Car comparison

BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 135ivsBMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V

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

New comparison

BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88)

135i

306 hp2979 ccGasolineRWDDual-clutchTurbochargedCabriolet / convertible2010-2011
VS

BMW M3 Convertible (E46)

3.2i 24V

343 hp3246 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCabriolet / convertible2001-2006

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 135i

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.5 s
  • Fastest top speed
    260 km/h
    162 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Highest torque
    400 Nm
    295 lb-ft
  • Lightest
    1,600 kg
    3,527 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    8.6 L/100 km
    27.4 mpg US
    32.8 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    11.8 L/100 km
    19.9 mpg US
    23.9 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    6.8 L/100 km
    34.6 mpg US
    41.5 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    616 km
    383 mi
  • Best economy score
    84/100

BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V

  • Most powerful
    343 hp
    256 kW
  • Best power-to-weight
    207 hp/t
    155 kW/t
    4.8 kg/hp
  • Largest trunk
    300 L
  • Best overall score
    59/100
  • Best performance score
    66/100
  • Best practicality score
    44/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW1 Series Convertible (E88)135iBMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
Power
306hp228kW
343hp256kW
Torque
400Nm295lb-ft
365Nm269lb-ft
Curb weight
1,600kg3,527lb
1,655kg3,649lb
Gross weight
2,040kg4,497lb
2,100kg4,630lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
77.4s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
76.2s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.5s
5.5s
0-200 km/h
20.2s
Calculated
20.0s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.2s
Calculated
5.2s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
8.6L/100 km27.4mpg US32.8mpg UK
12.1L/100 km19.4mpg US23.3mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
11.8L/100 km19.9mpg US23.9mpg UK
17.9L/100 km13.1mpg US15.8mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
6.8L/100 km34.6mpg US41.5mpg UK
8.8L/100 km26.7mpg US32.1mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.6s
Calculated
13.6s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
191hp/t143kW/t87hp/1000 lb
Calculated
207hp/t155kW/t94hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
250Nm/t167lb-ft/ton
Calculated
221Nm/t148lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
616km383mi
Calculated
521km324mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,979cc182cu in
3,246cc198cu in
Length
4,360mm172in
4,492mm177in
Width
1,748mm69in
1,780mm70in
Height
1,411mm56in
1,363mm54in
Wheelbase
2,660mm105in
2,731mm108in
Front track
1,474mm58in
1,508mm59in
Rear track
1,507mm59in
1,525mm60in
Ground clearance
140mm6in
-
Trunk volume
260L
300L
Max trunk volume
305L
-
Doors
2
2
Seats
4
4
Fuel tank
53L
63L

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 1 Series Convertible (E88) 135iBMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24VPowerTorque
  • BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 135i: Power / Torque
  • BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)135i5,800 rpm1,200-5,000 rpm6,050 rpm
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V7,900 rpm4,900 rpm8,150 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW1 Series Convertible (E88)135iBMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.2 s
5.2 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.5 s
5.5 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
20.2 s
20.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.2 s
2.2 s
330 ft
101 m
5.9 s
5.9 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.9 s
8.9 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.5 s
11.5 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.6 s
13.6 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
169 km/h
105 mph
170 km/h
105 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)135i
306 hp
228 kW
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
343 hp
256 kW

BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V has 37 hp more than BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 135i.

The biggest power difference is between BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 135i and BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V: 37 hp (28 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)135i
400 Nm
295 lb-ft
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
365 Nm
269 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)135i
1,600 kg
3,527 lb
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
1,655 kg
3,649 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)135i
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

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

Although BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V has more power, BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 135i is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

Fuel consumption comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)135i
8.6 L/100 km
27.4 mpg US
32.8 mpg UK
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
12.1 L/100 km
19.4 mpg US
23.3 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 135i and BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V: 3.5 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
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)135i
191 hp/t
143 kW/t
5.2 kg/hp
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
207 hp/t
155 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)135i
616 km
383 mi
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
521 km
324 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)135i
306 hp
228 kW
5.5 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
343 hp
256 kW
5.5 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 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
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)135i
Power
306 hp
228 kW
0-100 km/h5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 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
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
Power
343 hp
256 kW
0-100 km/h5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
300 L
10.6 cu ft
Length
4,492 mm
176.9 in
Height
1,363 mm
53.7 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
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)135i
Power
306 hp
228 kW
0-100 km/h5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
8.6 L/100 km
27.4 mpg US
32.8 mpg UK
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
Power
343 hp
256 kW
0-100 km/h5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
12.1 L/100 km
19.4 mpg US
23.3 mpg UK

BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 135i 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
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)135i
8.6 L/100 km
27.4 mpg US
32.8 mpg UK
5.5 s
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
12.1 L/100 km
19.4 mpg US
23.3 mpg UK
5.5 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
BMW1 Series Convertible (E88)135i
191 hp/t
143 kW/t
5.2 kg/hp
8.6 L/100 km
27.4 mpg US
32.8 mpg UK
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
207 hp/t
155 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp
12.1 L/100 km
19.4 mpg US
23.3 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW1 Series Convertible (E88)135iBMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
Power
306 hp
228 kW
343 hp
256 kW
Torque
400 Nm
295 lb-ft
365 Nm
269 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.5 s
5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,600 kg
3,527 lb
1,655 kg
3,649 lb
Fuel consumption
8.6 L/100 km
27.4 mpg US
32.8 mpg UK
12.1 L/100 km
19.4 mpg US
23.3 mpg UK
Practicality
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
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
300 L
10.6 cu ft
Length
4,492 mm
176.9 in
Height
1,363 mm
53.7 in
Range score
616 km
383 mi
521 km
324 mi
Trunk score
260 L
9.2 cu ft
300 L
10.6 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
191 hp/t
143 kW/t
5.2 kg/hp
207 hp/t
155 kW/t
4.8 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 1 Series Convertible (E88) 135iBMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V
Consumption8.6 L/100 km27.4 mpg US32.8 mpg UK12.1 L/100 km19.4 mpg US23.3 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km15.05 LC100 km21.18 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi24.22 LC100 mi34.08 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,290 L341 US gal284 UK gal1,815 L479 US gal399 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,258 LC/year3,176 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 135i

  • Has 35 Nm more
  • Is 55 kg lighter
  • Uses 3.5 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 96 km (59 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Highest torque
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Smallest trunk

BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V

  • Has 37 hp more
  • Has 16 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 40 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Most powerful
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 135i
BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

Popular comparisons

BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) 135i vs BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V - car comparison - FastVsFaster