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Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. BMW 5-Series Price Comparison

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs BMW 5-Series Price Comparison: - photograph by Ben C.
Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs BMW 5-Series Price Comparison:

TrueDelta features the Internet's most balanced and thorough car price and
features comparison between the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI and BMW 5-Series. Including:

 

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Summary

For the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. BMW 5-Series price comparison, we have first equipped the cars with selected features. The specific options added are shown in the Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. 5-Series Price Comparison table. If you want to know how much the Golf / Rabbit / GTI and 5-Series will cost with the features you specified, this is the table to check. In this case, the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2.0T's price is $19,225 lower than the BMW 5-Series 528i's price

Each car includes features you didn't request, and that aren't included on the other car. In the Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. 5-Series Features Comparison table we've tallied these features up and assigned monetary values to them using the site's default values. For example, compared to the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2.0T, the BMW 5-Series 528i includes additional features worth $5915. The TrueDelta Value Comparison figures include adjustments for most differences in feature content. However, they do not include advertising fees, factory-to-dealer incentives, or differences in engines, tires, seat configurations, and audio systems. Exceptions: They do include values for third-row seats and media players. Additional notes

0 In this case, despite a $5915 adjustment for the BMW 5-Series 528i's additional features, the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2.0T is $19,225 less than the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2.0T.

TrueDelta Value Comparison: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. BMW 5-Series

Lowest Adjusted Price and Invoice: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2.0T
TrueDelta Adjusted Price Difference: 19,225
TrueDelta Adjusted Invoice Difference: 17,822
Model Year20062012
ModelGolf / Rabbit / GTI5-Series
Trim2.0T528i
Body4dr Sedan4dr Sedan
Enginehp 240hp I4
TransmissionS6T8
DrivetrainFWDAWD
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway)25/31 MPG22/32 MPG
Audio (watts, speakers?, 10180, 10
Tire (rear if not all the same)225/45-17225/55-17
Total Price31,98057,120
Adjustments for Features0-5,915
Feature-Adjusted Total Price31,98051,205
Total Invoice29,45752,740
Adjustments for Features0-5,461
Feature-Adjusted Total Invoice29,45747,279

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Invoice Comparison: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. BMW 5-Series

Price Comparison (MSRP): Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. BMW 5-Series

The sticker prices, before adjusting for remaining feature differences. Usually these are the numbers you will see on the window stickers.

Models in short supply often sell at or even above these prices.

Lowest Total Price: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2.0T
Difference: 25,140
Lowest Total Invoice: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2.0T
Difference: 23,283
Model Year20062012
ModelGolf / Rabbit / GTI5-Series
Trim2.0T528i
Body4dr Sedan4dr Sedan
Base Price23,59046,900
Base Invoice21,70243,330
Package 34,885 
6-speed automated manual1,075 
Navigation system1,800 
Cold Weather Package 1,450
Premium Package 2,250
Metallic paint (extra cost) 550
AWD 2,300
Sunshade, rear, power 575
Satellite radio - one year subscription 350
Technology Package 1,850
Package 3 0
6-speed automated manual 0
Navigation system 0
Cold Weather Package 1,320
Premium Package 2,050
Metallic paint (extra cost) 500
AWD 2,115
Sunshade, rear, power 525
Satellite radio - one year subscription 320
Technology Package 1,685
Total options7,7609,325
Total options7,1258,515
Destination630895
Total Price31,98057,120
Total Invoice29,45752,740

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While we strive for accuracy, the site is not error-free, and prices can change at any time.

