With more than 30 million units sold since 1974, the internationally-known Volkswagen Golf is one of the most popular compacts on the market. In 2016, you can get your hands on one for under $20,000. It comes factory standard with a 1.8-litre 170-horsepower engine. At the other end of the spectrum, there's the sporty 292-horsepower R. Between the two, the GTI and its 210 horsepower pales in comparison.