Car comparison

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328ivsBMW M3 Convertible (E30) 2.3

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 M3 Convertible (E30)

2.3

200 hp2302 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCabriolet / convertible1988-1991

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW M3 Convertible (E30) 2.3

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    7.3 s
  • Most powerful
    200 hp
    149 kW
  • Lightest
    1,360 kg
    2,998 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    147 hp/t
    110 kW/t
    6.8 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    8.9 L/100 km
    26.4 mpg US
    31.7 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    12.6 L/100 km
    18.7 mpg US
    22.4 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    697 km
    433 mi
  • Largest trunk
    303 L
  • Best overall score
    48/100
  • Best economy score
    83/100
  • Best practicality score
    45/100

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i

  • Fastest top speed
    240 km/h
    149 mph Unrestricted
    230 km/h
    143 mph Restricted
  • Highest torque
    280 Nm
    207 lb-ft
  • Lowest highway consumption
    6.8 L/100 km
    34.6 mpg US
    41.5 mpg UK
  • Best performance score
    50/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW3 Series Convertible (E36)328iBMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
Power
193hp144kW
200hp149kW
Torque
280Nm207lb-ft
240Nm177lb-ft
Curb weight
1,505kg3,318lb
1,360kg2,998lb
Gross weight
1,830kg4,034lb
1,720kg3,792lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
Calculated
233 km/h
145 mph
To 99% top speed
98.5s99% target: 238 km/h / 148 mph
Calculated
90.7s99% target: 231 km/h / 143 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
7.7s
7.3s
0-200 km/h
32.1s
Calculated
32.5s
Calculated
0-60 mph
7.3s
Calculated
6.9s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9.3L/100 km25.3mpg US30.4mpg UK
8.9L/100 km26.4mpg US31.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
13.5L/100 km17.4mpg US20.9mpg UK
12.6L/100 km18.7mpg US22.4mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
6.8L/100 km34.6mpg US41.5mpg UK
7.8L/100 km30.2mpg US36.2mpg UK
Quarter mile
15.5s
Calculated
15.2s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
128hp/t96kW/t58hp/1000 lb
Calculated
147hp/t110kW/t67hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
186Nm/t124lb-ft/ton
Calculated
176Nm/t118lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
667km414mi
Calculated
697km433mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,793cc170cu in
2,302cc140cu in
Length
4,435mm175in
4,345mm171in
Width
1,710mm67in
1,680mm66in
Height
1,350mm53in
1,370mm54in
Wheelbase
2,700mm106in
2,565mm101in
Front track
1,410mm56in
1,414mm56in
Rear track
1,420mm56in
1,435mm56in
Ground clearance
110mm4in
-
Trunk volume
230L
303L
Doors
2
2
Seats
4
4
Fuel tank
62L
62L

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 M3 Convertible (E30) 2.3PowerTorque
  • BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i: Power / Torque
  • BMW M3 Convertible (E30) 2.3: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMW3 Series Convertible (E36)328i5,500 rpm3,500 rpm5,750 rpm
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.36,750 rpm4,750 rpm7,000 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW3 Series Convertible (E36)328iBMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
7.3 s
6.9 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
7.7 s
7.3 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
32.1 s
32.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
Likely limited
233 km/h
145 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.5 s
2.5 s
330 ft
101 m
6.8 s
6.6 s
1/8 mile
201 m
10.2 s
9.9 s
1000 ft
305 m
13.1 s
12.8 s
1/4 mile
402 m
15.5 s
15.2 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
149 km/h
93 mph
150 km/h
94 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
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
200 hp
149 kW

BMW M3 Convertible (E30) 2.3 has 7 hp more than BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i.

The biggest power difference is between BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i and BMW M3 Convertible (E30) 2.3: 7 hp (5 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
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
240 Nm
177 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
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
1,360 kg
2,998 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
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
233 km/h
145 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
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.37.3 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW M3 Convertible (E30) 2.3 and BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i: 0.4 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
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
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 Convertible (E36)328i
128 hp/t
96 kW/t
7.8 kg/hp
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
147 hp/t
110 kW/t
6.8 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
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
697 km
433 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
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
200 hp
149 kW
7.3 s
233 km/h
145 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
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
Power
200 hp
149 kW
0-100 km/h7.3 s
Top speed
233 km/h
145 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
303 L
10.7 cu ft
Length
4,345 mm
171.1 in
Height
1,370 mm
53.9 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
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
Power
200 hp
149 kW
0-100 km/h7.3 s
Top speed
233 km/h
145 mph
8.9 L/100 km
26.4 mpg US
31.7 mpg UK

BMW M3 Convertible (E30) 2.3 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
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
8.9 L/100 km
26.4 mpg US
31.7 mpg UK
7.3 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
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
147 hp/t
110 kW/t
6.8 kg/hp
8.9 L/100 km
26.4 mpg US
31.7 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW3 Series Convertible (E36)328iBMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
Power
193 hp
144 kW
200 hp
149 kW
Torque
280 Nm
207 lb-ft
240 Nm
177 lb-ft
Acceleration
7.7 s
7.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
233 km/h
145 mph
Lightness
1,505 kg
3,318 lb
1,360 kg
2,998 lb
Fuel consumption
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
8.9 L/100 km
26.4 mpg US
31.7 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
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
303 L
10.7 cu ft
Length
4,345 mm
171.1 in
Height
1,370 mm
53.9 in
Range score
667 km
414 mi
697 km
433 mi
Trunk score
230 L
8.1 cu ft
303 L
10.7 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
128 hp/t
96 kW/t
7.8 kg/hp
147 hp/t
110 kW/t
6.8 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 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328iBMW M3 Convertible (E30) 2.3
Consumption9.3 L/100 km25.3 mpg US30.4 mpg UK8.9 L/100 km26.4 mpg US31.7 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km16.28 LC100 km15.58 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi26.19 LC100 mi25.07 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,395 L369 US gal307 UK gal1,335 L353 US gal294 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,441 LC/year2,336 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i

  • Has 40 Nm more
  • Has 7 km/h (4 mph) higher top speed

Pros

  • Highest top speed
  • Highest torque

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest
  • Smallest trunk

BMW M3 Convertible (E30) 2.3

  • Has 7 hp more
  • Is 145 kg lighter
  • Is 0.4 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 0.4 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 19 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 30 km (19 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 73 L more trunk volume

Pros

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

Cons

  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i
BMW M3 Convertible (E30) 2.3
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

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