Car comparison

Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 SyncrovsVolkswagen Golf VIII 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 VIII

2.0 TDI

150 hp1968 ccDieselFWDDual-clutchTurbochargedHatchback2020-2024

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

Volkswagen Golf VIII 2.0 TDI

  • Highest torque
    360 Nm
    266 lb-ft
  • Lightest
    1,390 kg
    3,064 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    3.7 L/100 km
    63.6 mpg US
    76.3 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    4.4 L/100 km
    53.5 mpg US
    64.2 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    3.4 L/100 km
    69.2 mpg US
    83.1 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    1,351 km
    840 mi
  • Largest trunk
    380 L
  • Best overall score
    55/100
  • Best economy score
    97/100
  • 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 VIII2.0 TDI
Power
190hp142kW
150hp112kW
Torque
245Nm181lb-ft
360Nm266lb-ft
Curb weight
1,410kg3,109lb
1,390kg3,064lb
Gross weight
1,800kg3,968lb
1,960kg4,321lb
Top speed
224 km/h
139 mph
223 km/h
139 mph
To 99% top speed
75.2s99% target: 222 km/h / 138 mph
Calculated
94.3s99% target: 221 km/h / 137 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
7.5s
8.8s
0-200 km/h
33.4s
Calculated
41.6s
Calculated
0-60 mph
7.1s
Calculated
8.3s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
10.5L/100 km22.4mpg US26.9mpg UK
3.7L/100 km63.6mpg US76.3mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
11.8L/100 km19.9mpg US23.9mpg UK
4.4L/100 km53.5mpg US64.2mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
9.6L/100 km24.5mpg US29.4mpg UK
3.4L/100 km69.2mpg US83.1mpg UK
Quarter mile
15.4s
Calculated
16.4s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
135hp/t100kW/t61hp/1000 lb
Calculated
108hp/t80kW/t49hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
174Nm/t116lb-ft/ton
Calculated
259Nm/t173lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
619km385mi
Calculated
1,351km840mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,861cc175cu in
1,968cc120cu in
Length
4,020mm158in
4,284mm169in
Width
1,695mm67in
1,789mm70in
Height
1,405mm55in
1,456mm57in
Wheelbase
2,475mm97in
2,636mm104in
Front track
1,450mm57in
1,549mm61in
Rear track
1,432mm56in
1,519mm60in
Trunk volume
230L
380L
Max trunk volume
587L
1,237L
Doors
3
5
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
65L
50L
CO2 emissions-
99g/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 VIII 2.0 TDIPowerTorque
  • Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro: Power / Torque
  • Volkswagen Golf VIII 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 VIII2.0 TDI3,500-4,000 rpm1,600-2,750 rpm4,250 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricVolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 SyncroVolkswagenGolf VIII2.0 TDI
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
7.1 s
8.3 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
7.5 s
8.8 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
33.4 s
41.6 s
Top speed
224 km/h
139 mph
223 km/h
139 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.6 s
2.7 s
330 ft
101 m
6.8 s
7.2 s
1/8 mile
201 m
10.1 s
10.7 s
1000 ft
305 m
13.0 s
13.8 s
1/4 mile
402 m
15.4 s
16.4 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
151 km/h
94 mph
142 km/h
88 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 VIII2.0 TDI
150 hp
112 kW

Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro has 40 hp more than Volkswagen Golf VIII 2.0 TDI.

The biggest power difference is between Volkswagen Golf VIII 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 VIII2.0 TDI
360 Nm
266 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 VIII2.0 TDI
1,390 kg
3,064 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 VIII2.0 TDI
223 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 III2.9 VR6 Syncro7.5 s
VolkswagenGolf VIII2.0 TDI8.8 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro and Volkswagen Golf VIII 2.0 TDI: 1.3 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 VIII2.0 TDI
3.7 L/100 km
63.6 mpg US
76.3 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Volkswagen Golf VIII 2.0 TDI and Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro: 6.8 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 VIII2.0 TDI
108 hp/t
80 kW/t
9.3 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 VIII2.0 TDI
1,351 km
840 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 VIII2.0 TDI
150 hp
112 kW
8.8 s
223 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 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 VIII2.0 TDI
Power
150 hp
112 kW
0-100 km/h8.8 s
Top speed
223 km/h
139 mph
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
380 L
13.4 cu ft
Length
4,284 mm
168.7 in
Height
1,456 mm
57.3 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 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 VIII2.0 TDI
Power
150 hp
112 kW
0-100 km/h8.8 s
Top speed
223 km/h
139 mph
3.7 L/100 km
63.6 mpg US
76.3 mpg UK

Volkswagen Golf VIII 2.0 TDI 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 VIII2.0 TDI
3.7 L/100 km
63.6 mpg US
76.3 mpg UK
8.8 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 VIII2.0 TDI
108 hp/t
80 kW/t
9.3 kg/hp
3.7 L/100 km
63.6 mpg US
76.3 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleVolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 SyncroVolkswagenGolf VIII2.0 TDI
Power
190 hp
142 kW
150 hp
112 kW
Torque
245 Nm
181 lb-ft
360 Nm
266 lb-ft
Acceleration
7.5 s
8.8 s
Top speed
224 km/h
139 mph
223 km/h
139 mph
Lightness
1,410 kg
3,109 lb
1,390 kg
3,064 lb
Fuel consumption
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK
3.7 L/100 km
63.6 mpg US
76.3 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
4,284 mm
168.7 in
Height
1,456 mm
57.3 in
Range score
619 km
385 mi
1,351 km
840 mi
CO2 score
-
99 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
108 hp/t
80 kW/t
9.3 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 VIII 2.0 TDI
Consumption10.5 L/100 km22.4 mpg US26.9 mpg UK3.7 L/100 km63.6 mpg US76.3 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km18.38 LC100 km6.48 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi29.57 LC100 mi10.42 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,575 L416 US gal346 UK gal555 L147 US gal122 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,756 LC/year971.25 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro

  • Has 40 hp more
  • Is 1.3 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 1 km/h (1 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 27 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 VIII 2.0 TDI

  • Has 115 Nm more
  • Is 20 kg lighter
  • Uses 6.8 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 732 km (455 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 VIII 2.0 TDI
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

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