2006 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen GTI.
Because 2006 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 2006 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 2006 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen GTI.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2011 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | GTI |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4211 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
