2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2019 BMW 3 Series

The 2019 BMW 3 Series showcased BMW's evolutionary design philosophy, maintaining a familiar aesthetic without radical changes. It was a compact car, slightly longer and wider than its predecessor, with a low hood, short overhangs, and a ground-hugging stance. The front retained the recognizable BMW kidney grilles and LED running lamps, while the rear featured simplified LED lights. Inside, the 3 Series kept its driver-focused layout with a digital instrument panel and an optional wireless charging pad. However, some interior materials felt coarse compared to previous models.

In contrast, the 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI had a stealthy, understated look, appealing to those who preferred not to draw attention. Despite its innocuous appearance, it featured a honeycomb grille, red accents, and twin exhaust outlets. The GTI was available in several trims, including the limited-production Rabbit Edition, which added gloss black exterior elements and unique colors. Inside, the GTI's straightforward dashboard design and quality materials were complemented by the whimsical Clark Plaid cloth upholstery in the S and Rabbit Edition trims.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series, particularly the 330i xDrive, was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine was praised for its smoothness and torque, although it had more turbo lag at low speeds. The M340i variant offered a twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine with 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The 330i featured an 8-speed automatic transmission with perfect shifts and intuitive programming. The M Sport package added a lower and firmer suspension, variable-ratio steering, and a widened body kit, enhancing its handling. Fuel economy for the 330i xDrive was rated at 25 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The GTI's VAQ limited-slip differential maximized traction and reduced understeer. The GTI's handling was impressive, with quick acceleration and a pleasant engine soundtrack. The ride was stiff due to the sport suspension, but an adaptive damping suspension was available. The GTI's progressive steering was responsive, and the brakes, borrowed from the Golf R, were highly effective. Fuel economy for the Rabbit Edition was rated at 27 mpg combined, with an observed 25.1 mpg.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series offered a spacious backseat with good legroom and a 17-cubic-foot trunk. Visibility was excellent, and the seats were firm yet supportive. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a touchscreen that supported various gestures. The climate controls were easy to use, and USB-C ports were available.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI provided a practical interior with height-adjustable front seats and ample storage. The backseat was comfortable, though legroom was tight. The trunk offered 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space, which could be expanded to 52.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GTI's interior was well-designed, with clear gauges and sensibly arranged controls.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series featured an advanced iDrive system with customizable main menu tiles, over-the-air updates, and a digital key option. Gesture control and a personal assistant were also available, though they were not always reliable. The Driving Assistance Professional Package offered semi-autonomous driving features, and the BMW Connected App allowed for remote start.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI's infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and smartphone integration. The SE trim offered an upgraded system with an 8-inch display, HD Radio, and a Fender premium sound system. The GTI Autobahn trim included a navigation system and a semi-autonomous parking assistant.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top marks in all crash tests and high ratings for its optional laser headlights and standard forward emergency braking. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring as standard on the Rabbit Edition. The GTI Autobahn trim included adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and lane-keeping assist. The GTI received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though it had an Acceptable rating for front passenger protection in the small overlap frontal impact test.