Edumacte me..

[Roadhog]

So, how does the GL, GLI, GLS, GLX, compare to each other? Lets say for a Jetta TDI and Golf TDI.

[Mikewire]

Most of what I know is about the MKIV...1999.5-2005...I think it's pretty accurate, but I'm sure I missed some things:

Jetta = 4 door sedan
Golf = 5 door hatch
GTI = 3 door Golf "hot hatch"

GL = Jetta, Golf | TDI | 2.0 | base model - basic - no armrest, crank windows, no power seats, no cruise, manual HVAC controls.
GLS = Jetta, Golf | 1.8T | 2.0 | TDI, cloth seats, power windows, power mirrors, power seats, cruise, - luxury/sport level trim options
GLX = Jetta, Golf | VR6 , Monsoon stereo, sunroof, wood trim, power windows, sunroof, armrest, leather interior, heated seats, premium wheels, climatronic, 3 spoke wheel with stereo controls - basically all the options
GLI = Jetta, 1.8T | VR6 | every option with a 6 speed manual (in the 337/20AE/2004.5 GLI), BBS wheels and GLI (recaro) seats, fogs inside the headlight housings and GLI bumper covers. VR6 was in the 2003-2004, and the 1.8T in the 2000, 01, 02, and 2004.5

1.8T up to 2001 was 150HP and 2002+ is 180HP
VR6 was a 12v up to 2002.5 and a 24v 2003+
TDI was 90HP up to 2004 and 110HP 2005+
Jetta Wagon (a.k.a. Variant) was made 2001-2003 and was made in Germany

I think this cover most of the models, but remember some options may be dealer installed or custom ordered.

[Roadhog]

neato.

[Mikewire]

Yup, too many combos, so you get to do the math stunt brain!

[DynoJetta]

I've always wondered the differences too. Thanks Mike for the schooling.

For what it's worth, my '03 TDI GLS has the following:

Monsoon stereo, moonroof/sunroof, power windows, armrest, leather interior, heated seats, premium wheels, 3 spoke wheel with stereo and cruise controls.

I think that was the highest trim package for that year (but could be wrong). I know the '04s have 6-speeds.