Car comparison

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328ivsMercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet 280 SE 3.5 V8

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

Mercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet

280 SE 3.5 V8

200 hp3499 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedCabriolet / convertible1969-1971

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

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
  • Lightest
    1,505 kg
    3,318 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    128 hp/t
    96 kW/t
    7.8 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    9.3 L/100 km
    25.3 mpg US
    30.4 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    667 km
    414 mi
  • Best overall score
    47/100
  • Best performance score
    50/100
  • Best economy score
    82/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW3 Series Convertible (E36)328iMercedes-BenzW111 Cabriolet280 SE 3.5 V8
Power
193hp144kW
200hp149kW
Torque
280Nm207lb-ft
286Nm211lb-ft
Curb weight
1,505kg3,318lb
1,650kg3,638lb
Gross weight
1,830kg4,034lb
2,120kg4,674lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
Calculated
205 km/h
127 mph
To 99% top speed
98.8s99% target: 238 km/h / 148 mph
Calculated
105.1s99% target: 203 km/h / 126 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
7.7s
9.4s
0-200 km/h
32.2s
Calculated
80.3s
Calculated
0-60 mph
7.3s
Calculated
8.8s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9.3L/100 km25.3mpg US30.4mpg UK
13.5L/100 km17.4mpg US20.9mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
13.5L/100 km17.4mpg US20.9mpg UK
-
Fuel consumption highway
6.8L/100 km34.6mpg US41.5mpg UK
-
Quarter mile
15.5s
Calculated
16.8s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
128hp/t96kW/t58hp/1000 lb
Calculated
121hp/t90kW/t55hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
186Nm/t124lb-ft/ton
Calculated
173Nm/t116lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
667km414mi
Calculated
607km377mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,793cc170cu in
3,499cc214cu in
Length
4,435mm175in
4,905mm193in
Width
1,710mm67in
1,845mm73in
Height
1,350mm53in
1,435mm56in
Wheelbase
2,700mm106in
2,750mm108in
Front track
1,410mm56in
1,482mm58in
Rear track
1,420mm56in
1,485mm58in
Ground clearance
110mm4in
-
Trunk volume
230L
530L
Doors
2
2
Seats
4
5
Fuel tank
62L
82L

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) 328iMercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet 280 SE 3.5 V8PowerTorque
  • BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i: Power / Torque
  • Mercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet 280 SE 3.5 V8: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMW3 Series Convertible (E36)328i5,500 rpm3,500 rpm5,750 rpm
Mercedes-BenzW111 Cabriolet280 SE 3.5 V85,800 rpm4,000 rpm6,050 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW3 Series Convertible (E36)328iMercedes-BenzW111 Cabriolet280 SE 3.5 V8
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
7.3 s
8.8 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
7.7 s
9.4 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
32.2 s
80.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
Likely limited
205 km/h
127 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.5 s
2.6 s
330 ft
101 m
6.8 s
7.1 s
1/8 mile
201 m
10.2 s
10.8 s
1000 ft
305 m
13.1 s
14.0 s
1/4 mile
402 m
15.5 s
16.8 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
149 km/h
93 mph
134 km/h
83 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
Mercedes-BenzW111 Cabriolet280 SE 3.5 V8
200 hp
149 kW

Mercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet 280 SE 3.5 V8 has 7 hp more than BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i.

The biggest power difference is between BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i and Mercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet 280 SE 3.5 V8: 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
Mercedes-BenzW111 Cabriolet280 SE 3.5 V8
286 Nm
211 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
Mercedes-BenzW111 Cabriolet280 SE 3.5 V8
1,650 kg
3,638 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
Mercedes-BenzW111 Cabriolet280 SE 3.5 V8
205 km/h
127 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
Mercedes-BenzW111 Cabriolet280 SE 3.5 V89.4 s

Although Mercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet 280 SE 3.5 V8 has more power, BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i and Mercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet 280 SE 3.5 V8: 1.7 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
Mercedes-BenzW111 Cabriolet280 SE 3.5 V8
13.5 L/100 km
17.4 mpg US
20.9 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i and Mercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet 280 SE 3.5 V8: 4.2 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
Mercedes-BenzW111 Cabriolet280 SE 3.5 V8
121 hp/t
90 kW/t
8.2 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
Mercedes-BenzW111 Cabriolet280 SE 3.5 V8
607 km
377 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
Mercedes-BenzW111 Cabriolet280 SE 3.5 V8
200 hp
149 kW
9.4 s
205 km/h
127 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
Mercedes-BenzW111 Cabriolet280 SE 3.5 V8
Power
200 hp
149 kW
0-100 km/h9.4 s
Top speed
205 km/h
127 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
530 L
18.7 cu ft
Length
4,905 mm
193.1 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
Mercedes-BenzW111 Cabriolet280 SE 3.5 V8
Power
200 hp
149 kW
0-100 km/h9.4 s
Top speed
205 km/h
127 mph
13.5 L/100 km
17.4 mpg US
20.9 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
Mercedes-BenzW111 Cabriolet280 SE 3.5 V8
13.5 L/100 km
17.4 mpg US
20.9 mpg UK
9.4 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
Mercedes-BenzW111 Cabriolet280 SE 3.5 V8
121 hp/t
90 kW/t
8.3 kg/hp
13.5 L/100 km
17.4 mpg US
20.9 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW3 Series Convertible (E36)328iMercedes-BenzW111 Cabriolet280 SE 3.5 V8
Power
193 hp
144 kW
200 hp
149 kW
Torque
280 Nm
207 lb-ft
286 Nm
211 lb-ft
Acceleration
7.7 s
9.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
205 km/h
127 mph
Lightness
1,505 kg
3,318 lb
1,650 kg
3,638 lb
Fuel consumption
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
13.5 L/100 km
17.4 mpg US
20.9 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
5 seats
Trunk
530 L
18.7 cu ft
Length
4,905 mm
193.1 in
Height
1,435 mm
56.5 in
Range score
667 km
414 mi
607 km
377 mi
Trunk score
230 L
8.1 cu ft
530 L
18.7 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
128 hp/t
96 kW/t
7.8 kg/hp
121 hp/t
90 kW/t
8.3 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 Convertible (E36) 328iMercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet 280 SE 3.5 V8
Consumption9.3 L/100 km25.3 mpg US30.4 mpg UK13.5 L/100 km17.4 mpg US20.9 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km16.28 LC100 km23.63 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi26.19 LC100 mi38.02 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,395 L369 US gal307 UK gal2,025 L535 US gal445 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,441 LC/year3,544 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i

  • Is 145 kg lighter
  • Is 1.7 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 35 km/h (22 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 4.2 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 7 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 59 km (37 mi) more estimated range

Pros

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

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Smallest trunk

Mercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet 280 SE 3.5 V8

  • Has 7 hp more
  • Has 6 Nm more
  • Has 300 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest
  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i
Mercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet 280 SE 3.5 V8
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