Car comparison

Volkswagen Golf V (3-DOOR) GTI 2.0 TFSIvsVolkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

Volkswagen Golf V (3-DOOR)

GTI 2.0 TFSI

230 hp1984 ccGasolineFWDDual-clutchTurbochargedHatchback2006-2008
VS

Volkswagen Golf III

2.9 VR6 Syncro

190 hp2861 ccGasolineAWDManualNaturally aspiratedHatchback1994-1997

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

Volkswagen Golf V (3-DOOR) GTI 2.0 TFSI

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    6.6 s
  • Fastest top speed
    243 km/h
    151 mph
  • Most powerful
    230 hp
    172 kW
  • Highest torque
    300 Nm
    221 lb-ft
  • Best power-to-weight
    149 hp/t
    111 kW/t
    6.7 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    7.9 L/100 km
    29.8 mpg US
    35.8 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    10.7 L/100 km
    22.0 mpg US
    26.4 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    6.2 L/100 km
    37.9 mpg US
    45.6 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    696 km
    433 mi
  • Largest trunk
    350 L
  • Best overall score
    60/100
  • Best performance score
    56/100
  • Best economy score
    86/100
  • Best practicality score
    67/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelVolkswagenGolf V (3-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSIVolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
Power
230hp172kW
190hp142kW
Torque
300Nm221lb-ft
245Nm181lb-ft
Curb weight
1,547kg3,411lb
1,410kg3,109lb
Gross weight
1,940kg4,277lb
1,800kg3,968lb
Top speed
243 km/h
151 mph
224 km/h
139 mph
To 99% top speed
76.5s99% target: 241 km/h / 149 mph
Calculated
75.2s99% target: 222 km/h / 138 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.6s
7.5s
0-200 km/h
25.3s
Calculated
33.4s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.3s
Calculated
7.1s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
7.9L/100 km29.8mpg US35.8mpg UK
10.5L/100 km22.4mpg US26.9mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
10.7L/100 km22mpg US26.4mpg UK
11.8L/100 km19.9mpg US23.9mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
6.2L/100 km37.9mpg US45.6mpg UK
9.6L/100 km24.5mpg US29.4mpg UK
Quarter mile
14.6s
Calculated
15.4s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
149hp/t111kW/t67hp/1000 lb
Calculated
135hp/t100kW/t61hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
194Nm/t130lb-ft/ton
Calculated
174Nm/t116lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
696km433mi
Calculated
619km385mi
Calculated
Displacement
1,984cc121cu in
2,861cc175cu in
Length
4,216mm166in
4,020mm158in
Width
1,759mm69in
1,695mm67in
Height
1,501mm59in
1,405mm55in
Wheelbase
2,578mm101in
2,475mm97in
Front track
1,534mm60in
1,450mm57in
Rear track
1,516mm60in
1,432mm56in
Trunk volume
350L
230L
Max trunk volume
1,305L
587L
Doors
3
3
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
55L
65L

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

Volkswagen Golf V (3-DOOR) GTI 2.0 TFSIVolkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 SyncroPowerTorque
  • Volkswagen Golf V (3-DOOR) GTI 2.0 TFSI: Power / Torque
  • Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
VolkswagenGolf V (3-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSI5,500 rpm2,200-5,200 rpm5,750 rpm
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro5,800 rpm4,200 rpm6,050 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricVolkswagenGolf V (3-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSIVolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.3 s
7.1 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.6 s
7.5 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
25.3 s
33.4 s
Top speed
243 km/h
151 mph
224 km/h
139 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.5 s
2.6 s
330 ft
101 m
6.4 s
6.8 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.6 s
10.1 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.3 s
13.0 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.6 s
15.4 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
160 km/h
99 mph
151 km/h
94 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenGolf V (3-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSI
230 hp
172 kW
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
190 hp
142 kW

Volkswagen Golf V (3-DOOR) GTI 2.0 TFSI has 40 hp more than Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro.

The biggest power difference is between Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro and Volkswagen Golf V (3-DOOR) GTI 2.0 TFSI: 40 hp (30 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenGolf V (3-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSI
300 Nm
221 lb-ft
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
245 Nm
181 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenGolf V (3-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSI
1,547 kg
3,411 lb
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
1,410 kg
3,109 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenGolf V (3-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSI
243 km/h
151 mph
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
224 km/h
139 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenGolf V (3-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSI6.6 s
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro7.5 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Volkswagen Golf V (3-DOOR) GTI 2.0 TFSI and Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro: 0.9 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenGolf V (3-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSI
7.9 L/100 km
29.8 mpg US
35.8 mpg UK
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Volkswagen Golf V (3-DOOR) GTI 2.0 TFSI and Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro: 2.6 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenGolf V (3-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSI
149 hp/t
111 kW/t
6.7 kg/hp
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
135 hp/t
100 kW/t
7.4 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenGolf V (3-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSI
696 km
433 mi
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
619 km
385 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
VolkswagenGolf V (3-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSI
230 hp
172 kW
6.6 s
243 km/h
151 mph
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
190 hp
142 kW
7.5 s
224 km/h
139 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
VolkswagenGolf V (3-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSI
Power
230 hp
172 kW
0-100 km/h6.6 s
Top speed
243 km/h
151 mph
Doors/seats
3 doors
5 seats
Trunk
350 L
12.4 cu ft
Length
4,216 mm
166.0 in
Height
1,501 mm
59.1 in
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
Power
190 hp
142 kW
0-100 km/h7.5 s
Top speed
224 km/h
139 mph
Doors/seats
3 doors
5 seats
Trunk
230 L
8.1 cu ft
Length
4,020 mm
158.3 in
Height
1,405 mm
55.3 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
VolkswagenGolf V (3-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSI
Power
230 hp
172 kW
0-100 km/h6.6 s
Top speed
243 km/h
151 mph
7.9 L/100 km
29.8 mpg US
35.8 mpg UK
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
Power
190 hp
142 kW
0-100 km/h7.5 s
Top speed
224 km/h
139 mph
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK

