Volkswagen Golf vs Mazda 3 2021: A Comprehensive Comparison

Volkswagen Golf vs Mazda 3 Comparison – If you’re looking to buy a new SUV, you may be wondering which is the better choice, the Volkswagen Golf or the Mazda 3?

Both cars offer great features and advantages, but there are differences between them that may make one more suitable for your needs than the other.

In this blog post, we’ll compare the Volkswagen Golf and the Mazda 3 to help you determine which SUV is right for you.

We’ll look at engine performance, interior design, safety features, and more, so you can make an informed decision about which car is the best fit for you.

What is The Main Difference Between Volkswagen Golf and Mazda 3?

The Volkswagen Golf and Mazda 3 are two of the most popular small SUVs on the market today. They have a lot of similarities, including size and power. However, there are a few key differences that might make one of them the better choice for you.

When it comes to comparing the Golf 8 vs Mazda 3, the main differences lie in pricing, engine, fuel economy, interior, infotainment, and safety features.

The Golf 8 starts at around $23,195 while the Mazda 3 begins at $20,650. Both models offer a range of engines, transmissions, and performance options.

The Golf offers a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 147 horsepower, while the Mazda has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 186 horsepower. Both SUVs offer manual and automatic transmissions, and both have decent fuel economy.

The interior of both models is quite roomy and comfortable for up to five passengers. Both have cloth or leather upholstery, depending on the trim level chosen.

The infotainment systems in both vehicles are modern and feature-rich. Both come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus navigation options and Bluetooth audio streaming.

When it comes to safety, both cars offer several driver-assistance features. The Golf 8 has more advanced features than the Mazda 3, though both cars are well-equipped.

The Golf also has some additional advanced safety features available as an option that aren’t available on the Mazda.

So when comparing the Volkswagen Golf vs Mazda 3 2021, which is the better choice? It depends on what you’re looking for in a vehicle.

If you want something with more power and advanced safety features, then the Golf is probably the better choice.

However, if you want something a bit more affordable and less flashy, then the Mazda 3 could be the right choice for you.

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Pricing and Which One to Buy

When it comes to pricing, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf has a retail price of $23,195, which is slightly above average for the compact car class.

The only available trim is the S model, and no major optional features are available. However, you can upgrade from the standard manual transmission to an automatic one for $800.

On the other hand, the 2021 Mazda3 2.0 sedan has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $20,650, plus the destination charge.

The 2021 Mazda3 S sedan starts at $21,650, while the Mazda3 S hatchback begins at $22,650. If you opt for the Preferred Package, an AWD Mazda 3 S costs $24,500 in sedan form and $25,500 as a hatchback.

Comparing the two vehicles side by side, the Volkswagen Golf 8 and the Mazda 3 offer similar features and performance at different price points. The Golf 8 is more expensive and offers more standard features than the Mazda 3.

But if you’re looking for more power and performance, then the Mazda 3 might be the right choice for you with its turbocharged engine and manual transmission options.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

When it comes to engine, transmission, and performance, the Volkswagen Golf and Mazda 3 have a few differences.

The Golf 8 is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.

It’s available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. On the other hand, the Mazda 3 has a choice of two engines.

It comes with a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, as well as an optional 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque.

Both are available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. When it comes to performance, the Golf 8 is more powerful than the Mazda 3, but the latter offers better fuel economy thanks to its smaller engine.

If you’re looking for a sportier ride, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is the way to go. It has a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

It’s available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a hatchback version of the Mazda 3, you can opt for the Mazda 3 Hatchback.

It offers the same engines as the regular Mazda 3, but it also comes with sportier suspension and sharper steering.

Overall, both the Volkswagen Golf and Mazda 3 offer great engine, transmission, and performance options that will suit different types of drivers.

It all depends on what kind of performance you’re looking for and how much you’re willing to spend.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

When comparing the Volkswagen Golf 8 vs Mazda 3, fuel economy is a crucial factor. Both cars offer excellent fuel efficiency, with the Mazda 3 having slightly better numbers.

