2024 Mazda Mazda3 vs. 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review

Picture of the 2024 Mazda Mazda3

2024 Mazda
Mazda3

MSRP*: $25,690 to $36,650
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Picture of the 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI

2024 Volkswagen
Golf GTI

MSRP*: $31,965 to $40,825
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MPG - City 23 - 27 MPG 23 - 24 MPG
MPG - Hwy 31 - 36 MPG 33 - 34 MPG
Seating Capacity 5 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space Info not available Info not available
Engine
  • 191-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 227-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 241-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic, Manual Automatic, Manual
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 191 - 227 hp 241 hp
Exterior Length 175.6 in 168.8 in
Exterior Width 70.7 in 70.4 in
Leg Room Front 42.3 in
Rear 35.1 in
Front 41.2 in
Rear 35.0 in
Head Room Front 37.5 - 38.0 in
Rear 36.5 - 37.2 in
Front 38.5 in
Rear 38.1 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Passengers in the back seat will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Volkswagen Golf GTI than the Mazda Mazda3, due to its greater head- and legroom. As far as headroom and legroom go, there's not much difference between the Mazda Mazda3 and the Volkswagen Golf GTI in the front seats.

Convenience
You'll be making about the same number of stops at the gas station with the Mazda Mazda3 as you will with the Volkswagen Golf GTI, as they get the same number of miles per tank of gas.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Based on MSRP, the Mazda Mazda3 is clearly a better financial choice over the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Dimensions
The Mazda Mazda3 is about the same width as the Volkswagen Golf GTI. For some people, bigger is better. If that's the case for you, then you'll be happier with the Mazda Mazda3, which is slightly longer than the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Handling
The Mazda Mazda3 has a smaller turning radius than the Volkswagen Golf GTI, allowing you to more easily maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When it comes to horsepower, the Mazda Mazda3 is significantly less powerful than the Volkswagen Golf GTI. The good news is that, reportedly, cars with lower horsepower engines often have lower insurance premiums.

Powertrain
The Mazda Mazda3 has much less torque than the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which generally means that it won't feel as fast or powerful.

Utility
In terms of seating you'll be able to fit the same number of people in both the Mazda Mazda3 and the Volkswagen Golf GTI.