BMW M3 vs. Volkswagen Golf

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW M3 and Volkswagen Golf contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW M3 and the Volkswagen Golf.

In comparing the BMW M3's and the Volkswagen Golf's specifications and ratings, the BMW M3 has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Volkswagen Golf has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the BMW M3's and the Volkswagen Golf's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf is a better car than the BMW M3.

Pricing: A used 2021 BMW M3 ranges from $59,764 to $78,991 while a used 2021 Volkswagen Golf is priced between $14,517 to $22,997.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW M3 loses 54.2 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Golf loses 41.7 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Golf retains 12.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW M3.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW M3 is 7.3 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Golf's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the BMW M3 being ranked 20 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Volkswagen Golf being ranked 14 out of 37 Best Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW M3 is 7.0 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Golf the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Golf a slight advantage in reliability compared to the BMW M3.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW M3’s base engine makes 473 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Golf base engine makes 147 horsepower. The M3 is rated to deliver an average of 19 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 359 miles. The Golf is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 515 miles. This gives the Volkswagen Golf the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the BMW M3. The M3 uses premium unleaded, and the Golf uses regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the Volkswagen Golf has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear head room and cargo space. The BMW M3 has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room and rear shoulder room. The BMW M3 and Volkswagen Golf are comparable in regards to rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: The Volkswagen Golf has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.