Car comparison

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328ivsBMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325ti

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

New comparison

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36)

328i

193 hp2793 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedSedan1995-1999
VS

BMW 3 Series Compact (E46)

325ti

192 hp2494 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedHatchback2001-2005

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i

  • Fastest top speed
    236 km/h
    147 mph
  • Most powerful
    193 hp
    144 kW
  • Highest torque
    280 Nm
    207 lb-ft
  • Lightest
    1,395 kg
    3,075 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    138 hp/t
    103 kW/t
    7.2 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    8.5 L/100 km
    27.7 mpg US
    33.2 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    765 km
    475 mi
  • Largest trunk
    435 L
  • Best overall score
    58/100
  • Best performance score
    52/100
  • Best economy score
    84/100
  • Best practicality score
    72/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328iBMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
Power
193hp144kW
192hp143kW
Torque
280Nm207lb-ft
245Nm181lb-ft
Curb weight
1,395kg3,075lb
1,405kg3,097lb
Gross weight
1,780kg3,924lb
1,905kg4,200lb
Top speed
236 km/h
147 mph
235 km/h
146 mph
To 99% top speed
63.1s99% target: 234 km/h / 145 mph
Calculated
81.3s99% target: 233 km/h / 145 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
7.3s
7.1s
0-200 km/h
25.4s
Calculated
29.4s
Calculated
0-60 mph
7.0s
Calculated
6.7s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
8.5L/100 km27.7mpg US33.2mpg UK
8.9L/100 km26.4mpg US31.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption city-
12.3L/100 km19.1mpg US23.0mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway-
5.3L/100 km44.4mpg US53.3mpg UK
Quarter mile
15.2s
Calculated
15.1s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
138hp/t103kW/t63hp/1000 lb
Calculated
137hp/t102kW/t62hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
201Nm/t134lb-ft/ton
Calculated
174Nm/t117lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
765km475mi
Calculated
708km440mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,793cc170cu in
2,494cc152cu in
Length
4,433mm175in
4,262mm168in
Width
1,698mm67in
1,751mm69in
Height
1,393mm55in
1,408mm55in
Wheelbase
2,700mm106in
2,725mm107in
Front track
1,408mm55in
1,474mm58in
Rear track
1,421mm56in
1,483mm58in
Trunk volume
435L
310L
Max trunk volume-
1,100L
Doors
4
3
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
65L
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 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328iBMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325tiPowerTorque
  • BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i: Power / Torque
  • BMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325ti: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328i5,500 rpm3,950 rpm5,750 rpm
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti6,000 rpm3,500 rpm6,250 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328iBMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
7.0 s
6.7 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
7.3 s
7.1 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
25.4 s
29.4 s
Top speed
236 km/h
147 mph
235 km/h
146 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.8 s
2.5 s
330 ft
101 m
6.9 s
6.6 s
1/8 mile
201 m
10.1 s
9.9 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.9 s
12.7 s
1/4 mile
402 m
15.2 s
15.1 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
160 km/h
99 mph
154 km/h
96 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328i
193 hp
144 kW
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
192 hp
143 kW

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i has 1 hp more than BMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325ti.

The biggest power difference is between BMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325ti and BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i: 1 hp (1 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328i
280 Nm
207 lb-ft
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
245 Nm
181 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328i
1,395 kg
3,075 lb
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
1,405 kg
3,097 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 Sedan (E36)328i
236 km/h
147 mph
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
235 km/h
146 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328i7.3 s
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti7.1 s

Although BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i has more power, BMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325ti is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325ti and BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i: 0.2 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 Sedan (E36)328i
8.5 L/100 km
27.7 mpg US
33.2 mpg UK
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
8.9 L/100 km
26.4 mpg US
31.7 mpg UK

