Car comparison

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330xivsBMW 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 (E46)

330xi

231 hp2979 ccGasolineAWDManualNaturally aspiratedSedan2000-2001
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 (E46) 330xi

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    6.6 s
  • Fastest top speed
    247 km/h
    153 mph
  • Most powerful
    231 hp
    172 kW
  • Highest torque
    300 Nm
    221 lb-ft
  • Best power-to-weight
    145 hp/t
    108 kW/t
    6.9 kg/hp
  • Largest trunk
    440 L
  • Best overall score
    61/100
  • Best performance score
    56/100
  • Best practicality score
    73/100

BMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325ti

  • Lightest
    1,405 kg
    3,097 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    8.9 L/100 km
    26.4 mpg US
    31.7 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    12.3 L/100 km
    19.1 mpg US
    23.0 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    5.3 L/100 km
    44.4 mpg US
    53.3 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    708 km
    440 mi
  • Best economy score
    83/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330xiBMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
Power
231hp172kW
192hp143kW
Torque
300Nm221lb-ft
245Nm181lb-ft
Curb weight
1,595kg3,516lb
1,405kg3,097lb
Gross weight
2,095kg4,619lb
1,905kg4,200lb
Top speed
247 km/h
153 mph
235 km/h
146 mph
To 99% top speed
61.8s99% target: 245 km/h / 152 mph
Calculated
81.3s99% target: 233 km/h / 145 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.6s
7.1s
0-200 km/h
21.7s
Calculated
29.4s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.3s
Calculated
6.7s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9.9L/100 km23.8mpg US28.5mpg UK
8.9L/100 km26.4mpg US31.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
13.6L/100 km17.3mpg US20.8mpg UK
12.3L/100 km19.1mpg US23.0mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
7.8L/100 km30.2mpg US36.2mpg UK
5.3L/100 km44.4mpg US53.3mpg UK
Quarter mile
14.5s
Calculated
15.1s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
145hp/t108kW/t66hp/1000 lb
Calculated
137hp/t102kW/t62hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
188Nm/t126lb-ft/ton
Calculated
174Nm/t117lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
636km395mi
Calculated
708km440mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,979cc182cu in
2,494cc152cu in
Length
4,471mm176in
4,262mm168in
Width
1,739mm68in
1,751mm69in
Height
1,434mm56in
1,408mm55in
Wheelbase
2,725mm107in
2,725mm107in
Front track
1,471mm58in
1,474mm58in
Rear track
1,483mm58in
1,483mm58in
Trunk volume
440L
310L
Max trunk volume-
1,100L
Doors
4
3
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
63L
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 (E46) 330xiBMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325tiPowerTorque
  • BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330xi: Power / Torque
  • BMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325ti: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330xi5,900 rpm3,500 rpm6,150 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 (E46)330xiBMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.3 s
6.7 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.6 s
7.1 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
21.7 s
29.4 s
Top speed
247 km/h
153 mph
235 km/h
146 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.6 s
2.5 s
330 ft
101 m
6.6 s
6.6 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.7 s
9.9 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.3 s
12.7 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.5 s
15.1 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
167 km/h
103 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 (E46)330xi
231 hp
172 kW
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
192 hp
143 kW

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330xi has 39 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 (E46) 330xi: 39 hp (29 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330xi
300 Nm
221 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 (E46)330xi
1,595 kg
3,516 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 (E46)330xi
247 km/h
153 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 (E46)330xi6.6 s
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti7.1 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330xi and BMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325ti: 0.5 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 (E46)330xi
9.9 L/100 km
23.8 mpg US
28.5 mpg UK
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
8.9 L/100 km
26.4 mpg US
31.7 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325ti and BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330xi: 1.0 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 Sedan (E46)330xi
145 hp/t
108 kW/t
6.9 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 (E46)330xi
636 km
395 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 (E46)330xi
231 hp
172 kW
6.6 s
247 km/h
153 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 (E46)330xi
Power
231 hp
172 kW
0-100 km/h6.6 s
Top speed
247 km/h
153 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
440 L
15.5 cu ft
Length
4,471 mm
176.0 in
Height
1,434 mm
56.5 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 (E46)330xi
Power
231 hp
172 kW
0-100 km/h6.6 s
Top speed
247 km/h
153 mph
9.9 L/100 km
23.8 mpg US
28.5 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 (E46) 330xi 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 (E46)330xi
9.9 L/100 km
23.8 mpg US
28.5 mpg UK
6.6 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 (E46)330xi
145 hp/t
108 kW/t
6.9 kg/hp
9.9 L/100 km
23.8 mpg US
28.5 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 (E46)330xiBMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
Power
231 hp
172 kW
192 hp
143 kW
Torque
300 Nm
221 lb-ft
245 Nm
181 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.6 s
7.1 s
Top speed
247 km/h
153 mph
235 km/h
146 mph
Lightness
1,595 kg
3,516 lb
1,405 kg
3,097 lb
Fuel consumption
9.9 L/100 km
23.8 mpg US
28.5 mpg UK
8.9 L/100 km
26.4 mpg US
31.7 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
440 L
15.5 cu ft
Length
4,471 mm
176.0 in
Height
1,434 mm
56.5 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
636 km
395 mi
708 km
440 mi
Trunk score
440 L
15.5 cu ft
310 L
10.9 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
145 hp/t
108 kW/t
6.9 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 (E46) 330xiBMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325ti
Consumption9.9 L/100 km23.8 mpg US28.5 mpg UK8.9 L/100 km26.4 mpg US31.7 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km17.33 LC100 km15.58 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi27.88 LC100 mi25.07 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,485 L392 US gal327 UK gal1,335 L353 US gal294 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,599 LC/year2,336 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330xi

  • Has 39 hp more
  • Has 55 Nm more
  • Is 0.5 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 12 km/h (7 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 8 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 130 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest

BMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325ti

  • Is 190 kg lighter
  • Uses 1.0 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 72 km (44 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power
  • Lowest top speed
  • Smallest trunk

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330xi
BMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325ti
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BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330xi vs BMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325ti - car comparison - FastVsFaster