Compared to the M3 the Golf doesn't feel as special, handle as we'll or sound as good.....but does 95% of what the M&A does for half the running costs! Has that same feel of fantastic everyday usability but a blast when the situation occurs......plus on todays roads the Golf is just as fast but has more usable power! The M3 is the longest I've kept a car and I'm sure the Golf will stay with me just as long! Been from 1994 Renault 19 16v to 95 Corrado VR6, 02 Civic Type R, Celica GT4, FTO GPX, BMW 328i sport and then the M3 and a couple of cars not worth mentioning LOL