Car comparison

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328ivsBMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) · Facelift 2003 330Cd

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 Coupe (E46) · Facelift 2003

330Cd

204 hp2993 ccDieselRWDAutomaticTurbochargedCoupe2003-2005

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Cd

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    7.4 s
  • Most powerful
    204 hp
    152 kW
  • Highest torque
    410 Nm
    302 lb-ft
  • Best power-to-weight
    131 hp/t
    98 kW/t
    7.6 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    7.7 L/100 km
    30.5 mpg US
    36.7 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    10.6 L/100 km
    22.2 mpg US
    26.6 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    6.1 L/100 km
    38.6 mpg US
    46.3 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    818 km
    508 mi
  • Largest trunk
    410 L
  • Best overall score
    54/100
  • Best performance score
    53/100
  • Best economy score
    86/100
  • Best practicality score
    56/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW3 Series Convertible (E36)328iBMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
Power
193hp144kW
204hp152kW
Torque
280Nm207lb-ft
410Nm302lb-ft
Curb weight
1,505kg3,318lb
1,555kg3,428lb
Gross weight
1,830kg4,034lb
2,055kg4,530lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
Calculated
235 km/h
146 mph
To 99% top speed
98.5s99% target: 238 km/h / 148 mph
Calculated
93.2s99% target: 233 km/h / 145 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
7.7s
7.4s
0-200 km/h
32.1s
Calculated
32.4s
Calculated
0-60 mph
7.3s
Calculated
7.0s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9.3L/100 km25.3mpg US30.4mpg UK
7.7L/100 km30.5mpg US36.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
13.5L/100 km17.4mpg US20.9mpg UK
10.6L/100 km22.2mpg US26.6mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
6.8L/100 km34.6mpg US41.5mpg UK
6.1L/100 km38.6mpg US46.3mpg UK
Quarter mile
15.5s
Calculated
15.3s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
128hp/t96kW/t58hp/1000 lb
Calculated
131hp/t98kW/t60hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
186Nm/t124lb-ft/ton
Calculated
264Nm/t176lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
667km414mi
Calculated
818km508mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,793cc170cu in
2,993cc183cu in
Length
4,435mm175in
4,488mm177in
Width
1,710mm67in
1,757mm69in
Height
1,350mm53in
1,369mm54in
Wheelbase
2,700mm106in
2,725mm107in
Front track
1,410mm56in
1,471mm58in
Rear track
1,420mm56in
1,483mm58in
Ground clearance
110mm4in
-
Trunk volume
230L
410L
Doors
2
2
Seats
4
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 Convertible (E36) 328iBMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330CdPowerTorque
  • BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i: Power / Torque
  • BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Cd: 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 Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd4,000 rpm1,500 rpm4,250 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW3 Series Convertible (E36)328iBMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
7.3 s
7.0 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
7.7 s
7.4 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
32.1 s
32.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
Likely limited
235 km/h
146 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
10.0 s
1000 ft
305 m
13.1 s
12.9 s
1/4 mile
402 m
15.5 s
15.3 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 Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
204 hp
152 kW

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Cd has 11 hp more than BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i.

The biggest power difference is between BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i and BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Cd: 11 hp (8 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 Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
410 Nm
302 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 Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
1,555 kg
3,428 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 Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
235 km/h
146 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

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

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Cd and BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i: 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 Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
7.7 L/100 km
30.5 mpg US
36.7 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Cd and BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i: 1.6 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 Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
131 hp/t
98 kW/t
7.6 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 Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
818 km
508 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 Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
204 hp
152 kW
7.4 s
235 km/h
146 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 Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
Power
204 hp
152 kW
0-100 km/h7.4 s
Top speed
235 km/h
146 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
410 L
14.5 cu ft
Length
4,488 mm
176.7 in
Height
1,369 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
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
Power
204 hp
152 kW
0-100 km/h7.4 s
Top speed
235 km/h
146 mph
7.7 L/100 km
30.5 mpg US
36.7 mpg UK

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Cd 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 Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
7.7 L/100 km
30.5 mpg US
36.7 mpg UK
7.4 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 Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
131 hp/t
98 kW/t
7.6 kg/hp
7.7 L/100 km
30.5 mpg US
36.7 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW3 Series Convertible (E36)328iBMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
Power
193 hp
144 kW
204 hp
152 kW
Torque
280 Nm
207 lb-ft
410 Nm
302 lb-ft
Acceleration
7.7 s
7.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
240 km/h149 mph
Restricted
230 km/h143 mph
235 km/h
146 mph
Lightness
1,505 kg
3,318 lb
1,555 kg
3,428 lb
Fuel consumption
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
7.7 L/100 km
30.5 mpg US
36.7 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
5 seats
Trunk
410 L
14.5 cu ft
Length
4,488 mm
176.7 in
Height
1,369 mm
53.9 in
Range score
667 km
414 mi
818 km
508 mi
Trunk score
230 L
8.1 cu ft
410 L
14.5 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
128 hp/t
96 kW/t
7.8 kg/hp
131 hp/t
98 kW/t
7.6 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 Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Cd
Consumption9.3 L/100 km25.3 mpg US30.4 mpg UK7.7 L/100 km30.5 mpg US36.7 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km16.28 LC100 km13.48 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi26.19 LC100 mi21.69 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,395 L369 US gal307 UK gal1,155 L305 US gal254 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,441 LC/year2,021 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i

  • Is 50 kg lighter
  • Has 5 km/h (3 mph) higher top speed

Pros

  • Highest top speed
  • Lightest

Cons

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

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Cd

  • Has 11 hp more
  • Has 130 Nm more
  • Is 0.3 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 1.6 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 3 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 152 km (94 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 180 L more trunk volume

Pros

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

Cons

  • Heaviest
  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

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Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i
BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) 330Cd
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BMW 3 Series Convertible (E36) 328i vs BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) · Facelift 2003 330Cd - car comparison - FastVsFaster