BMW 3 series 2008 vs Volkswagen Golf 2009
| Gearbox: | Automatic | Automatic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 2.5 Petrol | 2.0 Diesel | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing chain | Timing belt | |
| Engine chain usually needs to be replaced less often than the timing belt, but the cost of replacing the chain is usually higher. Chain motors are considered to be more reliable, but noisier and more vibration generating. | |||
Performance | |||
| Power: | 218 HP | 140 HP | |
| Torque: | 250 NM | 320 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 8.1 seconds | 9.7 seconds | |
|
BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 78 HP more power than Volkswagen Golf, but torque is 70 NM less than Volkswagen Golf. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1.6 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 8.0 | 5.5 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 10.3 l/100km | 6.3 l/100km | |
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The Volkswagen Golf is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 2.5 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Volkswagen Golf, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the BMW 3 series could require 375 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 4 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Volkswagen Golf. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 litres | 55 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 780 km in combined cycle | 1000 km in combined cycle | |
| 1000 km on highway | 1220 km on highway | ||
| 610 km with real consumption | 870 km with real consumption | ||
| Volkswagen Golf gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
Drive type | |||
| Wheel drive type: | 4x4 - AWD (all-wheel-drive) | Front wheel drive (FWD) | |
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BMW 3 sērija has 4x4: BMW xDrive is a proactive all-wheel drive system without a center differential that engages before the vehicle becomes destabilized, unnoticed by the driver. Torque is distributed between the axles by an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case. The clutch is partially locked most of the time, distributing power to both axles in a 40/60 front/rear ratio, but the system is capable of sending 100% of the torque to either axle. At high speeds or when parking, for example, the clutch is disengaged and all power is sent to the rear wheels. DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) also brakes the wheels individually to regain traction and assist in cornering. | |||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 350'000 km | 390'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used, but under equal conditions the average life of a Volkswagen Golf engine could be longer. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 7 years | 8 years | |
| Engine spread: | Installed on at least 3 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW X3, BMW Z4 | Installed on at least 12 other car models, including Volkswagen Passat, Volkswagen Sharan, Audi A3 | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. Volkswagen Golf might be a better choice in this respect. | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.53 m | 4.53 m | |
| Width: | 1.82 m | 1.78 m | |
| Height: | 1.44 m | 1.50 m | |
| BMW 3 series and Volkswagen Golf are practically the same length. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 460 litres | 505 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
no data | 1495 litres | |
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Volkswagen Golf has more luggage space. BMW 3 series has 45 litres less trunk space than the Volkswagen Golf. | |||
| Turning diameter: | 11 meters | 10.9 meters | |
| The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 0.1 metres more than that of the Volkswagen Golf. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 2`200 | 2`050 | |
| Safety: | no data | ||
| Quality: | above average | above average | |
| BMW 3 series has slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for Volkswagen Golf, so BMW 3 series quality could be a bit better. | |||
| Average price (€): | 5800 | 4200 | |
| Rating in user reviews: | 7.3/10 | 8.5/10 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
BMW 3 sērija has
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Volkswagen Golf has
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