2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2023 BMW 3 Series

The 2023 BMW 3 Series, a staple of the Bavarian brand since 1975, underwent a mid-cycle refresh for its seventh generation. The lineup included the petrol-powered 330i and M340i, as well as the plug-in hybrid 330e. The exterior design changes were subtle yet sporty, maintaining the narrow kidney grille and introducing redesigned full-LED headlights with inverted L-shaped daytime running lights. The front fascia's lower air intakes were reshaped, and character lines led to flared rear-wheel arches, creating a striking first impression. Standard 18-inch double-spoke light alloys were offered, with an optional 19-inch upgrade. Shadowline trim became standard, with Skyscraper Grey as a new paint option. The M340i featured exclusive design elements like a mesh-design kidney grille and trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the 3 Series boasted the BMW iDrive 8 system with a 27.2-inch BMW Curved Display, creating a driver-centric cockpit with a minimalist dashboard.

The 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a sporty version of the VW Golf, was available only as a five-door hatchback in the U.S. The styling was more expressive than its predecessor, featuring a wide-mouth grille, standard LED headlights, and a light strip on SE and Autobahn models. The 380 special edition package, standard on manual-transmission models, included gloss black 19-inch wheels and a black roof. The GTI's interior combined classic styling with modern tech, offering a digital instrument cluster and a large infotainment screen. The front seats featured the GTI's signature plaid upholstery, and the steering wheel was reminiscent of the VW Atlas. The GTI's design was practical, with a focus on everyday usability, though some excitement was sacrificed for a more mature driving experience.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series retained its powertrains from previous years, featuring a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for the 330i and 330e, and a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six for the M340i. All models had an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and xDrive all-wheel drive available. The 330i produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The 330e, with its eDrive electric motor, offered 288 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and providing up to 22 miles of electric-only range. The M340i, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Fuel economy varied slightly across trims, with the 330i achieving 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, while the M340i offered 23 city and 31 highway mpg.

The 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It offered a six-speed manual transmission and a DSG seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard. The GTI's chassis included an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential and optional adaptive damping. The driving experience was precise and stable, with a well-tuned suspension providing a mature feel. The GTI excelled as a daily driver, offering comfort and quietness, especially with the optional adaptive dampers. While it lacked some excitement, the GTI was a great compromise between performance and everyday usability.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series offered a compact yet comfortable interior, with 38.7 inches of headroom and 42 inches of legroom in the front, and 37.6 inches of headroom and 35.2 inches of legroom in the rear. Standard upholstery was SensaTec faux leather, with supportive power-adjustable front sport seats. The 3 Series provided 17 cubic feet of cargo capacity, with rear seats folding in a 40/20/40 split. Standard features included a power moonroof, with available options like a heated steering wheel and keyless entry.

The 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI, with its hatchback body style, offered 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 34.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While passenger space was comparable to sport compact sedans, the GTI provided slightly more second-row headroom. Standard features included heated front seats, automatic climate control, and ambient lighting. SE and Autobahn models added a sunroof, leather upholstery, and a 12-way power driver's seat. However, haptic controls for temperature and audio volume hindered functionality, making them difficult to use while driving.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series featured the iDrive 8 system with a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was intuitive, with customizable widgets and voice control via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Standard tech included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Available options included wireless device charging and a premium Harman Kardon sound system.

The 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered an 8.25-inch touchscreen on the base S trim, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a six-speaker audio system. SE and Autobahn models featured a 10-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro digital instrument cluster was standard, offering four configurations. While the infotainment system was generally user-friendly, the instrument cluster's design was less effective at conveying information.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA, though the PHEV model was unrated. The IIHS awarded the 2022 model a Top Safety Pick, with the 330i's headlights rated Poor. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, and Active Guard. Optional packages added features like active blind spot detection and lane-keep assist.

The 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI received top "Good" scores in some IIHS tests, with headlights rated "Acceptable" or "Marginal." Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The GTI also featured Intelligent Crash Response and Emergency Assist on DSG models. Additional options included park distance control and traffic sign recognition.