Volkswagen Golf V (3-DOOR) GTI 2.0 TFSI is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
VolkswagenGolf V (3-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSI
7.9 L/100 km
29.8 mpg US
35.8 mpg UK
6.6 s
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK
7.5 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
VolkswagenGolf V (3-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSI
149 hp/t
111 kW/t
6.7 kg/hp
7.9 L/100 km
29.8 mpg US
35.8 mpg UK
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
135 hp/t
100 kW/t
7.4 kg/hp
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleVolkswagenGolf V (3-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSIVolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
Power
230 hp
172 kW
190 hp
142 kW
Torque
300 Nm
221 lb-ft
245 Nm
181 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.6 s
7.5 s
Top speed
243 km/h
151 mph
224 km/h
139 mph
Lightness
1,547 kg
3,411 lb
1,410 kg
3,109 lb
Fuel consumption
7.9 L/100 km
29.8 mpg US
35.8 mpg UK
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
3 doors
5 seats
Trunk
350 L
12.4 cu ft
Length
4,216 mm
166.0 in
Height
1,501 mm
59.1 in
Doors/seats
3 doors
5 seats
Trunk
230 L
8.1 cu ft
Length
4,020 mm
158.3 in
Height
1,405 mm
55.3 in
Range score
696 km
433 mi
619 km
385 mi
Trunk score
350 L
12.4 cu ft
230 L
8.1 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
149 hp/t
111 kW/t
6.7 kg/hp
135 hp/t
100 kW/t
7.4 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleVolkswagen Golf V (3-DOOR) GTI 2.0 TFSIVolkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro
Consumption7.9 L/100 km29.8 mpg US35.8 mpg UK10.5 L/100 km22.4 mpg US26.9 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km13.83 LC100 km18.38 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi22.25 LC100 mi29.57 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,185 L313 US gal261 UK gal1,575 L416 US gal346 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,074 LC/year2,756 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Volkswagen Golf V (3-DOOR) GTI 2.0 TFSI

  • Has 40 hp more
  • Has 55 Nm more
  • Is 0.9 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 19 km/h (12 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 2.6 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 14 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 77 km (48 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 120 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Heaviest

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Volkswagen Golf V (3-DOOR) GTI 2.0 TFSI
Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

Popular comparisons

GTI 2.0 TFSI
R32 3.2 V6
VS
VolkswagenGolf V (3-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSIvsVolkswagenGolf V (5-DOOR)R32 3.2 V6
2.9 VR6 Syncro
2.8 VR6
VS
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 SyncrovsVolkswagenGolf IV2.8 VR6
GTI 2.0 TFSI
GTI Edition 35 2.0 TSI
VS
VolkswagenGolf V (3-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSIvsVolkswagenGolf VI (5-DOOR)GTI Edition 35 2.0 TSI
2.9 VR6 Syncro
GTI 2.0 TFSI
VS
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 SyncrovsVolkswagenGolf V (3-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSI
GTI 2.0 TFSI
GTI Edition 35 2.0 TSI
VS
VolkswagenGolf V (3-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSIvsVolkswagenGolf VI (3-DOOR)GTI Edition 35 2.0 TSI
2.9 VR6 Syncro
GTD 2.0 TDI
VS
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 SyncrovsVolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)GTD 2.0 TDI
GTI 2.0 TFSI
GTI Performance 2.0 TSI
VS
VolkswagenGolf V (3-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSIvsVolkswagenGolf VII (3-DOOR)GTI Performance 2.0 TSI
2.9 VR6 Syncro
GTD 2.0 TDI
VS
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 SyncrovsVolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 2017GTD 2.0 TDI
2.9 VR6 Syncro
2.9 VR6 Syncro
VS
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 SyncrovsVolkswagenGolf III Variant2.9 VR6 Syncro
GTI 2.0 TFSI
GTI Performance 2.0 TSI
VS
VolkswagenGolf V (3-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSIvsVolkswagenGolf VII (3-DOOR)Facelift 2017GTI Performance 2.0 TSI
2.9 VR6 Syncro
GTD 2.0 TDI
VS
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 SyncrovsVolkswagenGolf VIIIGTD 2.0 TDI
2.9 VR6 Syncro
GTE 1.5 TSI
VS
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 SyncrovsVolkswagenGolf VIIIFacelift 2024GTE 1.5 TSI
Volkswagen Golf V (3-DOOR) GTI 2.0 TFSI vs Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro - car comparison - FastVsFaster