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Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. BMW 3-Series Price Comparison

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs BMW 3-Series Price Comparison:
Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs BMW 3-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 3-Series. Including:

 

Calculate Payments

 Down PaymentInterest RateTerm

Summary

For the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. BMW 3-Series price comparison, we have first equipped the cars with selected features. The specific options added are shown in the Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. 3-Series Price Comparison table. If you want to know how much the Golf / Rabbit / GTI and 3-Series will cost with the features you specified, this is the table to check. In this case, the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI GTI's price is $11,870 lower than the BMW 3-Series 328i'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. 3-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 GTI, the BMW 3-Series 328i includes additional features worth $1680. 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 $1680 adjustment for the BMW 3-Series 328i's additional features, the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI GTI is $11,870 less than the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI GTI.

TrueDelta Value Comparison: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. BMW 3-Series

Lowest Adjusted Price and Invoice: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI GTI
TrueDelta Adjusted Price Difference: 11,870
TrueDelta Adjusted Invoice Difference: 9,799
Model Year20112012
ModelGolf / Rabbit / GTI3-Series
TrimGTI328i
Body4dr Hatch4dr Wagon
Engine200hp I4230hp I6
TransmissionS6M6
DrivetrainFWDRWD
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway)24/33 MPG18/28 MPG
Audio (watts, speakers300, 8180, 8
Tire (rear if not all the same)225/40-18225/45-17
Total Price31,69545,245
Adjustments for Features0-1,680
Feature-Adjusted Total Price31,69543,565
Total Invoice30,45941,810
Adjustments for Features0-1,552
Feature-Adjusted Total Invoice30,45940,258

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Invoice Comparison: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. BMW 3-Series

Price Comparison (MSRP): Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. BMW 3-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 GTI
Difference: 13,550
Lowest Total Invoice: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI GTI
Difference: 11,351
Model Year20112012
ModelGolf / Rabbit / GTI3-Series
TrimGTI328i
Body4dr Hatch4dr Wagon
Base Price24,29537,500
Base Invoice23,32334,680
Autobahn Package5,530 
6-speed automated manual1,100 
Premium Package 1,900
Navigation system 2,150
Steering-linked headlights 900
Metallic paint (extra cost) 550
Aluminum trim 0
Heated front seats 500
Proximity key 500
Satellite radio - one year subscription 350
Autobahn Package 0
6-speed automated manual 0
Premium Package 1,730
Navigation system 1,955
Steering-linked headlights 820
Metallic paint (extra cost) 500
Aluminum trim 0
Heated front seats 455
Proximity key 455
Satellite radio - one year subscription 320
Total options6,6306,850
Total options6,3666,235
Destination770895
Total Price31,69545,245
Total Invoice30,45941,810

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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 3-Series

Model Year20112012
ModelGolf / Rabbit / GTI3-Series
TrimGTI328i
Body4dr Hatch4dr Wagon
Transmission and Drivetrain 
6-speed automated manual$1100 
6-speed manual $150
FWD$0 
RWD $0
Accessories 
Remote app $25
Remote window/roof operation $15
Universal garage door opener $100
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety 
Full-size spare tire$225 
Tires, run-flat $150
Cargo Management 
Cargo area partition net $40
Liftglass or two-piece tailgate $150
Overhead sunglass holder$25 
Rear seat pass-through$100 
Climate Control and Infotainment 
Automatic air recirculation $100
Automatic climate control, front $200
Dual-zone climate control $125
DVD-compatible player $0
Media drive, large $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
SD Card slot$25 
SMS text-to-speech reader $50
Telematics service, such as OnStar $350
Traffic information $50
Variable intermittent wipers$75 
Voice control for external devices $50
Voice control for nav and audio $100
Exterior 
Panoramic sunroof $1200
Rear spoiler$200 
Sunroof$900 
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors 
Auto-dimming driver-side mirror $75
Auto-dimming passenger-side mirror $75
Auto-dimming rearview mirror $150
Automatic headlights $125
Interior ambient lighting $150
Mirror tilt-down in reverse $25
Powertrain 
Launch control$100 
Steering-wheel-mounted transmission controls$100 
Seats and Interior Trim 
Door sill trim plates$100 
Floor mats$75 
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
Metal pedals$75 
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 height adjuster, driver seat $100
Power height adjuster, passenger seat $100
Power tilt adjuster, driver seat $100
Power tilt adjuster, passenger seat $100
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires 
Sport suspension (upgrade)$0 
Total Value of Features$3,600$5,280
Value of Feature Adjustments$0$1,680
Value of Feature Adjustments0-1,552

