BMW M3 vs. Volkswagen Golf R
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW M3 and Volkswagen Golf R 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 R.
When we compare the BMW M3's and the Volkswagen Golf R's specifications and ratings, the BMW M3 has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Volkswagen Golf R has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, resale value and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the BMW M3's and the Volkswagen Golf R's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf R is a better car than the BMW M3.
Pricing: A used 2024 BMW M3 ranges from $78,841 to $140,275 while a used 2024 Volkswagen Golf R is priced between $44,883 to $51,042. For a new model, the BMW M3's price is between $82,655 and $124,162, with the Volkswagen Golf R priced between $47,191 and $53,276.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW M3 loses 42.3 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Golf R loses 33.2 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Golf R retains 9.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus 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 R base engine makes 315 horsepower. The M3 is rated to deliver an average of 19 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 359 miles. The Golf R is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 406 miles. This gives the Volkswagen Golf R the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the BMW M3. Both models use premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the Volkswagen Golf R 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, rear shoulder room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: The Volkswagen Golf R has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$82,655 - $124,162
Starting MSRP:
$76,000
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$48,375
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$31,800 - $79,900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$47,191 - $53,276
Starting MSRP:
$45,665
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$26,555
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$17,795 - $45,665
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$100,522
Price Range:
$78,841 - $140,275
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$52,490
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$35,163 - $100,522
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
56
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
9,464
# Good or Great Deals:
3
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$47,673
Price Range:
$44,883 - $51,042
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$28,855
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$19,171 - $47,673
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
51
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
5,179
# Good or Great Deals:
4
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$33,315
Depreciation %:
43.8%
Resale Value $:
$42,685
Residual Value %:
56.2%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
48.9%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
33.5% - 53.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$15,558
Depreciation %:
34.1%
Resale Value $:
$30,107
Residual Value %:
65.9%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)
31.6%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)
24.4% - 40.1%
BMW M3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Volkswagen Golf R Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW M3
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
10.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
8.1 - 14.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
1.5%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Golf R
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
11.2
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
10.1 - 13.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.5%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1.2 - 14.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2 - 18.8
BMW M3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
12 out of / 36Ranking
12 out of / 12Ranking
13 out of / 36Ranking
16 out of / 36Ranking
29 out of / 31Volkswagen Golf R Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 43Ranking
13 out of / 43Ranking
17 out of / 43Ranking
18 out of / 43Ranking
21 out of / 43Ranking
24 out of / 24Ranking
26 out of / 43Ranking
35 out of / 43Ranking
42 out of / 43Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
BMW M3 Trim Levels
Base, Competition, Competition xDrive, CS
Volkswagen Golf R Trim Levels
4Motion
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
473 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque:
406 foot-lbs @ 2650 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.123 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
315 hp @ 5900 rpm
Torque:
280 foot-lbs @ 1900 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.093 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 23 / 19
Range (city/hwy):
250 / 359 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 28 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
290 / 406 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.6 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.6 inches
Cargo Space:
13 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
95.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.9 inches
Cargo Space:
19.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
111.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3840 lbs
Width:
81.4 inches
Height:
56.4 inches
Length:
189.1 inches
Wheelbase:
112.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3404 lbs
Width:
70.4 inches
Height:
57.7 inches
Length:
168.9 inches
Wheelbase:
103.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 9.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
275/40R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P235/35R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic
Blue
Frozen Portimao Blue Metallic / Portimao Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Gray
Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Dravit Grey Metallic / Frozen Pure Grey II Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic
Green
Isle of Man Green Metallic
Red
Aventurin Red Metallic / Toronto Red Metallic
White
Alpine White / Frozen Brilliant White Metallic
Yellow
Sao Paulo Yellow
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl / Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Lapiz Blue Metallic
Gray
Not available
Green
Not available
Red
Not available
White
Pure White
Yellow
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Blue
Fjord Blue/Black / Yas Marina Blue/Black w/ Yellow Accent
Brown
Tartufo
Gray
Silverstone/Black
Orange
Kyalami Orange/Black
Red
Fiona Red/Black
White
Ivory White
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black w/ Blue Accents
Blue
Not available
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Orange
Not available
Red
Not available
White
Not available
