2008 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 301 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 2006 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2008 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 2008 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2008 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:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
