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2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI vs. sport compact sedans: How they compare on paper

Hot hatchbacks may be stealing the headlines, but they're not the only way to get cheap speed. There are actually a number of small sporty sedans on the market, too, in case you want that more formal roofline. The recently revealed 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI highlighted these vehicles, so we figured we'd take a look at the specifications and see how they compare to each other. Our contenders are the aforementioned VW, along with the 2019 Honda Civic Si, 2019 Subaru WRX and 2019 Hyundai Elantra Sport. All four start under $30,000 and offer more than 200 horsepower. And of course, they all have trunks. In our comparison, we'll look at each car's powertrain comparing horsepower and torque. We'll also look at practicalities such as interior space, fuel economy and pricing. You can see the raw numbers in the chart below, followed by additional analysis and links to reviews. If you'd like to compare any of these cars with a different group, be sure to check out our car comparison tool. Engines and drivetrains Performance, and particularly power, is likely a priority for a sporty sedan buyer, and there's a clear leader: the Subaru WRX. At 268 horsepower, it's 40 ponies ahead of the next most potent car, the 228-horsepower Jetta GLI. It also ties the GLI for torque at 258 pound-feet. Both cars also support the old adage that "there's no replacement for displacement," since each have 2.0-liter engines while the Hyundai has a 1.6-liter unit and the Honda engine only displaces 1.5 liters. The Hyundai and Honda are nearly tied for power and torque, too, at roughly 200 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Another bonus for the Subaru is its standard all-wheel-drive system, which is handy for power delivery, lateral grip and for inclement weather. While the Jetta GLI and Civic Si are front-drive only, they do feature mechanical limited-slip differentials to enhance traction under power. The Elantra Sport makes do with electronic aids and an open differential. We're pleased that all four of these cars offer manual transmissions, too. But if you do want or need an automatic transmission, the VW, Subaru and Hyundai have you covered. The VW and Hyundai rely on seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions, and the Subaru uses a CVT with eight preset ratios for manual mode shifting. The Civic Si, though, is manual only (and it's an excellent manual at that).

Even Ferrari swept up in latest Takata recall expansion

The scope of Takata's deadly airbag problems continues to widen. Eight manufacturers announced recalls Friday that affect more than 12 million vehicles, according to documents filed with federal regulators. The automakers include Honda, which is recalling 4.5 million units, Fiat Chrysler with 4.3 million, Toyota with 1.65 million, and Subaru, which is recalling almost 400,000. Some of these cars include the Saab 9-2x and Pontiac Vibe that Toyota and Subaru made for General Motors. Mazda will recall 730,000 vehicles and Nissan has 400,000 affected units. The smallest numbers were posted by Mitsubishi, with 38,000 Lancers manufactured from 2006 to 2007, and as a noteworthy high-end manufacturer, Ferrari is calling back 2,800 vehicles. These are all US-market cars. Beyond America, the Japanese Transport Ministry has announced seven million additional vehicles will be recalled, which means 19.6 million vehicles across the globe are affected by recalls announced. The defects have been traced to an insufficiently manufactured airbag inflator, which lacks a drying agent that would prevent the inflators from deteriorating over time. Thirteen deaths have been linked to the faulty airbags, which have become unstable and are prone to exploding and showering vehicle occupants with lethal amounts of metal shrapnel. A private equity firm, KKR & Co., has been named in a possible buyout of the struggling Takata. Related Video: News Source: ReutersImage Credit: Shutterstock Government/Legal Recalls Ferrari Honda Mazda Automakers Mitsubishi Nissan Pontiac Subaru Toyota Saab Safety

Here's your chance to own a Subaru Impreza WRX stunt car from 'Baby Driver'

Fans of the the 2017 movie "Baby Driver," pay attention, because you have another chance at owning one of the 2006 Subaru Impreza WRXs used for the film's big opening chase scene. It's fitted with a long list of modifications, though it remains street legal, and it's expected to bring in a substantial amount of money. The seller states this Impreza is one of the ones that retains the factory all-wheel drive system, but it was modified by a shop called AllPro Subaru for stunt duty. The shop removed the 2.0-liter flat-four and installed a 300-horsepower, 2.5-liter engine sourced from a WRX STI. It was rebuilt with forged pistons, while the driveline received a stronger clutch plus beefier front and rear differentials. Finally, a hydraulic hand brake helped the WRX go sideways. Inside, this Impreza WRX received an instrument cluster and other bits and pieces pulled out of the STI parts bin. It's finished in red with a black leather interior, though it was originally painted blue.  To prove the car's authenticity, the seller is including its build sheet, interviews with stunt driver Jeremy Fry, and matched screen shots in the sale. Whether it ends up in a museum or driven regularly depends on who buys it. As of writing, one person has bid on this WRX, and it's sitting at $19,000 with its reserve not met. The auction ends on July 20, and it's reasonable to speculate it will sell for much more if bidding goes beyond the reserve set by the seller. In 2017, another WRX used in the movie traded hands for $69,100 after receiving 71 bids. It looked a lot like the one that's up for grabs, but it was converted to rear-wheel drive to make it easier for the stunt drivers to drift. For context, a 2006 WRX STI with reasonable mileage and no modifications is worth about $20,000. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.