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Specifications Comparison: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. BMW 3-Series

Model Year20112012
ModelGolf / Rabbit / GTI3-Series
Body4dr Hatch4dr Wagon
Wheelbase101.5 in108.7 in
Length165.4 in178.2 in
Width70.3 in71.5 in
Height58.3 in55.8 in
Curb Weight3,090 lb.3,462 lb.
Fuel Capacity14.5 gal.15.9 gal.
Row 1 Headroom39.3 in37.4 in
Row 1 Shoulder Room54.7 in55.4 in
Row 1 Legroom41.2 in41.5 in
Row 2 Headroom38.5 in38.0 in
Row 2 Shoulder Room52.8 in55.1 in
Row 2 Legroom35.5 in34.6 in
Cargo Volume,
Minimum
15.0 ft324.8 ft3
Cargo Volume,
Maximum
46.0 ft358.0 ft3

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Option Package Details
GTI

Autobahn Package
FeatureValueRequested?
Leather seating surfaces900Yes
Proximity key250Yes
Dynaudio, 300W, 8 speakers350No
Navigation system600Yes
Steering-linked headlights150Yes
Xenon HID headlights500Yes
HD radio100Yes
Audio controls on steering wheel125Yes
Sunroof900Yes
CD changer, in-dash200No
Digital media reader25No
Total Requested352586%
Total Not Requested57514%

Option Package Details
328i

Steering-linked headlights
FeatureValueRequested?
Steering-linked headlights150Yes
Xenon HID headlights500Yes
Total Requested650100%
Total Not Requested00%
Premium Package
FeatureValueRequested?
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, driver seat150No
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, passenger seat150No
Universal garage door opener100No
Auto-dimming rearview mirror150No
Auto-dimming driver-side mirror75No
Compass25Yes
Auto-dimming passenger-side mirror75No
Memory system, driver seat200No
Power height adjuster, passenger seat100No
Power tilt adjuster, passenger seat50No
Power fore-aft adjuster, driver seat100No
Power height adjuster, driver seat100No
Power tilt adjuster, driver seat50No
Power recliner, driver seat100Yes
Power recliner, passenger seat100Yes
Power fore-aft adjuster, passenger seat100No
Total Requested22514%
Total Not Requested140086%
Navigation system
FeatureValueRequested?
Navigation system600Yes
DVD-compatible player0No
Voice control for nav and audio100No
Traffic information50No
Media hard drive100No
Telematics service, such as OnStar350No
Bluetooth cell phone link100Yes
Text-to-speech reader50No
Bluetooth audio streaming25Yes
Remote app25No
Total Requested72552%
Total Not Requested67548%

Dealer Price Quotes

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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 3-Series

