Car comparison

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325ivsBMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325ti

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

New comparison

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36)

325i

192 hp2494 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCoupe1992-1999
VS

BMW 3 Series Compact (E46)

325ti

192 hp2494 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedHatchback2001-2005

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325i

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    8.0 s
  • Fastest top speed
    232 km/h
    144 mph
  • Most powerful
    192 hp
    143 kW
  • Lightest
    1,330 kg
    2,932 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    144 hp/t
    108 kW/t
    6.9 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    8.8 L/100 km
    26.7 mpg US
    32.1 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    12.9 L/100 km
    18.2 mpg US
    21.9 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    6.7 L/100 km
    35.1 mpg US
    42.2 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    705 km
    438 mi
  • Largest trunk
    405 L
  • Best performance score
    48/100
  • Best economy score
    83/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325iBMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
Power
192hp143kW
192hp143kW
Torque
244Nm180lb-ft
245Nm181lb-ft
Curb weight
1,330kg2,932lb
1,405kg3,097lb
Gross weight
1,790kg3,946lb
1,905kg4,200lb
Top speed
232 km/h
144 mph
232 km/h
144 mph
To 99% top speed
93.3s99% target: 230 km/h / 143 mph
Calculated
92.1s99% target: 230 km/h / 143 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
8.0s
8.2s
0-200 km/h
34.8s
Calculated
34.9s
Calculated
0-60 mph
7.6s
Calculated
7.8s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
8.8L/100 km26.7mpg US32.1mpg UK
9.5L/100 km24.8mpg US29.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
12.9L/100 km18.2mpg US21.9mpg UK
13.5L/100 km17.4mpg US20.9mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
6.7L/100 km35.1mpg US42.2mpg UK
7.3L/100 km32.2mpg US38.7mpg UK
Quarter mile
15.8s
Calculated
15.9s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
144hp/t108kW/t65hp/1000 lb
Calculated
137hp/t102kW/t62hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
183Nm/t123lb-ft/ton
Calculated
174Nm/t117lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
705km438mi
Calculated
663km412mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,494cc152cu in
2,494cc152cu in
Length
4,433mm175in
4,262mm168in
Width
1,710mm67in
1,751mm69in
Height
1,366mm54in
1,408mm55in
Wheelbase
2,700mm106in
2,725mm107in
Front track
1,408mm55in
1,474mm58in
Rear track
1,421mm56in
1,483mm58in
Ground clearance
110mm4in
-
Trunk volume
405L
310L
Max trunk volume-
1,100L
Doors
2
3
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
62L
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 Coupe (E36) 325iBMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325tiPowerTorque
  • BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325i: Power / Torque
  • BMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325ti: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i5,900 rpm4,200 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 Coupe (E36)325iBMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
7.6 s
7.8 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
8.0 s
8.2 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
34.8 s
34.9 s
Top speed
232 km/h
144 mph
232 km/h
144 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.6 s
2.7 s
330 ft
101 m
6.9 s
7.0 s
1/8 mile
201 m
10.3 s
10.5 s
1000 ft
305 m
13.3 s
13.4 s
1/4 mile
402 m
15.8 s
15.9 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
147 km/h
92 mph
147 km/h
91 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i
192 hp
143 kW
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
192 hp
143 kW

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i
244 Nm
180 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 Coupe (E36)325i
1,330 kg
2,932 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 Coupe (E36)325i
232 km/h
144 mph
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
232 km/h
144 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i8.0 s
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti8.2 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325i and BMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325ti: 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 Coupe (E36)325i
8.8 L/100 km
26.7 mpg US
32.1 mpg UK
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
9.5 L/100 km
24.8 mpg US
29.7 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325i and BMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325ti: 0.7 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 Coupe (E36)325i
144 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 Coupe (E36)325i
705 km
438 mi
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
663 km
412 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i
192 hp
143 kW
8.0 s
232 km/h
144 mph
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
192 hp
143 kW
8.2 s
232 km/h
144 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 Coupe (E36)325i
Power
192 hp
143 kW
0-100 km/h8.0 s
Top speed
232 km/h
144 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
405 L
14.3 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,366 mm
53.8 in
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
Power
192 hp
143 kW
0-100 km/h8.2 s
Top speed
232 km/h
144 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 Coupe (E36)325i
Power
192 hp
143 kW
0-100 km/h8.0 s
Top speed
232 km/h
144 mph
8.8 L/100 km
26.7 mpg US
32.1 mpg UK
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
Power
192 hp
143 kW
0-100 km/h8.2 s
Top speed
232 km/h
144 mph
9.5 L/100 km
24.8 mpg US
29.7 mpg UK

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325i 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 Coupe (E36)325i
8.8 L/100 km
26.7 mpg US
32.1 mpg UK
8.0 s
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
9.5 L/100 km
24.8 mpg US
29.7 mpg UK
8.2 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 Coupe (E36)325i
144 hp/t
108 kW/t
6.9 kg/hp
8.8 L/100 km
26.7 mpg US
32.1 mpg UK
BMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
137 hp/t
102 kW/t
7.3 kg/hp
9.5 L/100 km
24.8 mpg US
29.7 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325iBMW3 Series Compact (E46)325ti
Power
192 hp
143 kW
192 hp
143 kW
Torque
244 Nm
180 lb-ft
245 Nm
181 lb-ft
Acceleration
8.0 s
8.2 s
Top speed
232 km/h
144 mph
232 km/h
144 mph
Lightness
1,330 kg
2,932 lb
1,405 kg
3,097 lb
Fuel consumption
8.8 L/100 km
26.7 mpg US
32.1 mpg UK
9.5 L/100 km
24.8 mpg US
29.7 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
405 L
14.3 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,366 mm
53.8 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
705 km
438 mi
663 km
412 mi
Trunk score
405 L
14.3 cu ft
310 L
10.9 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
144 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 Coupe (E36) 325iBMW 3 Series Compact (E46) 325ti
Consumption8.8 L/100 km26.7 mpg US32.1 mpg UK9.5 L/100 km24.8 mpg US29.7 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km15.40 LC100 km16.63 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi24.78 LC100 mi26.76 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,320 L349 US gal290 UK gal1,425 L376 US gal313 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,310 LC/year2,494 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325i

  • Is 75 kg lighter
  • Is 0.2 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 0.7 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 8 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 41 km (26 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 95 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Choose cars to compare

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

Popular comparisons

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