 

Features Comparison: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. BMW 5-Series

Model Year20062012
ModelGolf / Rabbit / GTI5-Series
Trim2.0T528i
Body4dr Sedan4dr Sedan
Transmission and Drivetrain 
6-speed automated manual$1100 
8-speed manually-shiftable automatic $1300
FWD$0 
AWD $1700
Accessories 
AC power outlet$100 
Electronic systems calibration selector $200
Heated steering wheel $100
Power decklid $350
Regenerative braking $0
Remote app $25
Remote window/roof operation $15
Sunshade, rear$125 
Sunshade, rear, power $225
Sunshades, second row $125
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, manual$250 
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power $350
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety 
Hill descent control $250
Knee airbag, driver $100
Knee airbag, passenger $100
Obstacle detection, front $200
Rearview camera $200
Tires, run-flat $150
Cargo Management 
Overhead sunglass holder$25 
Climate Control and Infotainment 
Aux input $100
Bluetooth audio streaming $25
Bluetooth cell phone link $100
CD changer, remote$200 
DVD-compatible player $0
HD radio $100
iPod integration $150
Media drive, large $100
Rear air vents$100 
Rear air vents with manual controls $150
Residual heat $50
SMS text-to-speech reader $50
Telematics service, such as OnStar $350
Traffic + travel information $50
Voice control for external devices $50
Voice control for nav and audio $100
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors 
Auto-dimming driver-side mirror $75
Auto-dimming passenger-side mirror $75
Compass$25 
Cornering lights $25
Fog light, rear $100
Fog lights $125
Mirror tilt-down in reverse $25
Power-folding mirrors $50
Steering-linked headlights $150
Powertrain 
Automatic start / stop $150
Seats and Interior Trim 
Heated second row seats $200
Power headrest height adjuster, driver seat $50
Power headrest height adjuster, passenger seat $50
Total Value of Features$1,925$7,840
Value of Feature Adjustments$0$5,915
Value of Feature Adjustments0-5,461

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Specifications Comparison: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. BMW 5-Series

Model Year20062012
ModelGolf / Rabbit / GTI5-Series
Body4dr Sedan4dr Sedan
Wheelbase101.5 in116.9 in
Length179.3 in193.1 in
Width70.1 in73.2 in
Height57.4 in57.6 in
Curb Weight3,303 lb.4,001 lb.
Fuel Capacity14.5 gal.18.5 gal.
Row 1 Headroom38.5 in40.5 in
Row 1 Shoulder Room54.8 in58.3 in
Row 1 Legroom41.2 in41.4 in
Row 2 Headroom37.2 in38.3 in
Row 2 Shoulder Room53.1 in56.2 in
Row 2 Legroom35.4 in36.1 in
Cargo Volume16.0 ft318.4 ft3

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Option Package Details
2.0T

Package 3
FeatureValueRequested?
Tire-pressure monitor75Yes
Power recline, passenger100Yes
Power fore-aft, passenger100Yes
Power lumbar, 4-way, passenger100Yes
Universal garage door opener100Yes
Auto-dimming rearview mirror150Yes
Rain-sensing wipers100Yes
Automatic headlights125Yes
Sunshade, rear125Yes
Power height, passenger50Yes
Power tilt, passenger100Yes
Obstacle detection, rear300Yes
Perimeter approach lighting25No
Xenon HID headlights500Yes
Headlight washers50Yes
225/45HR17 tires400No
Wood trim300Yes
Dual-zone climate control125Yes
Leather seating surfaces900Yes
Automatic climate control, front200Yes
Power fore-aft, driver100Yes
Power height, driver50Yes
Power tilt, driver100Yes
Power lumbar, 4-way, driver100Yes
Memory system, driver200Yes
Total Requested405091%
Total Not Requested4259%

Option Package Details
528i

AWD
FeatureValueRequested?
AWD0Yes
Hill descent control250No
Total Requested00%
Total Not Requested250100%
Sunshade, rear, power
FeatureValueRequested?
Sunshade, rear, power225No
Sunshades, second row125No
Total Requested00%
Total Not Requested350100%
Cold Weather Package
FeatureValueRequested?
Second-row 2-section 3-person split bench100No
Folding second row seats300Yes
Heated front seats300Yes
Heated second row seats200No
Heated steering wheel100No
Headlight washers50Yes
Total Requested65062%
Total Not Requested40038%
Premium Package
FeatureValueRequested?
Leather seating surfaces900Yes
Universal garage door opener100Yes
Obstacle detection, front200No
Obstacle detection, rear300Yes
Power decklid350No
Upholstered door panels, leather250No
Total Requested130062%
Total Not Requested80038%
Technology Package
FeatureValueRequested?
Rearview camera200No
Navigation system600Yes
DVD-compatible player0No
Voice control for nav and audio100No
Media hard drive100No
Traffic + travel information50No
Total Requested60057%
Total Not Requested45043%

