2005 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (323 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 346 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 BMW M3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2005 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2005 BMW M3 (372 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. 2006 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
