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When three different drivers share the GTI (except S), the optional memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Prelude doesn’t offer a memory system.
The GTI (except S)’s optional easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Prelude doesn’t offer an easy entry system.
The GTI’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Prelude has neither an oil pressure gauge nor a temperature gauge.
The GTI Autobahn has a standard heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Prelude doesn’t offer a heads-up display.
The power windows standard on both the GTI and the Prelude have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the GTI is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Prelude prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.
The GTI has two rear doors to provide better access for cargo and rear passengers. The Prelude doesn’t offer rear doors.
Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the GTI to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Prelude doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.
To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the GTI has a standard rear wiper. The Prelude doesn’t offer a rear wiper.
To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the GTI has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Prelude doesn’t offer cornering lights. The GTI also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.
When the GTI is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Prelude’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.
For greater rear passenger comfort, the GTI has standard rear a/c vents to keep rear occupants more comfortable. The Prelude doesn’t offer rear vents.
Compared to the Honda Prelude, the Volkswagen GTI eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries with its optional integrated Homelink® universal remote controlled from the rear view mirror.
The GTI is equipped with both FM and AM stereo radios, offering access to more content and better coverage than the Prelude, which solely provides FM radio. With AM radio, you can enjoy a wider variety of stations featuring news, talk shows, sports commentary, native language programing, automated traffic guidance, and emergency broadcasts. AM waves travel further and penetrate buildings and obstacles more effectively than FM signals, especially at night. Having both FM and AM stereo radios the GTI offers a more comprehensive listening experience compared to only FM in the Prelude.
HD Radio boasts several benefits over conventional radio: superior sound quality with clearer and consistent FM broadcasts, CD-quality audio, and Multicast Channels offering up to four streams from a single station, adding programming choices. Cars like the GTI equipped with HD Radio provide an improved in-car entertainment experience. The Prelude, devoid of this technology, foregoes these benefits. Selecting the Volkswagen GTI empowers drivers to enjoy a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience while on the go.
The GTI Autobahn’s Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The Prelude doesn’t offer an automated parking system.