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328i
138 hp/t
103 kW/t
7.2 kg/hp
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
137 hp/t
102 kW/t
7.3 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328i
765 km
475 mi
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
708 km
440 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328i
193 hp
144 kW
7.3 s
236 km/h
147 mph
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
192 hp
143 kW
7.1 s
235 km/h
146 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 Sedan (E36)328i
Power
193 hp
144 kW
0-100 km/h7.3 s
Top speed
236 km/h
147 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
435 L
15.4 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,393 mm
54.8 in
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
Power
192 hp
143 kW
0-100 km/h7.1 s
Top speed
235 km/h
146 mph
Doors/seats
3 doors
5 seats
Trunk
310 L
10.9 cu ft
Length
4,262 mm
167.8 in
Height
1,408 mm
55.4 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 Sedan (E36)328i
Power
193 hp
144 kW
0-100 km/h7.3 s
Top speed
236 km/h
147 mph
8.5 L/100 km
27.7 mpg US
33.2 mpg UK
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
Power
192 hp
143 kW
0-100 km/h7.1 s
Top speed
235 km/h
146 mph
8.9 L/100 km
26.4 mpg US
31.7 mpg UK

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i 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 Sedan (E36)328i
8.5 L/100 km
27.7 mpg US
33.2 mpg UK
7.3 s
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
8.9 L/100 km
26.4 mpg US
31.7 mpg UK
7.1 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 Sedan (E36)328i
138 hp/t
103 kW/t
7.2 kg/hp
8.5 L/100 km
27.7 mpg US
33.2 mpg UK
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
137 hp/t
102 kW/t
7.3 kg/hp
8.9 L/100 km
26.4 mpg US
31.7 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328iBMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
Power
193 hp
144 kW
192 hp
143 kW
Torque
280 Nm
207 lb-ft
245 Nm
181 lb-ft
Acceleration
7.3 s
7.1 s
Top speed
236 km/h
147 mph
235 km/h
146 mph
Lightness
1,395 kg
3,075 lb
1,405 kg
3,097 lb
Fuel consumption
8.5 L/100 km
27.7 mpg US
33.2 mpg UK
8.9 L/100 km
26.4 mpg US
31.7 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
435 L
15.4 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,393 mm
54.8 in
Doors/seats
3 doors
5 seats
Trunk
310 L
10.9 cu ft
Length
4,262 mm
167.8 in
Height
1,408 mm
55.4 in
Range score
765 km
475 mi
708 km
440 mi
Trunk score
435 L
15.4 cu ft
310 L
10.9 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
138 hp/t
103 kW/t
7.2 kg/hp
137 hp/t
102 kW/t
7.3 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
VehicleBMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328iBMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325ti
Consumption8.5 L/100 km27.7 mpg US33.2 mpg UK8.9 L/100 km26.4 mpg US31.7 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km14.88 LC100 km15.58 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi23.94 LC100 mi25.07 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,275 L337 US gal280 UK gal1,335 L353 US gal294 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,231 LC/year2,336 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i

  • Has 1 hp more
  • Has 35 Nm more
  • Is 10 kg lighter
  • Has 1 km/h (1 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 0.4 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 2 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 57 km (35 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 125 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h

BMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325ti

  • Is 0.2 s quicker from 0-100 km/h

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest
  • Lowest top speed
  • Smallest trunk

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i
BMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325ti
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

Popular comparisons

328i
330xi
VS
BMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328ivsBMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330xi
325ti
330Cd
VS
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325tivsBMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
328i
330i
VS
BMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328ivsBMW3 Series Sedan (E46)Facelift 2001330i
325ti
325Ci
VS
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325tivsBMW3 Series Convertible (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci
328i
328i
VS
BMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328ivsBMW3 Series Coupe (E36)328i
325ti
328Ci
VS
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325tivsBMW3 Series Coupe (E46)328Ci
328i
328i
VS
BMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328ivsBMW3 Series Touring (E36)328i
325ti
330i
VS
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325tivsBMW3 Series Touring (E46)Facelift 2001330i
328i
328i
VS
BMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328ivsBMW3 Series Convertible (E36)328i
328i
320d
VS
BMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328ivsBMW3 Series Sedan (G20)320d
325ti
330Ci
VS
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325tivsBMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330Ci
328i
320d
VS
BMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328ivsBMW3 Series Sedan (G20 LCI)Facelift 2022320d
BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i vs BMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325ti - car comparison - FastVsFaster