Car comparison

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330CivsBMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 125i

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

New comparison

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46)

330Ci

225 hp2979 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCabriolet / convertible2000-2003
VS

BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88)

125i

218 hp2996 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCabriolet / convertible2008-2011

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 125i

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    6.8 s
  • Lightest
    1,510 kg
    3,329 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    144 hp/t
    108 kW/t
    6.9 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    8.1 L/100 km
    29.0 mpg US
    34.9 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    11.7 L/100 km
    20.1 mpg US
    24.1 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    6.0 L/100 km
    39.2 mpg US
    47.1 mpg UK
  • Lowest CO2 emissions
    195 g/km
  • Best economy score
    85/100

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci

  • Fastest top speed
    247 km/h
    153 mph
  • Most powerful
    225 hp
    168 kW
  • Highest torque
    290 Nm
    214 lb-ft
  • Best estimated range
    656 km
    408 mi
  • Largest trunk
    260 L
  • Best overall score
    50/100
  • Best performance score
    54/100
  • Best practicality score
    43/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330CiBMW1 Series Convertible (E88)125i
Power
225hp168kW
218hp163kW
Torque
290Nm214lb-ft
270Nm199lb-ft
Curb weight
1,645kg3,627lb
1,510kg3,329lb
Gross weight
2,045kg4,508lb
1,950kg4,299lb
Top speed
247 km/h
153 mph
238 km/h
148 mph
To 99% top speed
93.9s99% target: 245 km/h / 152 mph
Calculated
88.3s99% target: 236 km/h / 146 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.9s
6.8s
0-200 km/h
27.7s
Calculated
29.2s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.5s
Calculated
6.4s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9.6L/100 km24.5mpg US29.4mpg UK
8.1L/100 km29mpg US34.9mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
13.4L/100 km17.6mpg US21.1mpg UK
11.7L/100 km20.1mpg US24.1mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
7.3L/100 km32.2mpg US38.7mpg UK
6L/100 km39.2mpg US47.1mpg UK
Quarter mile
14.9s
Calculated
14.8s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
137hp/t102kW/t62hp/1000 lb
Calculated
144hp/t108kW/t65hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
176Nm/t118lb-ft/ton
Calculated
179Nm/t120lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
656km408mi
Calculated
654km407mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,979cc182cu in
2,996cc183cu in
Length
4,488mm177in
4,360mm172in
Width
1,757mm69in
1,748mm69in
Height
1,372mm54in
1,411mm56in
Wheelbase
2,725mm107in
2,660mm105in
Front track
1,471mm58in
1,474mm58in
Rear track
1,483mm58in
1,507mm59in
Ground clearance-
140mm6in
Trunk volume
260L
260L
Max trunk volume
300L
305L
Doors
2
2
Seats
4
4
Fuel tank
63L
53L
CO2 emissions
229g/km
195g/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.

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330CiBMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 125iPowerTorque
  • BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci: Power / Torque
  • BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 125i: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330Ci5,900 rpm3,500 rpm6,150 rpm
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)125i6,100 rpm2,500-4,250 rpm6,350 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330CiBMW1 Series Convertible (E88)125i
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.5 s
6.4 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.9 s
6.8 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
27.7 s
29.2 s
Top speed
247 km/h
153 mph
238 km/h
148 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.4 s
2.4 s
330 ft
101 m
6.5 s
6.4 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.7 s
9.7 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.5 s
12.5 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.9 s
14.8 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
155 km/h
96 mph
154 km/h
96 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330Ci
225 hp
168 kW
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)125i
218 hp
163 kW

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci has 7 hp more than BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 125i.

The biggest power difference is between BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 125i and BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci: 7 hp (5 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330Ci
290 Nm
214 lb-ft
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)125i
270 Nm
199 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330Ci
1,645 kg
3,627 lb
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)125i
1,510 kg
3,329 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330Ci
247 km/h
153 mph
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)125i
238 km/h
148 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330Ci6.9 s
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)125i6.8 s

Although BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci has more power, BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 125i is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 125i and BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci: 0.1 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330Ci
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)125i
8.1 L/100 km
29.0 mpg US
34.9 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 125i and BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci: 1.5 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
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330Ci
137 hp/t
102 kW/t
7.3 kg/hp
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)125i
144 hp/t
108 kW/t
6.9 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330Ci
656 km
408 mi
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)125i
654 km
407 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330Ci
225 hp
168 kW
6.9 s
247 km/h
153 mph
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)125i
218 hp
163 kW
6.8 s
238 km/h
148 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
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330Ci
Power
225 hp
168 kW
0-100 km/h6.9 s
Top speed
247 km/h
153 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
260 L
9.2 cu ft
Length
4,488 mm
176.7 in
Height
1,372 mm
54.0 in
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)125i
Power
218 hp
163 kW
0-100 km/h6.8 s
Top speed
238 km/h
148 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
260 L
9.2 cu ft
Length
4,360 mm
171.7 in
Height
1,411 mm
55.6 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
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330Ci
Power
225 hp
168 kW
0-100 km/h6.9 s
Top speed
247 km/h
153 mph
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)125i
Power
218 hp
163 kW
0-100 km/h6.8 s
Top speed
238 km/h
148 mph
8.1 L/100 km
29.0 mpg US
34.9 mpg UK

BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 125i 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
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330Ci
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK
6.9 s
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)125i
8.1 L/100 km
29.0 mpg US
34.9 mpg UK
6.8 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
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330Ci
137 hp/t
102 kW/t
7.3 kg/hp
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)125i
144 hp/t
108 kW/t
6.9 kg/hp
8.1 L/100 km
29.0 mpg US
34.9 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330CiBMW1 Series Convertible (E88)125i
Power
225 hp
168 kW
218 hp
163 kW
Torque
290 Nm
214 lb-ft
270 Nm
199 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.9 s
6.8 s
Top speed
247 km/h
153 mph
238 km/h
148 mph
Lightness
1,645 kg
3,627 lb
1,510 kg
3,329 lb
Fuel consumption
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK
8.1 L/100 km
29.0 mpg US
34.9 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
260 L
9.2 cu ft
Length
4,488 mm
176.7 in
Height
1,372 mm
54.0 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
260 L
9.2 cu ft
Length
4,360 mm
171.7 in
Height
1,411 mm
55.6 in
Range score
656 km
408 mi
654 km
407 mi
CO2 score
229 g/km
195 g/km
Trunk score
260 L
9.2 cu ft
260 L
9.2 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
137 hp/t
102 kW/t
7.3 kg/hp
144 hp/t
108 kW/t
6.9 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
VehicleBMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330CiBMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 125i
Consumption9.6 L/100 km24.5 mpg US29.4 mpg UK8.1 L/100 km29 mpg US34.9 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km16.80 LC100 km14.17 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi27.04 LC100 mi22.81 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,440 L380 US gal317 UK gal1,215 L321 US gal267 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,520 LC/year2,126 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci

  • Has 7 hp more
  • Has 20 Nm more
  • Has 9 km/h (6 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 2 km (1 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest
  • Highest CO2 emissions

BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 125i

  • Is 135 kg lighter
  • Is 0.1 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 1.5 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 8 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Emits 34 g/km less CO2

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci
BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 125i
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