Car comparison

Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 SyncrovsVolkswagen Golf VII (5-DOOR) · Facelift 2017 2.0 TDI

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

New comparison

Volkswagen Golf III

2.9 VR6 Syncro

190 hp2861 ccGasolineAWDManualNaturally aspiratedHatchback1994-1997
VS

Volkswagen Golf VII (5-DOOR) · Facelift 2017

2.0 TDI

150 hp1968 ccDieselFWDManualTurbochargedHatchback2017-2019

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

Volkswagen Golf VII (5-DOOR) Facelift 2017 2.0 TDI

  • Highest torque
    340 Nm
    251 lb-ft
  • Lightest
    1,291 kg
    2,846 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    4.3 L/100 km
    54.7 mpg US
    65.7 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    5.1 L/100 km
    46.1 mpg US
    55.4 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    3.8 L/100 km
    61.9 mpg US
    74.3 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    1,163 km
    723 mi
  • Largest trunk
    380 L
  • Best overall score
    55/100
  • Best economy score
    95/100
  • Best practicality score
    74/100

Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    7.5 s
  • Fastest top speed
    224 km/h
    139 mph
  • Most powerful
    190 hp
    142 kW
  • Best power-to-weight
    135 hp/t
    100 kW/t
    7.4 kg/hp
  • Best performance score
    50/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelVolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 SyncroVolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 20172.0 TDI
Power
190hp142kW
150hp112kW
Torque
245Nm181lb-ft
340Nm251lb-ft
Curb weight
1,410kg3,109lb
1,291kg2,846lb
Gross weight
1,800kg3,968lb
1,850kg4,079lb
Top speed
224 km/h
139 mph
216 km/h
134 mph
To 99% top speed
75.2s99% target: 222 km/h / 138 mph
Calculated
86.6s99% target: 214 km/h / 133 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
7.5s
8.6s
0-200 km/h
33.4s
Calculated
44.9s
Calculated
0-60 mph
7.1s
Calculated
8.1s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
10.5L/100 km22.4mpg US26.9mpg UK
4.3L/100 km54.7mpg US65.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
11.8L/100 km19.9mpg US23.9mpg UK
5.1L/100 km46.1mpg US55.4mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
9.6L/100 km24.5mpg US29.4mpg UK
3.8L/100 km61.9mpg US74.3mpg UK
Quarter mile
15.4s
Calculated
16.2s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
135hp/t100kW/t61hp/1000 lb
Calculated
116hp/t87kW/t53hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
174Nm/t116lb-ft/ton
Calculated
263Nm/t176lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
619km385mi
Calculated
1,163km723mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,861cc175cu in
1,968cc120cu in
Length
4,020mm158in
4,258mm168in
Width
1,695mm67in
1,799mm71in
Height
1,405mm55in
1,492mm59in
Wheelbase
2,475mm97in
2,620mm103in
Front track
1,450mm57in
1,549mm61in
Rear track
1,432mm56in
1,521mm60in
Trunk volume
230L
380L
Max trunk volume
587L
1,270L
Doors
3
5
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
65L
50L
CO2 emissions-
111g/km

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 III 2.9 VR6 SyncroVolkswagen Golf VII (5-DOOR) Facelift 2017 2.0 TDIPowerTorque
  • Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro: Power / Torque
  • Volkswagen Golf VII (5-DOOR) Facelift 2017 2.0 TDI: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro5,800 rpm4,200 rpm6,050 rpm
VolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 20172.0 TDI3,500-4,000 rpm1,750-3,000 rpm4,250 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricVolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 SyncroVolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 20172.0 TDI
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
7.1 s
8.1 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
7.5 s
8.6 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
33.4 s
44.9 s
Top speed
224 km/h
139 mph
216 km/h
134 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.6 s
2.7 s
330 ft
101 m
6.8 s
7.1 s
1/8 mile
201 m
10.1 s
10.6 s
1000 ft
305 m
13.0 s
13.7 s
1/4 mile
402 m
15.4 s
16.2 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
151 km/h
94 mph
143 km/h
89 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
190 hp
142 kW
VolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 20172.0 TDI
150 hp
112 kW

Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro has 40 hp more than Volkswagen Golf VII (5-DOOR) Facelift 2017 2.0 TDI.

