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BMW 3 Series Saloon vs VW Golf comparison

Compare performance (530 HP vs 325 HP), boot space and price (39,900 £ vs 28,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 3 Series Saloon or VW Golf?

BMW 3 Series Saloon vs VW Golf: Key differences

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • visibly more power
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • visibly more trunk space
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VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • substantially more efficient
  • visibly more electric range
  • noticeably lighter
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By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

3 Series Saloon

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

VW Golf is substantially cheaper – starting at 28,300 £ , while the BMW 3 Series Saloon costs 39,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,661 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Golf uses 1.1 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the BMW 3 Series Saloon with 2.4 L/100km. The difference is about 1.3 L/100km.

As for electric range, the VW Golf offers visibly more range – reaching up to 143 km, about 42 km more than the BMW 3 Series Saloon.

Golf

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers visibly more power – delivering 530 HP compared to 325 HP. That’s roughly 205 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Saloon is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the VW Golf takes 5.3 s. That’s about 1.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 3 Series Saloon delivers clearly more torque with 700 Nm compared to 420 Nm. That’s about 280 Nm more.

3 Series Saloon

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Golf is noticeably lighter – 1,307 kg compared to 1,575 kg. The difference is around 268 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers visibly more boot space – 480 L compared to 381 L. That’s a difference of about 99 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Golf carries marginally more – 508 kg compared to 495 kg. That’s a difference of about 13 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Golf is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £28,300
Golf

VW Golf

  • Engine Type Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 116 - 325 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range 131 - 143 km
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BMW 3 Series Saloon

The BMW 3 Series saloon is a driver's car in a suit, blending poised handling with a cabin that feels more premium than its practicality suggests. It’s composed enough for daily duties yet playful enough to keep weekend drives interesting, making it a sensible choice for buyers who still want to have fun.

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Reviews BMW 3 Series Saloon

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

VW Golf

The Golf is a quietly accomplished compact that blends practicality, refinement and approachable driving manners into a very usable everyday package. It’s well built, comfortable and versatile, making it a smart choice whether you want sensible family transport or an enjoyable commuter.

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Reviews VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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BMW 3 Series Saloon
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Costs and Consumption
Price
39,900 - 92,200 £
Price
28,300 - 46,700 £
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
96 - 101 km
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
54 - 227 g/km
co2
25 - 173 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,575 - 1,960 kg
Curb weight
1,307 - 1,662 kg
Trunk capacity
375 - 480 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,827 - 1,903 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
405 - 495 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Power HP
116 - 325 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.3 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Power kW
85 - 239 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F, B
Brand
BMW
Brand
VW
Is the BMW 3 Series Saloon offered with different drivetrains?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon is available as Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.