) | |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) | |
| Fuel type | Varies by configuration: Diesel, Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Performance
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 6.2 s | |
| Top speed | 155 mph (250 km/h) |
Not available from our sources: Towing capacity, Payload.
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: Manual, Automatic | |
| Gears | 4 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) |
Not available from our sources: Ground clearance.
Weight
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Curb weight | 3,186 lb (1,445 kg) |
Not available from our sources: Gross vehicle weight rating.
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 37 mpg (6.4 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 33 mpg (7.1 L/100 km) to 17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 44 mpg (5.3 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) |
Not available from our sources: Electric range, Battery capacity.
Capacity
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | |
| Doors | 5 |
Not available from our sources: Fuel tank, Cargo volume.
Trims and configurations
4 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 October 20, 2026.
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 19, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 19, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: October 19, 2026
Data verified: October 19, 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
- 1996 Volkswagen Golf/GTI
Hatchback, Varies by configuration: Diesel, Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder turbocharged ((DSL,TRBO)), 2.0L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 2.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)) · 241 hp (180 kW) · FWD
38 mpg (6.2 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) - 1998 Volkswagen Golf/GTI
Hatchback, Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder, 2.8L 6-cylinder · 241 hp (180 kW) · FWD
24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km)
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Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 1997 Volkswagen Golf/GTI have?
Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder turbocharged ((DSL,TRBO)), 2.0L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 2.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
How much horsepower does the 1997 Volkswagen Golf/GTI have?
241 hp (180 kW), as listed by our sources.
What is the fuel economy of the 1997 Volkswagen Golf/GTI?
Combined fuel economy is 37 mpg (6.4 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 1997 Volkswagen Golf/GTI front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: FWD.
How many seats does the 1997 Volkswagen Golf/GTI have?
5 seats.
How long is the 1997 Volkswagen Golf/GTI?
168.8 in (4,287 mm).
Are there recalls for the 1997 Volkswagen Golf/GTI?
No recall campaigns were found in NHTSA data when we last checked on October 20, 2026. Recall status can change, so confirm with NHTSA or the manufacturer.