The biggest power difference is between Volkswagen Golf VII (5-DOOR) Facelift 2017 2.0 TDI and Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro: 40 hp (30 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
245 Nm
181 lb-ft
VolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 20172.0 TDI
340 Nm
251 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
1,410 kg
3,109 lb
VolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 20172.0 TDI
1,291 kg
2,846 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 III2.9 VR6 Syncro
224 km/h
139 mph
VolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 20172.0 TDI
216 km/h
134 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro7.5 s
VolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 20172.0 TDI8.6 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro and Volkswagen Golf VII (5-DOOR) Facelift 2017 2.0 TDI: 1.1 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 III2.9 VR6 Syncro
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK
VolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 20172.0 TDI
4.3 L/100 km
54.7 mpg US
65.7 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Volkswagen Golf VII (5-DOOR) Facelift 2017 2.0 TDI and Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro: 6.2 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 III2.9 VR6 Syncro
135 hp/t
100 kW/t
7.4 kg/hp
VolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 20172.0 TDI
116 hp/t
87 kW/t
8.6 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
619 km
385 mi
VolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 20172.0 TDI
1,163 km
723 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
190 hp
142 kW
7.5 s
224 km/h
139 mph
VolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 20172.0 TDI
150 hp
112 kW
8.6 s
216 km/h
134 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 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
VolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 20172.0 TDI
Power
150 hp
112 kW
0-100 km/h8.6 s
Top speed
216 km/h
134 mph
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
380 L
13.4 cu ft
Length
4,258 mm
167.6 in
Height
1,492 mm
58.7 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 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
VolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 20172.0 TDI
Power
150 hp
112 kW
0-100 km/h8.6 s
Top speed
216 km/h
134 mph
4.3 L/100 km
54.7 mpg US
65.7 mpg UK

Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro 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 III2.9 VR6 Syncro
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK
7.5 s
VolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 20172.0 TDI
4.3 L/100 km
54.7 mpg US
65.7 mpg UK
8.6 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 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
VolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 20172.0 TDI
116 hp/t
87 kW/t
8.6 kg/hp
4.3 L/100 km
54.7 mpg US
65.7 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleVolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 SyncroVolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 20172.0 TDI
Power
190 hp
142 kW
150 hp
112 kW
Torque
245 Nm
181 lb-ft
340 Nm
251 lb-ft
Acceleration
7.5 s
8.6 s
Top speed
224 km/h
139 mph
216 km/h
134 mph
Lightness
1,410 kg
3,109 lb
1,291 kg
2,846 lb
Fuel consumption
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK
4.3 L/100 km
54.7 mpg US
65.7 mpg UK
Practicality
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
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
380 L
13.4 cu ft
Length
4,258 mm
167.6 in
Height
1,492 mm
58.7 in
Range score
619 km
385 mi
1,163 km
723 mi
CO2 score
-
111 g/km
Trunk score
230 L
8.1 cu ft
380 L
13.4 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
135 hp/t
100 kW/t
7.4 kg/hp
116 hp/t
87 kW/t
8.6 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 III 2.9 VR6 SyncroVolkswagen Golf VII (5-DOOR) Facelift 2017 2.0 TDI
Consumption10.5 L/100 km22.4 mpg US26.9 mpg UK4.3 L/100 km54.7 mpg US65.7 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km18.38 LC100 km7.52 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi29.57 LC100 mi12.11 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,575 L416 US gal346 UK gal645 L170 US gal142 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,756 LC/year1,129 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro

  • Has 40 hp more
  • Is 1.1 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 8 km/h (5 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 19 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

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

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest
  • Smallest trunk

Volkswagen Golf VII (5-DOOR) Facelift 2017 2.0 TDI

  • Has 95 Nm more
  • Is 119 kg lighter
  • Uses 6.2 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 544 km (338 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 150 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Highest torque
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

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

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro
Volkswagen Golf VII (5-DOOR) 2.0 TDI
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

Popular comparisons

2.9 VR6 Syncro
2.8 VR6
VS
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 SyncrovsVolkswagenGolf IV2.8 VR6
2.0 TDI
1.4 TSI
VS
VolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 20172.0 TDIvsVolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)1.4 TSI
2.9 VR6 Syncro
GTI 2.0 TFSI
VS
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 SyncrovsVolkswagenGolf V (3-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSI
2.0 TDI
1.5 TSI
VS
VolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 20172.0 TDIvsVolkswagenGolf VIII1.5 TSI
2.9 VR6 Syncro
GTI 2.0 TFSI
VS
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 SyncrovsVolkswagenGolf V (5-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSI
2.0 TDI
1.5 eTSI
VS
VolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 20172.0 TDIvsVolkswagenGolf VIIIFacelift 20241.5 eTSI
2.0 TDI
GTD 2.0 TDI
VS
VolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 20172.0 TDIvsVolkswagenGolf VII (3-DOOR)GTD 2.0 TDI
2.0 TDI
1.5 TSI ACT
VS
VolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 20172.0 TDIvsVolkswagenGolf VII VariantFacelift 20171.5 TSI ACT
2.9 VR6 Syncro
GTD 2.0 TDI
VS
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 SyncrovsVolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 2017GTD 2.0 TDI
2.0 TDI
2.0 TDI
VS
VolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 20172.0 TDIvsVolkswagenGolf VII AlltrackFacelift 20172.0 TDI
2.9 VR6 Syncro
2.9 VR6 Syncro
VS
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 SyncrovsVolkswagenGolf III Variant2.9 VR6 Syncro
2.0 TDI
1.4 TSI
VS
VolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 20172.0 TDIvsVolkswagenGolf VII Variant1.4 TSI
Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro vs Volkswagen Golf VII (5-DOOR) · Facelift 2017 2.0 TDI - car comparison - FastVsFaster