Car comparison

Volkswagen Golf VIII GTD 2.0 TDIvsVolkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro

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

New comparison

Volkswagen Golf VIII

GTD 2.0 TDI

200 hp1968 ccDieselFWDDual-clutchTurbochargedHatchback2020-2024
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 VIII GTD 2.0 TDI

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    7.1 s
  • Fastest top speed
    245 km/h
    152 mph
  • Most powerful
    200 hp
    149 kW
  • Highest torque
    400 Nm
    295 lb-ft
  • Lightest
    1,390 kg
    3,064 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    144 hp/t
    107 kW/t
    7.0 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    4.4 L/100 km
    53.5 mpg US
    64.2 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    5.4 L/100 km
    43.6 mpg US
    52.3 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    3.9 L/100 km
    60.3 mpg US
    72.4 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    1,136 km
    706 mi
  • Largest trunk
    381 L
  • Best overall score
    62/100
  • Best performance score
    56/100
  • Best economy score
    95/100
  • Best practicality score
    74/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelVolkswagenGolf VIIIGTD 2.0 TDIVolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
Power
200hp149kW
190hp142kW
Torque
400Nm295lb-ft
245Nm181lb-ft
Curb weight
1,390kg3,064lb
1,410kg3,109lb
Gross weight
1,950kg4,299lb
1,800kg3,968lb
Top speed
245 km/h
152 mph
224 km/h
139 mph
To 99% top speed
83.0s99% target: 243 km/h / 151 mph
Calculated
75.2s99% target: 222 km/h / 138 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
7.1s
7.5s
0-200 km/h
26.8s
Calculated
33.4s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.7s
Calculated
7.1s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
4.4L/100 km53.5mpg US64.2mpg UK
10.5L/100 km22.4mpg US26.9mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
5.4L/100 km43.6mpg US52.3mpg UK
11.8L/100 km19.9mpg US23.9mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
3.9L/100 km60.3mpg US72.4mpg UK
9.6L/100 km24.5mpg US29.4mpg UK
Quarter mile
15.0s
Calculated
15.4s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
144hp/t107kW/t65hp/1000 lb
Calculated
135hp/t100kW/t61hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
288Nm/t193lb-ft/ton
Calculated
174Nm/t116lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
1,136km706mi
Calculated
619km385mi
Calculated
Displacement
1,968cc120cu in
2,861cc175cu in
Length
4,287mm169in
4,020mm158in
Width
1,789mm70in
1,695mm67in
Height
1,478mm58in
1,405mm55in
Wheelbase
2,626mm103in
2,475mm97in
Front track
1,545mm61in
1,450mm57in
Rear track
1,523mm60in
1,432mm56in
Trunk volume
381L
230L
Max trunk volume
1,237L
587L
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
50L
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 VIII GTD 2.0 TDIVolkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 SyncroPowerTorque
  • Volkswagen Golf VIII GTD 2.0 TDI: Power / Torque
  • Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
VolkswagenGolf VIIIGTD 2.0 TDI3,500 rpm1,750-3,500 rpm3,750 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 VIIIGTD 2.0 TDIVolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.7 s
7.1 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
7.1 s
7.5 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
26.8 s
33.4 s
Top speed
245 km/h
152 mph
224 km/h
139 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.6 s
2.6 s
330 ft
101 m
6.6 s
6.8 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.9 s
10.1 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.7 s
13.0 s
1/4 mile
402 m
15.0 s
15.4 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
156 km/h
97 mph
151 km/h
94 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenGolf VIIIGTD 2.0 TDI
200 hp
149 kW
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
190 hp
142 kW