The Mazda 3 Hatchback returns an impressive 31 mpg city and 36 mpg highway while the Golf 8 returns 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway.

In real-world driving, the Mazda 3 tends to perform better when it comes to MPG. However, those who are looking for more power may be more inclined to the Golf GTI or even the Golf R.

The GTI has an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway while the R returns 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The Mazda 3 is a great choice for those looking for fuel efficiency as well as a comfortable ride.

Interior, and Comfort

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf and Mazda 3 offer drivers great comfort levels. When it comes to interior space, the Golf 8 has an impressive amount of legroom and headroom, making it an excellent choice for larger drivers.

The Mazda 3, on the other hand, is slightly smaller in terms of interior space, but the hatchback offers more cargo room than the Golf 8.

When it comes to materials, both cars offer a wide range of options. The Golf 8 has standard cloth upholstery, but it can be upgraded to include leather and synthetic leather if desired. The Mazda 3 offers a nice mix of soft-touch materials and some higher-end options as well.

Finally, both the Golf 8 and Mazda 3 have great sound systems. The Golf 8 has a 10-speaker system with a subwoofer, while the Mazda 3 has an 8-speaker system.

Both cars offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features, giving drivers access to their favorite apps while on the go.

Ultimately, both cars offer great interior comfort and amenities, so it’s just a matter of personal preference when it comes to choosing between the two.

Infotainment

When it comes to infotainment features, the Volkswagen Golf 8 and the Mazda 3 offer a similar range of options.

Both cars feature a large touchscreen display, with the Golf 8 featuring an 8-inch display while the Mazda 3 has a 7-inch display. Additionally, both cars come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity.

For sound system quality, the Volkswagen Golf 8 offers a 10-speaker sound system while the Mazda 3 provides a 6-speaker system.

When comparing the Mazda 3 vs. Golf GTI and other variants, the Golf 8 offers slightly more in terms of infotainment.

In terms of tech, the Volkswagen Golf 8 wins out over the Mazda 3 Hatchback due to its more comprehensive list of features.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

When it comes to safety and driver-assistance features, both the Volkswagen Golf 8 and Mazda 3 2021 models offer great options.

The Volkswagen Golf 8 offers several driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more.

Meanwhile, the Mazda 3 comes with Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Both cars have received five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests. However, it should be noted that the Golf 8 comes with a semi-automated parking system, which is absent in the Mazda 3.

Overall, both the Volkswagen Golf 8 and the Mazda 3 offer great safety and driver-assistance features.

While the Golf 8 offers a few extra features such as semi-automated parking, both cars have received five-star ratings in their Euro NCAP crash tests.

Ultimately, when it comes to choosing between the Mazda 3 vs Golf 7, 8, or GTI models, it depends on your budget and personal preference.

Final Verdict

When it comes to comparing the Volkswagen Golf vs Mazda 3, there is a lot to consider. The two cars are very different in terms of pricing, engine performance, interior design, and infotainment features.

However, the one area where they both excel is fuel economy and real-world MPG, with both the Golf 8 and Mazda 3 offering impressive performance.

For those who are looking for an affordable vehicle with great gas mileage and modern features, the Mazda 3 is an excellent option.

It is available as both a hatchback and sedan, making it a great fit for any lifestyle. The Mazda 3 also offers a wide range of driver-assistance features and has a surprisingly roomy interior.

For those seeking more performance, the Volkswagen Golf GTI offers an upgraded engine and a higher price tag. It also has some unique exterior design elements and its own suite of driver-assistance features.

It’s the perfect car for those who want something more than just a reliable and efficient car. Ultimately, the decision between the Volkswagen Golf vs Mazda 3 2021 depends on what you’re looking for in a car.

While both vehicles offer great value for their price tags, the Mazda 3 offers a great blend of affordability, comfort, safety, and modern technology that makes it the better choice overall.

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