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What Our Members Are Saying about the Price of the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI

Price of the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed manual FWD
The TDI was more than $7,000 cheaper than a Golf R. You have to really want the R to pay the premium. I wanted it more than my wife did. Guess who won? Three months later, I'm very happy with the economy but feeling no pain as the car is still great to drive everyday.
2011 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
For 35 percent less monthly than the BMW I can own the car rather than lease.
2010 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
For the amount of standard equipment (ESP, 6-speed tiptronic, 170 hp engine), it is actually cheaper than a similarly configured Honda Civic or even Fit. Great value for money.
2009 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD
Relatively low payment, get lots of nonstandard options as standard on VWs
2008 2dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6
6-speed automated manual AWD
Purchased as a used-corp. leased vehicle at a 30%+ discount
2008 2dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6
6-speed automated manual AWD
I paid 23K for a 2008 with 6K miles.
2008 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Reasonable trade-in value on the 2002 GTI, + incentives, "drive-away" lease program = $88/month.
2007 2dr Hatch 150-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Great value for the engineering and materials
2007 2dr Hatch 150-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
For about $17,000, the best package of standard equipment available today! Aircon, 4-wheel disk brakes, stability control, electric-assist power steering, power everything, remote entry, alarm, zippy 2.5 liter engine, comfortable seats, large cargo room
2007 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
The GTI was much cheaper then most other cars I was considering (3-series, A4, 9-3, TSX, and G35).
2002 4dr Hatch 115-horsepower 2.0L I4
4-speed automatic FWD
$15,000 is a good price given that it carries 4 people+ gear in good comfort, gets decent fuel economy, and has an interior looking at least one class above.
Price of the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD
I mentioned earlier that the Golf is still assembled in Wolfsburg, Germany, and hasn't been moved to any of VW's new world plants. This might be a mark in its favor vis-à-vis quality control, but the Euro-dollar exchange rate is not your friend on this model. 18K is a steep base price in this segment (although, to be fair, you often have to step up to some kind of "sport" trim line in other cars to get remotely competitive refinement). Things only get worse from here, as the jump to a GTI or a TDI is quite brutal. But if you just remind yourself that you're buying into the cheapest European car to be had in the United States, a car of exquisite refinement, I find that the sting goes away very quickly!
2010 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
There are many other similarly sized cars that cost much less. The extra cost gets you the better handling, faster engine, and higher quality interior.
2009 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
not willing to deal at all, I get a supplier discount and it didnt matter
2008 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
they are a little pricey compared to others with similar MPG
2007 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Pretty expensive to buy in Canada
2006 4dr Hatch turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
VW golf seems to be priced a lot higher than equivalent japanese or north american compact cars.
2005 2dr Hatch turbocharged 180hp 1.8L I4
5-speed manual FWD
The price was more than a Passat

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What Our Members Are Saying about the Price of the BMW 5-Series

Price of the BMW 5-Series: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2008 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Better than the Lexus I was looking at for a much better handling and more luggage space vehicle.
Price of the BMW 5-Series: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2010 4dr Wagon turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Too expensive for what you get.
2006 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
for 60k the 5 series seems a bit pricy compared to what you can get from even an acura TL for instance.
2006 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
I paid cash, but they do not usually offer incentives on the 5 series. That may have changed in this economy but the 5 series has few incentives.
2006 4dr Wagon 255-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Very expensive car 90K CDN or 60K USD new. Very pricey for a car.
2002 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6
5-speed manual RWD
Compared to the implicit value of Genesis, BMW simply charges too much for what you get...$25K delta just not justifiable.
2001 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
still a high payment
2000 4dr Sedan 282-horsepower 4.4L V8
6-speed manual RWD
Mostly about the depreciation - you will lose money

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