VS

Mazda 3 Sedan vs VW Golf comparison

Compare performance (186 HP vs 325 HP), boot space and price (25,000 £ vs 28,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda 3 Sedan or VW Golf?

Mazda 3 Sedan vs VW Golf: Key differences

Mazda 3 Sedan

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • moderately cheaper
  • somewhat more trunk space
details

VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely lighter
details

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

3 Sedan

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Mazda 3 Sedan is moderately cheaper – starting at 25,000 £ , while the VW Golf costs 28,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 3,304 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Golf uses 1.1 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Mazda 3 Sedan with 5.5 L/100km. The difference is about 4.4 L/100km.

Golf

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Golf offers considerably more power – delivering 325 HP compared to 186 HP. That’s roughly 139 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 5.3 s, while the Mazda 3 Sedan takes 8.1 s. That’s about 2.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Golf delivers clearly more torque with 420 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 180 Nm more.

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Golf is barely lighter – 1,307 kg compared to 1,420 kg. The difference is around 113 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mazda 3 Sedan offers somewhat more boot space – 450 L compared to 381 L. That’s a difference of about 69 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Golf carries very slightly more – 508 kg compared to 481 kg. That’s a difference of about 27 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Golf is decisively ahead 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
details

Frequently compared as well

VW Golf
VW T-Roc
VS
The VW Golf still sets the benchmark in the compact class — a composed, all‑round hatch that rewards drivers with precise steering, efficient engines and sensible practicality for daily life. The VW T‑Roc trades a bit of that pinch‑perfect poise for SUV style, a higher seating position and a …
Skoda Scala
VW Golf
VS
In one corner the Skoda Scala — clever, spacious and gloriously sensible; in the other the VW Golf — the benchmark hatchback that smooths out imperfections and keeps resale values healthy. Which one deserves your driveway: the Scala’s no-nonsense practicality and lower price, or the Golf’s polish, …
Mazda 3 Sedan
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mazda 3 Sedan

The Mazda 3 Sedan dresses like a compact premium car, with sculpted lines and an interior that punches well above its class. It rewards drivers with eager handling and a composed, comfortable ride that turns routine runs into something a bit more enjoyable — proof that style and substance can share the same key.

details
serpimg_ikGkXb

Reviews Mazda 3 Sedan

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

VW Golf

The VW Golf remains the everyman’s favourite — cleverly balanced, composed and just posh enough to feel grown-up without pretending to be something it’s not. It slips through town and eats up longer trips with a refined cabin, practical layout and a kindly, capable character that turns everyday driving into something a little bit special.

details
DB2019AU02117_medium
DB2019AU02116_medium
DB2019AU02120_medium
DB2019AU02082_medium
DB2019AU02081_medium
DB2019AU02087_medium
DB2019AU02105_medium

Reviews VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

Frequently compared as well

Skoda Fabia
VW Golf
VS
Two icons of the small-car world go head-to-head: the Skoda Fabia, the bargain-minded all-rounder, takes on the VW Golf, the class benchmark for driving refinement and pedigree. We’ll compare space, tech, engines and running costs to tell buyers which one delivers the best balance of value, comfort …
VW Golf
VW Taigo
VS
The VW Golf remains the benchmark compact hatchback with precise handling, sensible packaging and a grown-up interior that rewards drivers who value refinement and everyday usability; the Taigo, by contrast, trades some practicality for SUV looks and a higher ride, offering bolder styling, slightly …
Skoda Kamiq
VW Golf
VS
Skoda Kamiq and VW Golf go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice.
Audi Q2
VW Golf
VS
The Audi Q2 trades the Golf’s down-to-earth practicality for a dash of city-cool style and a slightly raised driving position, so you’ll arrive looking sharper — but with a bit less rear-seat space and often a higher price. For buyers who value sensible packaging, ride comfort and everyday …
Audi A1
VW Golf
VS
Tiny premium flair meets mainstream mastery: the Audi A1 brings city-class style, crisp interiors and nimble handling, while the VW Golf remains the benchmark hatchback — spacious, sensible and hard to beat. We pit the posh A1 against the practical Golf to find out which one earns your money, your …
SEAT Ibiza
VW Golf
VS
The SEAT Ibiza and VW Golf compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
Toyota Yaris
VW Golf
VS
In the battle of efficiency and versatility, the Toyota Yaris stands out with its compact design, making it ideal for urban driving and impressive fuel economy. On the other hand, the Volkswagen Golf offers a more robust engine lineup and refined driving dynamics, catering to those who prioritize …
VW Golf
VW Passat
VS
The VW Golf and VW Passat compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
Mazda 3 Sedan
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
Price
25,000 - 34,200 £
Price
28,300 - 46,700 £
Consumption L/100km
5.5 - 6.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
19.7 kWh
co2
123 - 135 g/km
co2
25 - 173 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 50 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,420 - 1,492 kg
Curb weight
1,307 - 1,662 kg
Trunk capacity
450 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
-
Length
4,282 - 4,292 mm
Width
1,795 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
1,463 - 1,483 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1,129 - 1,230 L
Payload
467 - 481 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Power HP
116 - 325 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.1 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.3 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
220 - 270 km/h
Torque
238 - 240 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
103 - 137 kW
Power kW
85 - 239 kW
Engine capacity
1,998 - 2,488 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F, B
Brand
Mazda
Brand
VW
What drivetrain options does the Mazda 3 Sedan have?

The Mazda 3 Sedan is offered with Front-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.