Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. Mazda Mazda3 Price Comparison
TrueDelta features the Internet's most balanced and thorough car price and
features comparison between the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI and Mazda Mazda3. Including:
- TrueDelta Car Value Comparison
- Price/Invoice Comparison
- Feature Comparison
- Specs Comparison
- What Our Members Are Saying
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Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI
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Mazda Mazda3
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Summary
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For the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. Mazda Mazda3 price comparison, we have first equipped the cars with selected features. The specific options added are shown in the Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. Mazda3 Price Comparison table. If you want to know how much the Golf / Rabbit / GTI and Mazda3 will cost with the features you specified, this is the table to check. In this case, the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI's price is $2,160 lower than the Mazda Mazda3 MazdaSpeed3's price |
TrueDelta Value Comparison: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. Mazda Mazda3
| Lowest Adjusted Price and Invoice: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI | ||
| TrueDelta Adjusted Price Difference: 2,160 | ||
| TrueDelta Adjusted Invoice Difference: 2,050 | ||
| Model Year | 2011 | 2012 |
| Model | Golf / Rabbit / GTI | Mazda3 |
| Trim | Base | MazdaSpeed3 |
| Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Hatch |
| Engine | 170hp I5 | 263hp I4 |
| Transmission | T6 | M6 |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway) | 24/31 MPG | 18/25 MPG |
| Audio (watts, speakers | ?, 8 | 265, 10 |
| Tire (rear if not all the same) | 195/65-15 | 225/40-18 |
| Total Price | 21,060 | 24,925 |
| Adjustments for Features | 0 | -1,705 |
| Feature-Adjusted Total Price | 21,060 | 23,220 |
| Total Invoice | 20,169 | 23,851 |
| Adjustments for Features | 0 | -1,632 |
| Feature-Adjusted Total Invoice | 20,169 | 22,219 |
Invoice Comparison: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. Mazda Mazda3
Price Comparison (MSRP): Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. Mazda Mazda3The 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.
Models in short supply often sell at or even above these prices.
| Lowest Total Price: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI | ||
| Difference: 3,865 | ||
| Lowest Total Invoice: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI | ||
| Difference: 3,682 | ||
| Model Year | 2011 | 2012 |
| Model | Golf / Rabbit / GTI | Mazda3 |
| Trim | Base | MazdaSpeed3 |
| Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Hatch |
| Base Price | 19,755 | 24,000 |
| Base Invoice | 18,965 | 22,952 |
| Bluetooth cell phone link | 300 | |
| All-weather floor mats | 235 | 80 |
| Cargo mat | 50 | |
| Bluetooth cell phone link | 0 | |
| All-weather floor mats | 64 | |
| Cargo mat | 40 | |
| Total options | 535 | 130 |
| Total options | 434 | 104 |
| Destination | 770 | 795 |
| Total Price | 21,060 | 24,925 |
| Total Invoice | 20,169 | 23,851 |
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. Mazda Mazda3
| Model Year | 2011 | 2012 |
| Model | Golf / Rabbit / GTI | Mazda3 |
| Trim | Base | MazdaSpeed3 |
| Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Hatch |
| Transmission and Drivetrain | ||
| 6-speed manually-shiftable automatic | $1100 | |
| 6-speed manual | $150 | |
| FWD | $0 | $0 |
| Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety | ||
| Compact spare tire | $75 | |
| Full-size spare tire | $225 | |
| Cargo Management | ||
| Air-conditioned storage compartment | $50 | |
| Overhead sunglass holder | $25 | |
| Rear seat pass-through | $100 | |
| Climate Control and Infotainment | ||
| Audio controls on steering wheel | $125 | |
| Automatic climate control, front | $200 | |
| Dual-zone climate control | $125 | |
| Surround sound | $250 | |
| Exterior | ||
| Body kit | $350 | |
| Hood scoop | $100 | |
| Rear spoiler | $200 | |
| Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors | ||
| Boost gauge | $75 | |
| Compass | $25 | |
| Fog lights | $125 | |
| Heated mirrors | $25 | |
| Illuminated visor mirror, driver | $50 | |
| Illuminated visor mirror, passenger | $50 | |
| Interior ambient lighting | $150 | |
| Visor mirror, driver | $10 | |
| Visor mirror, passenger | $10 | |
| Powertrain | ||
| Limited-slip front differential | $275 | |
| Seats and Interior Trim | ||
| Center armrest(s), front row | $75 | |
| Door sill trim plates | $100 | |
| Floor mats | $75 | |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | $150 | |
| Manual height adjuster, passenger seat | $50 | |
| Manual lumbar adjuster, driver seat | $50 | |
| Manual lumbar adjuster, passenger seat | $50 | |
| Metal pedals | $75 | |
| Partial leather seating sufaces | $450 | |
| Power recliner, driver seat | $100 | |
| Power recliner, passenger seat | $100 | |
| Suspension, Wheels, and Tires | ||
| Alloy wheels | $350 | |
| Sport suspension (upgrade) | $0 | |
| Total Value of Features | $1,895 | $3,600 |
| Value of Feature Adjustments | $0 | $1,705 |
| Value of Feature Adjustments | 0 | -1,632 |
Specifications Comparison: Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI vs. Mazda Mazda3
| Model Year | 2011 | 2012 |
| Model | Golf / Rabbit / GTI | Mazda3 |
| Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Hatch |
| Wheelbase | 101.5 in | 103.9 in |
| Length | 165.4 in | 177.4 in |
| Width | 70.3 in | 69.1 in |
| Height | 58.3 in | 57.9 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,025 lb. | 3,281 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
| Row 1 Headroom | 39.3 in | 38.1 in |
| Row 1 Shoulder Room | 54.7 in | 54.9 in |
| Row 1 Hip Room | 0.0 in | 53.7 in |
| Row 1 Legroom | 41.2 in | 42.0 in |
| Row 2 Headroom | 38.5 in | 37.7 in |
| Row 2 Shoulder Room | 52.8 in | 54.0 in |
| Row 2 Hip Room | 0.0 in | 52.2 in |
| Row 2 Legroom | 35.5 in | 36.2 in |
| Cargo Volume, Minimum | 15.0 ft3 | 17.0 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume, Maximum | 46.0 ft3 | 42.8 ft3 |
Dealer Price Quotes
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Want to find out how much dealers are willing to discount these cars? Request free, no-obligation Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI price quotes or Mazda Mazda3 price quotes from dealers using our car quote form. You can also request quotes from our partner PriceQuotes.com in the sidebar and motivate dealers to compete for your business by offering the lowest possible price. The process is easy and takes just a minute or two. You'll receive price quotes from local approved dealers within 48 hours. |