Price of the BMW 3-Series: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2009 4dr Sedan 414-horsepower 4.0L V8
6-speed manual RWD
M3 is a bargain in its segment.
2007 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
BMW financial does a good job, and price negotiation was no fuss no hassle, based upon local agreements with AAA, Price Club. Was able to convert from purchase to a lease w/o a problem, and saved money doing this.
2007 2dr Coupe 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
Extremely high factory residuals make leasing this car an excellent option if you tend to buy a new car every 4 years or so.
Price of the BMW 3-Series: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 4dr Sedan turbocharged 240hp 2.0L I4
8-speed shiftable automatic RWD
The only down side to a BMW would be with the price tag, but if you demand economy and performance from a dependable and reliabile car, then there is a price.
2009 2dr Coupe turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD
Base model is a rental car. Adding "options" adds $10k to the base instantly, widening the gap between the Infiniti and the Bimmer to...$11k.
2009 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Car is too expensive in Canada - should be 10% cheaper to match US prices.
2009 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed manual AWD
This car is pretty expensive and the payments are somewhat burdensome, but I understood the cost of entry going into the car buying process. That said, you get what you pay for. This car is still a great value.
2009 4dr Sedan turbocharged 265hp 3.0L I6 Diesel
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
BMW pricing.
2009 2dr Coupe 414-horsepower 4.0L V8
7-speed automated manual RWD
I believe it needs to sticker 10-12k less. You can get a Vette GS, a Caddy CTS, for 18K less!
2008 2dr Hardtop conv. turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
Reasonably equipped in Canada it is a $75,000 car
2008 2dr Coupe 414-horsepower 4.0L V8
6-speed manual RWD
very expensive
2008 2dr Coupe 414-horsepower 4.0L V8
7-speed automated manual RWD
No leasing option for physical persons in Greece
2008 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
fuel pump issue, materials low quality
2008 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD
Expensive to purchase and expensive to mainatain after warranty expires
2008 4dr Wagon 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Options it up and you are well over $40K for a 230HP sluggish car.
2008 2dr Coupe 414-horsepower 4.0L V8
6-speed manual RWD
This is a problem with most car companies, but by the time you add the options you would actually WANT on your car, you've easily added $7k-$12k to advertised MSRP. Often times things you want are bundled with things you don't want or care
2008 4dr Wagon 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
More expensive yet repair history not as good
2008 2dr Coupe turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Althought the price reflects general maintenance costs, over the 4 year program, there are significantly reduced numbers of those maintenances performed, ie., oir change, general inspections, no tire rotations, etc.
2008 2dr Coupe turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD
about 25% more expensive than the Infinity, plus dealer add-ons are very expensive
2007 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Too expensive for what you get. Even used the price is not worth the lack of styling, and undesirable & upredicable accelarator & shifting, and sensitive unpredicable braking.
2007 2dr Coupe 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
Too expensive. Too many options installed in cars at dealer inventory.
2007 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD
premium brand, paying for performance but US to Canada is a ripoff. same car is 10k less in USA.
2007 2dr Coupe turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
The car is more expensive than it should be for what you get in the purchase. I think you pay well for the BMW emblem.
2007 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
Features like AWD are not standard. These features quickly increases the price when added.
2007 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD
Kinda high in price.
2007 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
Roughly 50K for a fully equipt vehicle. Dealers would not discount. However, lease program was attractive but I did not want to lease.
2007 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
Cost more than average car
2007 4dr Wagon 230-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
high priced - but may be worth it for the vehical
2006 4dr Sedan 215-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
Pretty expensive compared to Japanese cars of similar design.
2006 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD
BMWs are definitely spendy for what you get.
2006 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
Sometimes things get expensive when you build a new car.
2006 4dr Sedan 215-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
Expensive car.
2006 4dr Sedan 215-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
The price of a new 3-Series is on the rise, in turn increasing the average payment and making it harder for some to justify the $50-60K cost of a midsize sedan.
2006 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
Pricey for us poor public servants.
2006 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
It is an expensive car and offering less options, comparing to the competition. Without warrantee, the maintenance cost is mind blowing. Electrical malfunction occurs quite often, so be prepared to save up for your annual repair.
2006 4dr Sedan 215-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD
The price was high for the features and performance compared to the A4 and the TL.
2006 4dr Sedan 215-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD
Especially when "packages" are included, can be very expensive, even in 325, 328 versions. Some packages force odd accessories to get useful ones.
2005 4dr Sedan 184-horsepower 2.5L I6
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
A little more expensive than competing makes/models, but worth it.
2005 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed manual AWD
a little oversprice- just due to the brand name factor.
2005 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
BMW quality comes with a BMW price tag. Ouch.
2004 4dr Sedan 235-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD
expensive, but holds its value well.
2004 2dr Coupe 225-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed automated manual RWD
It is expensive.
2004 4dr Wagon 184-horsepower 2.5L I6
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
If you buy a CPO, the price is much higher than private party.
2004 4dr Sedan 184-horsepower 2.5L I6
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
They cost more. I prefer a used BMW to any new Asian car.
2004 4dr Sedan 235-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD
The grouping of options into "packages" usually includes one item that you want and cannot get any other way with several other expensive things that you do not want, but cannot delete from your order (i.e. auto dimming mirrors with lumbar support).
2004 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6
6-speed manual RWD
maintenance is $$$ relative to other brands
2003 4dr Wagon 184-horsepower 2.5L I6
5-speed manual AWD
They are expensive to purchase, and to maintain.
2003 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6
5-speed manual AWD
Ridiculous for what you get. Extra cost metallic paint and folding rear seat! Vinyl seats in a $30k+ car?!
2002 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6
5-speed manual RWD
Expensive
2002 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.0L I6
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
pay too much for the "NAME"
2002 4dr Sedan 184-horsepower 2.5L I6
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
Price is a bit high once you add the "options" that should be included like sunroof, leather, HID lights and such
2002 2dr Coupe 184-horsepower 2.5L I6
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
As this car is subject for taxation at many levels you will always pay more. The cost of parts is not as high as you would think.

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