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Mazda 3 Sedan vs VW Golf comparison

Compare performance (186 HP vs 325 HP), boot space and price (25,400 £ 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
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VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely lighter
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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 25,400 £ , while the VW Golf costs 28,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 2,833 £.

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 1,417 kg. The difference is around 110 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 501 kg. That’s a difference of about 7 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
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Mazda 3 Sedan
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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.

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Reviews Mazda 3 Sedan

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate

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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Mazda 3 Sedan
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
Price
25,400 - 34,700 £
Price
28,300 - 46,700 £
Consumption L/100km
5.5 - 6 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
-
co2
123 - 137 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
1,417 - 1,468 kg
Curb weight
1,307 - 1,662 kg
Trunk capacity
450 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,795 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
482 - 501 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
-
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
2026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
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.