Car comparison

Volkswagen Golf V (5-DOOR) R32 3.2 V6vsVolkswagen 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 (5-DOOR)

R32 3.2 V6

250 hp3189 ccGasolineAWDManualNaturally aspiratedHatchback2005-2008
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 (5-DOOR) R32 3.2 V6

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    6.5 s
  • Fastest top speed
    260 km/h
    162 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    250 hp
    186 kW
  • Highest torque
    320 Nm
    236 lb-ft
  • Best power-to-weight
    162 hp/t
    121 kW/t
    6.2 kg/hp
  • Lowest highway consumption
    8.4 L/100 km
    28.0 mpg US
    33.6 mpg UK
  • Largest trunk
    275 L
  • Best overall score
    63/100
  • Best performance score
    59/100
  • Best practicality score
    70/100

Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro

  • Lightest
    1,410 kg
    3,109 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    10.5 L/100 km
    22.4 mpg US
    26.9 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    11.8 L/100 km
    19.9 mpg US
    23.9 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    619 km
    385 mi
  • Best economy score
    79/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelVolkswagenGolf V (5-DOOR)R32 3.2 V6VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
Power
250hp186kW
190hp142kW
Torque
320Nm236lb-ft
245Nm181lb-ft
Curb weight
1,541kg3,397lb
1,410kg3,109lb
Gross weight
2,080kg4,586lb
1,800kg3,968lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
224 km/h
139 mph
To 99% top speed
81.2s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
75.2s99% target: 222 km/h / 138 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.5s
7.5s
0-200 km/h
22.5s
Calculated
33.4s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.2s
Calculated
7.1s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
10.8L/100 km21.8mpg US26.2mpg UK
10.5L/100 km22.4mpg US26.9mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
15L/100 km15.7mpg US18.8mpg UK
11.8L/100 km19.9mpg US23.9mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
8.4L/100 km28mpg US33.6mpg UK
9.6L/100 km24.5mpg US29.4mpg UK
Quarter mile
14.5s
Calculated
15.4s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
162hp/t121kW/t74hp/1000 lb
Calculated
135hp/t100kW/t61hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
208Nm/t139lb-ft/ton
Calculated
174Nm/t116lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
556km345mi
Calculated
619km385mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,189cc195cu in
2,861cc175cu in
Length
4,246mm167in
4,020mm158in
Width
1,759mm69in
1,695mm67in
Height
1,498mm59in
1,405mm55in
Wheelbase
2,578mm101in
2,475mm97in
Front track
1,533mm60in
1,450mm57in
Rear track
1,515mm60in
1,432mm56in
Trunk volume
275L
230L
Max trunk volume
1,230L
587L
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
60L
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 (5-DOOR) R32 3.2 V6Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 SyncroPowerTorque
  • Volkswagen Golf V (5-DOOR) R32 3.2 V6: Power / Torque
  • Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
VolkswagenGolf V (5-DOOR)R32 3.2 V66,300 rpm2,800-3,000 rpm6,550 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 (5-DOOR)R32 3.2 V6VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.2 s
7.1 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.5 s
7.5 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
22.5 s
33.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
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
14.5 s
15.4 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
164 km/h
102 mph
151 km/h
94 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenGolf V (5-DOOR)R32 3.2 V6
250 hp
186 kW
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
190 hp
142 kW

Volkswagen Golf V (5-DOOR) R32 3.2 V6 has 60 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 (5-DOOR) R32 3.2 V6: 60 hp (45 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenGolf V (5-DOOR)R32 3.2 V6
320 Nm
236 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 (5-DOOR)R32 3.2 V6
1,541 kg
3,397 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 (5-DOOR)R32 3.2 V6
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 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

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Volkswagen Golf V (5-DOOR) R32 3.2 V6 and Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro: 1.0 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 (5-DOOR)R32 3.2 V6
10.8 L/100 km
21.8 mpg US
26.2 mpg UK
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK

Power-to-weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenGolf V (5-DOOR)R32 3.2 V6
162 hp/t
121 kW/t
6.2 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 (5-DOOR)R32 3.2 V6
556 km
345 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 (5-DOOR)R32 3.2 V6
250 hp
186 kW
6.5 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 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 (5-DOOR)R32 3.2 V6
Power
250 hp
186 kW
0-100 km/h6.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
275 L
9.7 cu ft
Length
4,246 mm
167.2 in
Height
1,498 mm
59.0 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 (5-DOOR)R32 3.2 V6
Power
250 hp
186 kW
0-100 km/h6.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
10.8 L/100 km
21.8 mpg US
26.2 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 (5-DOOR) R32 3.2 V6 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 (5-DOOR)R32 3.2 V6
10.8 L/100 km
21.8 mpg US
26.2 mpg UK
6.5 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 (5-DOOR)R32 3.2 V6
162 hp/t
121 kW/t
6.2 kg/hp
10.8 L/100 km
21.8 mpg US
26.2 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 (5-DOOR)R32 3.2 V6VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
Power
250 hp
186 kW
190 hp
142 kW
Torque
320 Nm
236 lb-ft
245 Nm
181 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.5 s
7.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
224 km/h
139 mph
Lightness
1,541 kg
3,397 lb
1,410 kg
3,109 lb
Fuel consumption
10.8 L/100 km
21.8 mpg US
26.2 mpg UK
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
275 L
9.7 cu ft
Length
4,246 mm
167.2 in
Height
1,498 mm
59.0 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
556 km
345 mi
619 km
385 mi
Trunk score
275 L
9.7 cu ft
230 L
8.1 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
162 hp/t
121 kW/t
6.2 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 (5-DOOR) R32 3.2 V6Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro
Consumption10.8 L/100 km21.8 mpg US26.2 mpg UK10.5 L/100 km22.4 mpg US26.9 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km18.90 LC100 km18.38 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi30.42 LC100 mi29.57 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,620 L428 US gal356 UK gal1,575 L416 US gal346 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,835 LC/year2,756 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Volkswagen Golf V (5-DOOR) R32 3.2 V6

  • Has 60 hp more
  • Has 75 Nm more
  • Is 1.0 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 36 km/h (22 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 27 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 45 L more trunk volume

Pros

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

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest

Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro

  • Is 131 kg lighter
  • Uses 0.3 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 63 km (39 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power
  • Lowest top speed
  • Smallest trunk

Choose cars to compare

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Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Volkswagen Golf V (5-DOOR) R32 3.2 V6
Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro
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