Car comparison

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328ivsBMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 318i

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

New comparison

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36)

328i

193 hp2793 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCabriolet / convertible1995-1999
VS

BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20)

318i

156 hp1998 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticTurbochargedSedan2020-2022

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 318i

  • Lightest
    1,490 kg
    3,285 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    5.7 L/100 km
    41.3 mpg US
    49.6 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    7.0 L/100 km
    33.6 mpg US
    40.4 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    4.9 L/100 km
    48.0 mpg US
    57.6 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    1,035 km
    643 mi
  • Largest trunk
    480 L
  • Best overall score
    55/100
  • Best economy score
    91/100
  • Best practicality score
    74/100

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    7.7 s
  • Fastest top speed
    240 km/h
    149 mph Unrestricted
    230 km/h
    143 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    193 hp
    144 kW
  • Highest torque
    280 Nm
    207 lb-ft
  • Best power-to-weight
    128 hp/t
    96 kW/t
    7.8 kg/hp
  • Best performance score
    50/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW3 Series Convertible (E36)328iBMW3 Series Sedan (G20)318i
Power
193hp144kW
156hp116kW
Torque
280Nm207lb-ft
250Nm184lb-ft
Curb weight
1,505kg3,318lb
1,490kg3,285lb
Gross weight
1,830kg4,034lb
2,050kg4,519lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
Calculated
223 km/h
139 mph
To 99% top speed
98.8s99% target: 238 km/h / 148 mph
Calculated
69.8s99% target: 221 km/h / 137 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
7.7s
8.4s
0-200 km/h
32.2s
Calculated
33.6s
Calculated
0-60 mph
7.3s
Calculated
8.0s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9.3L/100 km25.3mpg US30.4mpg UK
5.7L/100 km41.3mpg US49.6mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
13.5L/100 km17.4mpg US20.9mpg UK
7L/100 km33.6mpg US40.4mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
6.8L/100 km34.6mpg US41.5mpg UK
4.9L/100 km48mpg US57.6mpg UK
Quarter mile
15.5s
Calculated
16.1s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
128hp/t96kW/t58hp/1000 lb
Calculated
105hp/t78kW/t47hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
186Nm/t124lb-ft/ton
Calculated
168Nm/t112lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
667km414mi
Calculated
1,035km643mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,793cc170cu in
1,998cc122cu in
Length
4,435mm175in
4,709mm185in
Width
1,710mm67in
1,827mm72in
Height
1,350mm53in
1,435mm56in
Wheelbase
2,700mm106in
2,851mm112in
Front track
1,410mm56in
1,589mm63in
Rear track
1,420mm56in
1,604mm63in
Ground clearance
110mm4in
136mm5in
Trunk volume
230L
480L
Doors
2
4
Seats
4
5
Fuel tank
62L
59L

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 (E36) 328iBMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 318iPowerTorque
  • BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i: Power / Torque
  • BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 318i: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMW3 Series Convertible (E36)328i5,500 rpm3,500 rpm5,750 rpm
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)318i4,500-6,500 rpm1,300-4,300 rpm6,750 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW3 Series Convertible (E36)328iBMW3 Series Sedan (G20)318i
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
7.3 s
8.0 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
7.7 s
8.4 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
32.2 s
33.6 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
Likely limited
223 km/h
139 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.5 s
2.9 s
330 ft
101 m
6.8 s
7.3 s
1/8 mile
201 m
10.2 s
10.7 s
1000 ft
305 m
13.1 s
13.7 s
1/4 mile
402 m
15.5 s
16.1 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
149 km/h
93 mph
150 km/h
93 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Convertible (E36)328i
193 hp
144 kW
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)318i
156 hp
116 kW

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i has 37 hp more than BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 318i.

The biggest power difference is between BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 318i and BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i: 37 hp (28 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Convertible (E36)328i
280 Nm
207 lb-ft
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)318i
250 Nm
184 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Convertible (E36)328i
1,505 kg
3,318 lb
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)318i
1,490 kg
3,285 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 (E36)328i
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)318i
223 km/h
139 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 (E36)328i7.7 s
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)318i8.4 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i and BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 318i: 0.7 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 (E36)328i
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)318i
5.7 L/100 km
41.3 mpg US
49.6 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 318i and BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i: 3.6 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 (E36)328i
128 hp/t
96 kW/t
7.8 kg/hp
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)318i
105 hp/t
78 kW/t
9.6 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Convertible (E36)328i
667 km
414 mi
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)318i
1,035 km
643 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMW3 Series Convertible (E36)328i
193 hp
144 kW
7.7 s
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)318i
156 hp
116 kW
8.4 s
223 km/h
139 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 (E36)328i
Power
193 hp
144 kW
0-100 km/h7.7 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
230 L
8.1 cu ft
Length
4,435 mm
174.6 in
Height
1,350 mm
53.1 in
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)318i
Power
156 hp
116 kW
0-100 km/h8.4 s
Top speed
223 km/h
139 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
480 L
17.0 cu ft
Length
4,709 mm
185.4 in
Height
1,435 mm
56.5 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 (E36)328i
Power
193 hp
144 kW
0-100 km/h7.7 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)318i
Power
156 hp
116 kW
0-100 km/h8.4 s
Top speed
223 km/h
139 mph
5.7 L/100 km
41.3 mpg US
49.6 mpg UK

BMW 3 Series Convertible (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 Convertible (E36)328i
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
7.7 s
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)318i
5.7 L/100 km
41.3 mpg US
49.6 mpg UK
8.4 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 (E36)328i
128 hp/t
96 kW/t
7.8 kg/hp
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)318i
105 hp/t
78 kW/t
9.6 kg/hp
5.7 L/100 km
41.3 mpg US
49.6 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW3 Series Convertible (E36)328iBMW3 Series Sedan (G20)318i
Power
193 hp
144 kW
156 hp
116 kW
Torque
280 Nm
207 lb-ft
250 Nm
184 lb-ft
Acceleration
7.7 s
8.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
223 km/h
139 mph
Lightness
1,505 kg
3,318 lb
1,490 kg
3,285 lb
Fuel consumption
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
5.7 L/100 km
41.3 mpg US
49.6 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
230 L
8.1 cu ft
Length
4,435 mm
174.6 in
Height
1,350 mm
53.1 in
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
480 L
17.0 cu ft
Length
4,709 mm
185.4 in
Height
1,435 mm
56.5 in
Range score
667 km
414 mi
1,035 km
643 mi
Trunk score
230 L
8.1 cu ft
480 L
17.0 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
128 hp/t
96 kW/t
7.8 kg/hp
105 hp/t
78 kW/t
9.6 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 (E36) 328iBMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 318i
Consumption9.3 L/100 km25.3 mpg US30.4 mpg UK5.7 L/100 km41.3 mpg US49.6 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km16.28 LC100 km9.98 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi26.19 LC100 mi16.05 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,395 L369 US gal307 UK gal855 L226 US gal188 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,441 LC/year1,496 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i

  • Has 37 hp more
  • Has 30 Nm more
  • Is 0.7 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 17 km/h (11 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 24 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

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

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest
  • Smallest trunk

BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 318i

  • Is 15 kg lighter
  • Uses 3.6 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 368 km (229 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 250 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

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

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i
BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 318i
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