Car comparison

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328ivsBMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) · Facelift 2003 325Ci

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

New comparison

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36)

328i

193 hp2793 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedCabriolet / convertible1995-1999
VS

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) · Facelift 2003

325Ci

192 hp2494 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCabriolet / convertible2003-2006

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
  • Most powerful
    193 hp
    144 kW
  • Highest torque
    280 Nm
    207 lb-ft
  • 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
  • Lowest highway consumption
    6.8 L/100 km
    34.6 mpg US
    41.5 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)328iBMW3 Series Convertible (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci
Power
193hp144kW
192hp143kW
Torque
280Nm207lb-ft
245Nm181lb-ft
Curb weight
1,505kg3,318lb
1,640kg3,616lb
Gross weight
1,830kg4,034lb
1,985kg4,376lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
Calculated
234 km/h
145 mph
To 99% top speed
98.5s99% target: 238 km/h / 148 mph
Calculated
109.0s99% target: 232 km/h / 144 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
7.7s
8.0s
0-200 km/h
32.1s
Calculated
37.2s
Calculated
0-60 mph
7.3s
Calculated
7.6s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9.3L/100 km25.3mpg US30.4mpg UK
9.6L/100 km24.5mpg US29.4mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
13.5L/100 km17.4mpg US20.9mpg UK
13.4L/100 km17.6mpg US21.1mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
6.8L/100 km34.6mpg US41.5mpg UK
7.3L/100 km32.2mpg US38.7mpg UK
Quarter mile
15.5s
Calculated
15.8s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
128hp/t96kW/t58hp/1000 lb
Calculated
117hp/t87kW/t53hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
186Nm/t124lb-ft/ton
Calculated
149Nm/t100lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
667km414mi
Calculated
656km408mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,793cc170cu in
2,494cc152cu in
Length
4,435mm175in
4,488mm177in
Width
1,710mm67in
1,757mm69in
Height
1,350mm53in
1,372mm54in
Wheelbase
2,700mm106in
2,725mm107in
Front track
1,410mm56in
1,471mm58in
Rear track
1,420mm56in
1,483mm58in
Ground clearance
110mm4in
-
Trunk volume
230L
260L
Max trunk volume-
300L
Doors
2
2
Seats
4
4
Fuel tank
62L
63L
CO2 emissions-
229g/km

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 Convertible (E46) Facelift 2003 325CiPowerTorque
  • BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i: Power / Torque
  • BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) Facelift 2003 325Ci: 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 Convertible (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci6,000 rpm3,500 rpm6,250 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW3 Series Convertible (E36)328iBMW3 Series Convertible (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
7.3 s
7.6 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
7.7 s
8.0 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
32.1 s
37.2 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
Likely limited
234 km/h
145 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.5 s
2.5 s
330 ft
101 m
6.8 s
6.8 s
1/8 mile
201 m
10.2 s
10.3 s
1000 ft
305 m
13.1 s
13.3 s
1/4 mile
402 m
15.5 s
15.8 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
149 km/h
93 mph
145 km/h
90 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 Convertible (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci
192 hp
143 kW

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i has 1 hp more than BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) Facelift 2003 325Ci.

The biggest power difference is between BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) Facelift 2003 325Ci and BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i: 1 hp (1 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 Convertible (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci
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 Convertible (E36)328i
1,505 kg
3,318 lb
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci
1,640 kg
3,616 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 Convertible (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci
234 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
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci8.0 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i and BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) Facelift 2003 325Ci: 0.3 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 Convertible (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 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
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci
117 hp/t
87 kW/t
8.5 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 Convertible (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci
656 km
408 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 Convertible (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci
192 hp
143 kW
8.0 s
234 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
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci
Power
192 hp
143 kW
0-100 km/h8.0 s
Top speed
234 km/h
145 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
260 L
9.2 cu ft
Length
4,488 mm
176.7 in
Height
1,372 mm
54.0 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 Convertible (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci
Power
192 hp
143 kW
0-100 km/h8.0 s
Top speed
234 km/h
145 mph
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 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 Convertible (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK
8.0 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 Convertible (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci
117 hp/t
87 kW/t
8.5 kg/hp
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW3 Series Convertible (E36)328iBMW3 Series Convertible (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci
Power
193 hp
144 kW
192 hp
143 kW
Torque
280 Nm
207 lb-ft
245 Nm
181 lb-ft
Acceleration
7.7 s
8.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
234 km/h
145 mph
Lightness
1,505 kg
3,318 lb
1,640 kg
3,616 lb
Fuel consumption
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 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
260 L
9.2 cu ft
Length
4,488 mm
176.7 in
Height
1,372 mm
54.0 in
Range score
667 km
414 mi
656 km
408 mi
CO2 score
-
229 g/km
Trunk score
230 L
8.1 cu ft
260 L
9.2 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
128 hp/t
96 kW/t
7.8 kg/hp
117 hp/t
87 kW/t
8.5 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 Convertible (E46) Facelift 2003 325Ci
Consumption9.3 L/100 km25.3 mpg US30.4 mpg UK9.6 L/100 km24.5 mpg US29.4 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km16.28 LC100 km16.80 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi26.19 LC100 mi27.04 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,395 L369 US gal307 UK gal1,440 L380 US gal317 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,441 LC/year2,520 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i

  • Has 1 hp more
  • Has 35 Nm more
  • Is 135 kg lighter
  • Is 0.3 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 6 km/h (4 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 0.3 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 11 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 10 km (6 mi) more estimated range

Pros

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

Cons

  • Smallest trunk

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i
BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 325Ci
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BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i vs BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) · Facelift 2003 325Ci - car comparison - FastVsFaster