Mazda Mazda3 Sedan vs. Volkswagen Golf

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan 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 Mazda Mazda3 Sedan and the Volkswagen Golf.

In comparing the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan's and the Volkswagen Golf's specifications and ratings, the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and 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. Based on this comparison of the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan's and the Volkswagen Golf's specifications and ratings, the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan is a better car than the Volkswagen Golf.

Pricing: A used 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Sedan ranges from $16,623 to $26,592 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 Mazda Mazda3 Sedan loses 39.4 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Golf loses 41.7 percent of its value. This means the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan retains 2.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen Golf.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan is 8.8 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Golf's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan is 8.0 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Golf the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Golf.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan’s base engine makes 186 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Golf base engine makes 147 horsepower. The Mazda3 Sedan is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 449 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 Mazda Mazda3 Sedan. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Mazda Mazda3 Sedan has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front leg room and cargo space. The Volkswagen Golf has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan and the Volkswagen Golf have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.