Compare the2026 Volkswagen Golf RVS 2026 BMW M3

For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Volkswagen Golf R have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The BMW M3 doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Volkswagen Golf R are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW M3 doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Golf R. But it costs extra on the M3.

Both the Golf R and M3 have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Golf R has Rear Traffic Alert (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The M3’s Cross Traffic Warning doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Golf R and the M3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The Volkswagen Golf R weighs 2160 to 2310 pounds more than the BMW M3. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

There are over 80 percent more Volkswagen dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Golf R’s warranty.

The Volkswagen Golf R’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the M3’s engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

On the EPA test cycle the Golf R gets better mileage than the M3:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Golf R uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The M3 requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The Volkswagen Golf R comes standard with an automatic transmission, for driver comfort, especially in the city. Automatic costs extra on the M3.

The Golf R offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The M3 doesn’t offer an SMG.

The Golf R stops shorter than the M3:

The Golf R’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the M3’s standard 40 series front tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Golf R has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch front wheels are standard on the M3.

The Golf R has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the M3; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For better maneuverability, the Golf R’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the M3’s (38 feet vs. 40 feet). The Golf R’s turning circle is 3.3 feet tighter than the M3 Competition xDrive’s (38 feet vs. 41.3 feet).

The Golf R is 1 foot, 8 inches shorter than the M3, making the Golf R easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Golf R is quieter than the M3 Competition:

The Golf R’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The M3 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Golf R’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The M3 has neither an oil pressure gauge nor a temperature gauge.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Golf R to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The M3 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Golf R has a standard rear wiper. The M3 doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

The Golf R has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the car heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the M3.

According to iSeeCars.com the 2025 Volkswagen Golf R retains 59.23% of its original value after 5 years, significantly more than the 45.84% resale value of the 2025 BMW M3 after five years, which can save the Volkswagen’s owner up to $23262 in depreciation.

Motor Trend selected the Golf R as their 2026 Car of the Year. The M3 has never been chosen.