Jetta GLI VS GLX
The Volkswagen Jetta GLI is an upscale model with sport trim, performance features and an optional V-6 engine. The GLX was a luxury performance model powered by a V-6 engine and produced through 2005. These models overlapped and shared many characteristics. However, demand for the more expensive GLX dropped by 2002 and Volkswagen discontinued it after 2005.
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Background
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Volkswagen launched the Jetta in 1979 and it quickly became Volkswagen’s top seller in North America. By 2000, VW sold 144,853 Jettas. The fourth-generation 1999 to 2005 models proved to be the best-selling and best-looking Jettas to leave the showroom. During this period, buyers could order the GLI with sport-tuned suspension and VW’s VR6 engine that developed 174 horsepower in models up to 2001 and then 200 horsepower for the 2002 model year. A 180-horsepower 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine also was available. The GLX had the 174-horsepower VR6 engine. For the 2002 model year, the GLI with the VR6 had a sticker price of $22,950. The GLX with the same engine had a $24,700 price tag.
GLI Standard Equipment
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As a sport-tuned vehicle, the 2002 Jetta GLI’s standard equipment included sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual chrome exhaust tips, three-spoke leather steering wheel, sport seats, electronic stabilization program, or ESP, manual air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, or ABS, and power windows and locks. It had a standard cruise control system, although it lacked controls on the steering wheel. However, the GLI came equipped with a standard sport steering wheel, while the GLX did not. The GLI used a six-speed manual transmission.
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GLX Standard Equipment
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The 2002 GLX received all the GLI’s standard equipment, except the 17-inch wheels. The GLX rode on 16-inch alloy wheels; the 17-inchers were an option. In addition to the GLI’s standard package, the GLX came with traction control, rain-sensing wipers, significantly more leather accents in the cabin, automatic air conditioning and traction control. The 2002 GLX also had eight-way power seats compared with the GLI’s six-way power. The GLX had an express tilting glass and open/close sliding sunroof, while the GLI had no such feature. VW mounted its cruise control on the steering wheel for finger-touch access. The GLX came with a five-speed auto-manual Tiptronic automatic with overdrive transmission.
Interior Differences
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The 2002 Jetta GLX featured some additional amenities compared with the GLI model. The GLX came with a genuine wood instrument panel insert, console insert and door panel insert, genuine wood trim on the gearshift knob, and power reclining driver and front passenger seats. The GLI included a full leather seat package like the GLX, but had no genuine wood inserts or the power reclining seats.
GLI Performance
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Equipped with the 200-horsepower VR6 engine, the 2002 Jetta GLI models could achieve zero to 60 mph in 7.02 seconds and the quarter-mile in 15.59 seconds at 88.74 mph.
GLX Performance
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The 2002 Jetta GLX with the same VR6 could hit 60 mph from a standstill in 7.5 seconds, outpacing the 2001 VW Passat GLS, which achieved the same distance in 8 seconds. It covered the quarter-mile in 15.89 seconds at 87.25 mph.
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References
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