What Our Members Are Saying about the Price of the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI
| Price of the Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 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 | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 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 |
What Our Members Are Saying about the Price of the Mazda Mazda3
| Price of the Mazda Mazda3: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2011 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Well priced, very reasonable, plus they often have 0% financing. |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
When doing my research prior to purchasing a new vehicle, the Mazda very quickly rose to the top as the value leader in the segment. It offers a ton of higher-end standard features, such as auto headlgihts, rain-sensing wipers, and bluetooth standard for a price lower than most of its competitors. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Super cheap. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Compared to the Rallyart Sportback and the WRX wagon, you get a lot for your money. |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lot of features available for the price ... got nice leather seats for less money than I had in my Toyota SUV. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This car is dirt cheap, even with a fair amount of options it comes out to be in the low 20s. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Great value for price. |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Affordable car compared to comparable performance vehicles. |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
It was a better value and deal. |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
When I bought the vehicle, I felt like I got a lot of car for the money - especially in the performance department. |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Very cheap... I bought an 09 brand new off the lot that was fitted with 18" chrome rims and Mazdaspeed exhaust and cold-air intake. All of that was added from the dealer and it still only cost me $360/month. And that is in CANADA...Unbelievable deal |
| 2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
CHEAP! |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Low and reasonable. Best bang for your buck. |
| 2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
As far as bang for the buck, $22,205 gets you a brand new serious pocket rocket with surprising comfort, utility, and good looks as well. |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Price/option was a win over the Civic. |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
The price was great which is why I bought it. The GT is a great deal. I got S-Plan pricing, so it was an even better deal. |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Normally, performance comes with a big price tag; not this one. |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Best bang for the buck among competitors. |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Decent pricing, but still higher than Hyundai. |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Excellent value for the money. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Mazda has priced the mazda 3 to be competative with other cars in the same class. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Competitive price for Japanese made car |
| 2006 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
A new, well equipped S model comes in well below $20000. This compares well with other cars in its class with similar features and performance. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
The vehicle is priced very well in its segment considering its strengths and overall quality. |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
It cost slightly less than a contemporary Civic or Corolla, but offered vastly better performance, handling, and features for the money. I found it comparable to an Acura TSX, for $10,000 less. |
| 2005 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I was able to purchase my car with ABS, side airbags, auto trans, sunroof, 6 speaker stereo, 17" wheels, the aforementioned nice interior, and 2.3L motor for under $20k, which seemed like a good value to me. |
| 2005 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Dealer agreed to what I was offering which was way too less :) |
| 2005 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
they were low |
| 2004 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Priced well for the value, especially used. |
| Price of the Mazda Mazda3: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2012 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The price difference between this and the Elantra is a few thousand dollars when looking at features. When adding extended warranties, the gap widens. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Decent value, but too expensive considering the drivetrain problems I have experienced. |
| 2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Another dealership would not even consider discounting the 2010 Mazda 3, only offering incentives on remaining 2009 models. |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
high price of car and interest |
| 2009 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Discounts are harder to come by than other brands, particularly domestic automakers due to the popularity of the 3. |
| 2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
I have no complaints about price or payments. Car is best buy for the performance and a blast to drive. Overall cost may be excessive for some if not interested in handling and performance. Also, car requires premium fuel. |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Price was too high for the features that came with it |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
It certainly cost less than the TSX, but for the $3-5k difference, I got a LOT more than that value in performance, handling, features, craftsmanship... This was one of my biggest deciding factors. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
It came out more than 5k higher than the Elantra, cash purchase price. (My wife and I always pay cash). |
