America’s Most Affordable Performance Sedans Are Saving The Manual

As is usually the case with technology, the way a modern performance vehicle produces its pace is developing at an amazing rate. This is especially true regarding gearboxes, with rapid-fire semi-automatic units that only need the flick of a wrist to shift up and down the gears manually, or ones that can simply be left alone to do the job automatically. This ensures that the driver can focus purely on the job of driving, and is also faster than a human in a traditional manual can manage.

The trouble is, semi-auto gearboxes aren’t as engaging as a good old manual and clutch setup, but the rise of semi-auto tech means that more old-fashioned manuals are swiftly dying out across the auto industry. For those looking for a performance sedan they can enjoy with a manual though, the following two entry-level options – the Honda Civic SI and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI are well worth an investigation.

This comparison puts the two featured models against each other using the specifications and data released by their respective manufacturers.

Design, Style, and Looks

The Honda Is Sleeker, But Doesn’t Shout About Its Sporting Pretensions As Much

The Civic SI features a sleeker and more flowing design than the Volkswagen Jetta GLI, with its hatchback rear end tapering to a point unlike the more traditionally sedan-like Jetta. This gives it a lower and more sloping roofline at the rear, making it look faster standing still than the Jetta can manage. It doesn’t quite have the same level of detail as the VW, with only its bigger wheels and small rear spoiler, as well as the SI badges on the grille and tail, hinting that it is no ordinary Civic.

It does however feature a rear twin-exhaust setup that further accentuates its sportiness, and overall, the SI certainly looks more imposing than the standard model.

The Jetta Is More Of An Extrovert

The Jetta GLI makes more of a statement about its performance intentions, with it featuring similarly large and black wheels on all four corners as well as a slick GLI badge running along the center of its trunk lid. It has a twin-exhaust setup like the Honda, though it doesn’t come with a spoiler of any kind. While this may prove disappointing for some, it makes up for the red grille that screams ‘GTI,’ the moniker used by its hatchback sibling.

The roof is also painted black while the calipers are red, elements which give it a more imposing aesthetic and clearly set it apart from less spicy versions of the Jetta. Neither can be described as showy, but the Jetta GLI is the one that stands out most as a performance variant between the two.

Powertrain Comparison

The Jetta GLIs’ Larger Engine Delivers The Goods

While both vehicles feature a similar powerplant layout, a turbocharged inline-four mounted up front that sends its power to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, the Jetta GLIs unit is larger. The 2.0-liter engine produces more power than the Civic SI’s 1.5-liter unit as a result, with 228 hp playing 200 hp. The Jetta also makes significantly more torque, which ensures it’s clearly the faster of the two.

The bigger engine means it won’t be quite as fuel-efficient as the Honda, though with just one MPG separating them on average, the difference isn’t as large as you’d expect.

Both Vehicles Are More Spritely In The Bends Than Their Standard Siblings

Honda and VW went the extra mile to ensure their respective offerings came with a more engaging driving experience than the cars they were based on, with both featuring independent suspension all around. However, while the Jetta GLI features the same VW MQB base as the standard Jetta (but with added stiffness from a rear anti-roll bar), the Civic SI comes with specially designed underpinnings.

Updated lower B-pillar and rear door sills were implemented to help stiffen up the Civic’s chassis, ensuring it offers a more responsive drive than the standard Civic. Both cars get enlarged brakes and a sportier suspension setup, the Jetta GLI having been lowered by 0.6 inches compared to the standard version. Both models have limited-slip differentials to keep the front wheels under control, though while the Honda has a traditional helical mechanical unit, the VW uses an electronic one.

Both provide an exhilarating drive, though the Civic SI is a little lighter on its feet due to it tipping the scales at a couple of hundred pounds less than the Jetta GLI can manage.

The Jetta GLI Gets More Standard Equipment Than The Civic SI

If it’s toys you want, then the Jetta GLI has you covered to a greater extent with standard features than the Civic SI. While the Civic SI is well-equipped with equipment such as heated front seats, an electric panoramic moonroof, and a comprehensive touchscreen infotainment and driver’s display combo, the Jetta GLI offers all this and more. As an example, the GLI comes with plusher leather seats compared to the Civic’s fabric chairs, which are also electrically adjustable and feature a ventilating function, unlike the Honda.

Overall, while the VW offers a more grown-up and luxurious cabin, the Civic SI comes with a louder and sportier one. Its red fabric seats make the biggest difference alongside the Jetta’s more subtle black leather chairs that are finished off with red stitching, and the same goes for the dash and trim. While the Jetta brings a bit of color with its LED lighting, the Civic’s dash and door cards are decorated with red-colored trim that helps heighten the excitement.

The Jetta GLI Will Demand More From Your Wallet

While both models cost around $30,000, the Civic SI is a little easier on your bank account. The Honda starts from $30,250, while you’ll need to hand over $32,715 to gain the privilege of having a Jetta GLI parked on your driveway. With a difference of around $2,500 between the two, those looking to save a bit of money will be better suited opting for the Honda. It still provides an excellent driving experience, though you’ll have to make do with less overall performance and equipment than you’d get from the VW.

For those concerned over running costs, the Honda’s slightly superior fuel efficiency will prove handy, while it’ll likely prove more reliable. There are ways to preserve even more fuel, whichever of the cars you opt for. Honda, after all, fared significantly better in J.D. Power’s 2025 Vehicle Dependability Study, with the Japanese marque scoring 201 problems per 100 vehicles, while VW could only manage a figure of 285 problems per 100 vehicles.

The Jetta GLI Offers Slightly Better Value For Money Than The Civic SI

That said, the Jetta GLI is the better value-for-money option of the duo. The performance gulf between the two is vast, with its 0.6-second advantage over the Civic to 60 mph on its own making enough of a difference. Aside from the performance gains, you’ll also get more standard kit and a better put-together and more premium cabin too, elements which quickly make the $2,500 differences look marginal.

Considering the whole point of buying one of these cars is to enjoy the performance they can offer, it’s unlikely that most buyers who can already afford the $30,000 needed to secure the Civic won’t be able to stretch to gain the extra benefits the Jetta GLI offers.

Sources: Honda, Volkswagen