2021 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Overview | |
MSRP$41,250 | MSRP$29,880 |
Average price$32,557 | Average price$29,449 |
Listings1836 | Listings103 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2021 BMW 3 Series Reviews SummaryEarly generations of the BMW 3 Series redefined what a luxury car could be, justifying their prestige badge with sporty driving dynamics and impeccable engineering. BMW changed the luxury-car paradigm, proving that nimble sports sedans could be just as desirable as wood-encrusted land yachts. The 3 Series spawned a number of imitators, including the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Lexus IS. Those sedans, along with the Acura TLX, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Cadillac CT4, and Infiniti Q50 (which wear more recently-introduced nameplates) still form the 3 Series’ competitive set, but the car itself has changed. Introduced for the 2019 model year, the current-generation 3 Series (codenamed G20) feels more like a traditional luxury sedan, with a greater emphasis on comfort and convenience than previous generations. The manual transmission is gone, as are the wagon and 3 Series GT hatchback body styles. The 3 Series coupe and convertible were re-badged as the 4 Series beginning with the 2014 model year. The biggest change for the 2021 BMW 3 Series is the addition of the 330e plug-in hybrid model to the lineup, so that’s what we test drove for this review. BMW also offers 330i and M340i versions, and there’s an M3 performance model on the way. | |
2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews SummaryWith its updated engine, revised suspension, and tech-forward interior, the latest iteration of Volkswagen’s legendary GTI looks ready to do battle with the Hyundai Veloster N as well as the upcoming Honda Civic Si and Subaru WRX. With regards to performance, the new GTI leaves almost nothing to be desired. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower255 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower241 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City26 | MPG City25 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway34 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Torque295 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm | Torque273 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm |
Horsepower255 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower241 hp @ 5000 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City26 | MPG City25 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway34 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation System |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/Moonroof |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space13.0 cu ft | Cargo Space19.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight3589 lbs | Curb Weight3113 lbs |
Height56.8 in | Height57.6 in |
Length185.7 in | Length168.8 in |
Width81.4 in | Width70.4 in |
Wheelbase112.2 in | Wheelbase103.6 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload915 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $41,250 | $29,880 |
Average price | $32,557 | $29,449 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 5.0 | 4.8 |
Expert reviews | 6.8 out of 10Read full review | 8.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | Early generations of the BMW 3 Series redefined what a luxury car could be, justifying their prestige badge with sporty driving dynamics and impeccable engineering. BMW changed the luxury-car paradigm, proving that nimble sports sedans could be just as desirable as wood-encrusted land yachts. The 3 Series spawned a number of imitators, including the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Lexus IS. Those sedans, along with the Acura TLX, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Cadillac CT4, and Infiniti Q50 (which wear more recently-introduced nameplates) still form the 3 Series’ competitive set, but the car itself has changed. Introduced for the 2019 model year, the current-generation 3 Series (codenamed G20) feels more like a traditional luxury sedan, with a greater emphasis on comfort and convenience than previous generations. The manual transmission is gone, as are the wagon and 3 Series GT hatchback body styles. The 3 Series coupe and convertible were re-badged as the 4 Series beginning with the 2014 model year. The biggest change for the 2021 BMW 3 Series is the addition of the 330e plug-in hybrid model to the lineup, so that’s what we test drove for this review. BMW also offers 330i and M340i versions, and there’s an M3 performance model on the way. | With its updated engine, revised suspension, and tech-forward interior, the latest iteration of Volkswagen’s legendary GTI looks ready to do battle with the Hyundai Veloster N as well as the upcoming Honda Civic Si and Subaru WRX. With regards to performance, the new GTI leaves almost nothing to be desired. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Drive Train | RWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5000 rpm | 241 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City | 26 | 25 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 34 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm | 273 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5000 rpm | 241 hp @ 5000 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 26 | 25 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 34 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 13.0 cu ft | 19.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3589 lbs | 3113 lbs |
Height | 56.8 in | 57.6 in |
Length | 185.7 in | 168.8 in |
Width | 81.4 in | 70.4 in |
Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 103.6 in |
Maximum Payload | 915 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.