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

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs BMW 5-Series Price Comparison:
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 Wolfsburg Edition's price is $20,591 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 Wolfsburg Edition, the BMW 5-Series 528i includes additional features worth $7165. 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 $7165 adjustment for the BMW 5-Series 528i's additional features, the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Wolfsburg Edition is $20,591 less than the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Wolfsburg Edition.

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

Lowest Adjusted Price and Invoice: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Wolfsburg Edition
TrueDelta Adjusted Price Difference: 20,591
TrueDelta Adjusted Invoice Difference: 18,489
Model Year20102012
ModelGolf / Rabbit / GTI5-Series
TrimWolfsburg Edition528i
Body4dr Sedan4dr Sedan
Engine200hp I4240hp I4
TransmissionS6T8
DrivetrainFWDAWD
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway)24/32 MPG22/32 MPG
Audio (watts, speakers?, 10180, 10
Tire (rear if not all the same)225/45-17225/55-17
Total Price24,21451,970
Adjustments for Features0-7,165
Feature-Adjusted Total Price24,21444,805
Total Invoice22,93248,045
Adjustments for Features0-6,624
Feature-Adjusted Total Invoice22,93241,421

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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 Wolfsburg Edition
Difference: 27,756
Lowest Total Invoice: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Wolfsburg Edition
Difference: 25,113
Model Year20102012
ModelGolf / Rabbit / GTI5-Series
TrimWolfsburg Edition528i
Body4dr Sedan4dr Sedan
Base Price22,16546,900
Base Invoice20,90743,330
iPod integration199 
6-speed automated manual1,100 
Metallic paint (extra cost) 550
Heated front seats 500
Folding second row seats 475
AWD 2,300
Satellite radio - one year subscription 350
iPod integration 0
6-speed automated manual 0
Metallic paint (extra cost) 500
Heated front seats 455
Folding second row seats 430
AWD 2,115
Satellite radio - one year subscription 320
Total options1,2994,175
Total options1,2753,820
Destination750895
Total Price24,21451,970
Total Invoice22,93248,045

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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 Year20102012
ModelGolf / Rabbit / GTI5-Series
TrimWolfsburg Edition528i
Body4dr Sedan4dr Sedan
Transmission and Drivetrain 
6-speed automated manual$1100 
8-speed manually-shiftable automatic $1300
FWD$0 
AWD $1700
Accessories 
Electronic systems calibration selector $200
Regenerative braking $0
Remote app $25
Remote window/roof operation $15
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, manual$250 
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power $350
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety 
Full-size spare tire$225 
Hill descent control $250
Knee airbag, driver $100
Knee airbag, passenger $100
Tires, run-flat $150
Cargo Management 
Overhead sunglass holder$25 
Climate Control and Infotainment 
Audio controls on steering wheel $125
Automatic air recirculation $100
Automatic climate control, front $200
Bluetooth audio streaming $25
CD changer, in-dash$325 
CD player $125
Dual-zone climate control $125
HD radio $100
Rain-sensing wipers $175
Rear air vents$100 
Rear air vents with manual controls $150
Residual heat $50
Satellite radio$200 
Satellite radio - one year subscription $250
SMS text-to-speech reader $50
Telematics service, such as OnStar $350
Variable intermittent wipers$75 
Voice control for external devices $50
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors 
Auto-dimming driver-side mirror $75
Auto-dimming passenger-side mirror $75
Auto-dimming rearview mirror $150
Automatic headlights $125
Cornering lights $25
Fog light, rear $100
Fog lights $125
Interior ambient lighting $150
Mirror tilt-down in reverse $25
Power-folding mirrors $50
Steering-linked headlights $150
Trip computer $150
Xenon HID headlights $500
Powertrain 
Automatic start / stop $300
Seats and Interior Trim 
Door sill trim plates $100
Manual height adjuster, driver seat$50 
Manual height adjuster, passenger seat$50 
Manual lumbar adjuster, driver seat$50 
Manual lumbar adjuster, passenger seat$50 
Memory system, driver seat $200
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, driver seat $150
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, passenger seat $150
Power fore-aft adjuster, driver seat $100
Power fore-aft adjuster, passenger seat $100
Power headrest height adjuster, driver seat $50
Power headrest height adjuster, passenger seat $50
Power height adjuster, driver seat $100
Power height adjuster, passenger seat $100
Power tilt adjuster, driver seat $100
Power tilt adjuster, passenger seat $100
Wood trim $300
Total Value of Features$2,500$9,665
Value of Feature Adjustments$0$7,165
Value of Feature Adjustments0-6,624

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

Model Year20102012
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 Weight3,352 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
528i

Folding second row seats
FeatureValueRequested?
Folding second row seats300Yes
Second-row 2-section 3-person split bench100No
Total Requested30075%
Total Not Requested10025%
AWD
FeatureValueRequested?
AWD0Yes
Hill descent control250No
Total Requested00%
Total Not Requested250100%

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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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