Making a statement is much more than vibrant hues and striking designs. It’s about leaving your mark. The strength of these models leaves a lasting impression thanks to their rip-roaring capabilities.

Although both sedans feature the same engine size, the VW Jetta GLI powers ahead on the track thanks to its extra output capabilities.

Beyond that, you may find you have more control over how your sedan performs when you drive the VW Jetta GLI since it comes equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission. This lets you have complete control over when your vehicle shifts, while the automatic transmission of the A4 doesn’t offer that element of control.

Both Volkswagen and Audi have rich racing histories, so it should come as no surprise that both models are ingrained with racing DNA. Visual elements like red calipers add a striking touch, teasing the performance capabilities of these models. However, this feature is only found on the Audi A4 when equipped with the optional Black optic package.

Another race-inspired feature that’s found with both the VW Jetta GLI and the A4 is Driving Mode Selection. This feature lets you customize how your model performs based on a selection of pre-determined modes. When selected, automatic adjustments are made to enhance throttle response, maximize comfort, and more.

While this feature is found standard on both models, the VW Jetta GLI provides more ways you can customize since it offers five different modes compared to four with the A4.

Whether you’re taking a quick trip to the grocery store or making your commute to the office, you can experience top-tier comfort elements that will surely enhance your mood. Multi-zone climate control systems, heated front seats, and leather-trimmed upholstery all come standard.

To help with year-round comfort, enable ventilated front seats with the simple press of a button. Instantly, you’ll feel your flushed skin cool with a soft chill that’s reminiscent of jumping into a crisp pool in the middle of summer.

Though you’ll find ventilated seats with both the VW Jetta GLI and the Audi A4, this feature only comes standard with the Volkswagen model.

Each day brings a new set of to-do items and emotions. You need a sedan that evolves with each new day, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with the VW Jetta GLI.

The pop of red accents throughout the cabin provides a steady balance of thrills that will get you ready for each commute. This athletic accent can be highlighted by turning on the interior ambient lighting feature which will illuminate various areas of the cabin.

If you want something softer or more muted, you can toggle among 10 different color options to find the one that best matches your mood. The same can be done with the Audi A4, but you must equip your vehicle with the optional Interior lighting plus package to do so.

Driving on highways, backing out of parking lots, and changing lanes are all a breeze thanks to the monitoring technology found on the VW Jetta GLI and the Audi A4. Cameras and monitors are placed in strategic locations around these models to provide a comprehensive 360-degree observational field.

While you’ll find driver-assist features with the A4, it lacks the complete range that’s offered with the VW Jetta GLI. That’s because Active Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Traffic Alert are only offered in the Convenience package, which includes several other non-safety features you may not want.

With the VW Jetta GLI, you simply need to outfit your vehicle with the optional IQ.DRIVE®.

There’s a reason we like having a friend or family member go with us to a doctor’s appointment or to a new location. Having someone you can trust by your side boosts your confidence. Even when traveling alone, you’ll always have someone you can trust thanks to the mild-autonomous capabilities of the VW Jetta GLI.

When optionally equipped, the VW Jetta GLI comes with Travel Assist. This innovative piece of technology offers hands-on driving assistance to provide brake and steering support when certain conditions are met. It can adjust speed based on traffic patterns and keep your sedan centered within its lane. It can adjust speed based on road signs, curves in the road, and even complex road maneuvers like roundabouts.

The Audi A4 offers comparable features, but you’ll likely find they’re less advanced than those with the VW Jetta GLI and may not have the same predictive capabilities.