@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Mazda 3 Sedan vs VW Golf – Which car suits you better?

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Mazda 3 Sedan or VW Golf?

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

Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Mazda 3 Sedan has a slight advantage in terms of price – it starts at 25000 £, while the VW Golf costs 25200 £. That’s a price difference of around 218 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Golf manages with 1.10 L and is therefore significantly more efficient than the Mazda 3 Sedan with 5.50 L. The difference is about 4.40 L per 100 km.

Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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 VW Golf has a convincingly edge – offering 333 HP compared to 186 HP. That’s roughly 147 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.60 s, while the Mazda 3 Sedan takes 8.10 s. That’s about 3.50 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Golf performs a bit better – reaching 270 km/h, while the Mazda 3 Sedan tops out at 216 km/h. The difference is around 54 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: VW Golf pulls significantly stronger with 420 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 180 Nm difference.

Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, VW Golf is barely noticeable lighter – 1307 kg compared to 1420 kg. The difference is around 113 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Mazda 3 Sedan offers slightly more room – 450 L compared to 381 L. That’s a difference of about 69 L.

When it comes to payload, VW Golf hardly perceptible takes the win – 508 kg compared to 481 kg. That’s a difference of about 27 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the VW Golf shows itself to be dominates this comparison and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £25,200
Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW Golf

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 8.1 L
  • Electric Range : 131 - 143 km
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Mazda 3 Sedan

The Mazda 3 Sedan stands out with its elegant and sleek design, capturing attention on the road with its refined aesthetics. Inside, it offers a well-crafted and comfortable cabin, providing a pleasurable driving experience marked by quality materials and advanced features. The car's performance is reliable and smooth, making it a versatile choice for both city driving and long-distance journeys.

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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.

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Costs and Consumption
Price
25000 - 34200 £
Price
25200 - 47600 £
Consumption L/100km
5.5 - 6.1 L
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 8.1 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
123 - 135 g/km
co2
25 - 184 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
51 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
4
Doors
5
Curb weight
1420 - 1492 kg
Curb weight
1307 - 1662 kg
Trunk capacity
450 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
4660 mm
Length
4282 - 4296 mm
Width
1795 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1440 mm
Height
1454 - 1483 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1129 - 1237 L
Payload
467 - 481 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.1 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
203 - 216 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 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 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
1998 - 2488 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, G, C, B
Brand
Mazda
Brand
VW

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What drivetrain options does the Mazda 3 Sedan have?

The Mazda 3 Sedan is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.