| Year | Engine Code | Rated Hp | Engine size | Bore X Stroke | Fuel Injection |
| 1984 | JH | 90hp | 1781cc | 81X86.4 mm | CIS |
| 1985 | HT | 100hp | 1781cc | 81X86.4mm | CIS |
| 1986 | RD | 105hp | 1781cc | 81X86.4mm | CIS-e |
| 1987 | RD | 105hp | 1781cc | 81X86.4mm | CIS-e |
| 1988 | PL | 123hp | 1781cc | 81X86.4mm | CIS-e |
| 1989 | PL | 123hp | 1781cc | 81X86.4mm | CIS-e |
| 1990 | 9A | 134hp | 1984cc | 82.5X92.8mm | CIS Motronic |
| 1991 | 9A | 134hp | 1984cc | 82.5X92.8mm | CIS Motronic |
| 1992 | 9A | 134hp | 1984cc | 82.5X92.8mm | CIS Motronic |
Miscellaneous facts:
-1988 was the first year of the 16v engine
-The GLi was only offered in two different displacements: 1.8liter and 2.0 liter
-Standard equipment on most GLi's included: Recaro seats VDO gauges, including MFA, integrating Oil temp, Gas milage, trip odometer, outside temp, time, and time of driving into one digital gauge 15X6 inch BBS alloy wheels in a variety of patterns Bosch electronics and fuel injection - While the GTi was introduced in 1983, the american public did not recieve the GLi until 1984
- The GLi was one of the first VW's to add any aerodynamics specific to a model - the inconspicuous rear trunk wing