Volkswagen Golf VIII GTD 2.0 TDI has 10 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 VIII GTD 2.0 TDI: 10 hp (7 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenGolf VIIIGTD 2.0 TDI
400 Nm
295 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 VIIIGTD 2.0 TDI
1,390 kg
3,064 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 VIIIGTD 2.0 TDI
245 km/h
152 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 VIIIGTD 2.0 TDI7.1 s
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro7.5 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Volkswagen Golf VIII GTD 2.0 TDI and Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro: 0.4 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 VIIIGTD 2.0 TDI
4.4 L/100 km
53.5 mpg US
64.2 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 VIII GTD 2.0 TDI and Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro: 6.1 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 VIIIGTD 2.0 TDI
144 hp/t
107 kW/t
6.9 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 VIIIGTD 2.0 TDI
1,136 km
706 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 VIIIGTD 2.0 TDI
200 hp
149 kW
7.1 s
245 km/h
152 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 VIIIGTD 2.0 TDI
Power
200 hp
149 kW
0-100 km/h7.1 s
Top speed
245 km/h
152 mph
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
381 L
13.5 cu ft
Length
4,287 mm
168.8 in
Height
1,478 mm
58.2 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 VIIIGTD 2.0 TDI
Power
200 hp
149 kW
0-100 km/h7.1 s
Top speed
245 km/h
152 mph
4.4 L/100 km
53.5 mpg US
64.2 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 VIII GTD 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 VIIIGTD 2.0 TDI
4.4 L/100 km
53.5 mpg US
64.2 mpg UK
7.1 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 VIIIGTD 2.0 TDI
144 hp/t
107 kW/t
7.0 kg/hp
4.4 L/100 km
53.5 mpg US
64.2 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 VIIIGTD 2.0 TDIVolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 Syncro
Power
200 hp
149 kW
190 hp
142 kW
Torque
400 Nm
295 lb-ft
245 Nm
181 lb-ft
Acceleration
7.1 s
7.5 s
Top speed
245 km/h
152 mph
224 km/h
139 mph
Lightness
1,390 kg
3,064 lb
1,410 kg
3,109 lb
Fuel consumption
4.4 L/100 km
53.5 mpg US
64.2 mpg UK
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
381 L
13.5 cu ft
Length
4,287 mm
168.8 in
Height
1,478 mm
58.2 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
1,136 km
706 mi
619 km
385 mi
Trunk score
381 L
13.5 cu ft
230 L
8.1 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
144 hp/t
107 kW/t
7.0 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 VIII GTD 2.0 TDIVolkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro
Consumption4.4 L/100 km53.5 mpg US64.2 mpg UK10.5 L/100 km22.4 mpg US26.9 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km7.70 LC100 km18.38 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi12.39 LC100 mi29.57 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used660 L174 US gal145 UK gal1,575 L416 US gal346 UK gal
Annual fuel cost1,155 LC/year2,756 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Volkswagen Golf VIII GTD 2.0 TDI

  • Has 10 hp more
  • Has 155 Nm more
  • Is 20 kg lighter
  • Is 0.4 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 21 km/h (13 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 6.1 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 9 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 517 km (321 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 151 L more trunk volume

Pros

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

Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro

No measurable advantages in the available data.

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest
  • Lowest top speed
  • Smallest trunk

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Volkswagen Golf VIII GTD 2.0 TDI
Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

Popular comparisons

GTD 2.0 TDI
2.0 TSI
VS
VolkswagenGolf VIIIGTD 2.0 TDIvsVolkswagenGolf VIIIFacelift 20242.0 TSI
2.9 VR6 Syncro
2.8 VR6
VS
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 SyncrovsVolkswagenGolf IV2.8 VR6
GTD 2.0 TDI
GTD 2.0 TDI
VS
VolkswagenGolf VIIIGTD 2.0 TDIvsVolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)Facelift 2017GTD 2.0 TDI
2.9 VR6 Syncro
GTI 2.0 TFSI
VS
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 SyncrovsVolkswagenGolf V (3-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSI
GTD 2.0 TDI
GTD 2.0 TDI
VS
VolkswagenGolf VIIIGTD 2.0 TDIvsVolkswagenGolf VII (3-DOOR)GTD 2.0 TDI
2.9 VR6 Syncro
GTI 2.0 TFSI
VS
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 SyncrovsVolkswagenGolf V (5-DOOR)GTI 2.0 TFSI
GTD 2.0 TDI
GTD 2.0 TDI
VS
VolkswagenGolf VIIIGTD 2.0 TDIvsVolkswagenGolf VII (5-DOOR)GTD 2.0 TDI
GTD 2.0 TDI
GTI Performance 2.0 TSI
VS
VolkswagenGolf VIIIGTD 2.0 TDIvsVolkswagenGolf VII (3-DOOR)Facelift 2017GTI Performance 2.0 TSI
GTD 2.0 TDI
2.0 TDI
VS
VolkswagenGolf VIIIGTD 2.0 TDIvsVolkswagenGolf VIII Alltrack2.0 TDI
2.9 VR6 Syncro
2.9 VR6 Syncro
VS
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 SyncrovsVolkswagenGolf III Variant2.9 VR6 Syncro
2.9 VR6 Syncro
1.5 TSI
VS
VolkswagenGolf III2.9 VR6 SyncrovsVolkswagenGolf VIII1.5 TSI
GTD 2.0 TDI
2.0 TSI
VS
VolkswagenGolf VIIIGTD 2.0 TDIvsVolkswagenGolf VIII Variant2.0 TSI
Volkswagen Golf VIII GTD 2.0 TDI vs Volkswagen Golf III 2.9 VR6 Syncro - car comparison - FastVsFaster