Car comparison

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) · Facelift 2003 325CivsMercedes-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 (E46) · Facelift 2003

325Ci

192 hp2494 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCabriolet / convertible2003-2006
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 (E46) Facelift 2003 325Ci

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    8.0 s
  • Fastest top speed
    234 km/h
    145 mph
  • Lightest
    1,640 kg
    3,616 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    9.6 L/100 km
    24.5 mpg US
    29.4 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    656 km
    408 mi
  • Best performance score
    47/100
  • Best economy score
    81/100

Mercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet 280 SE 3.5 V8

  • Most powerful
    200 hp
    149 kW
  • Highest torque
    286 Nm
    211 lb-ft
  • Best power-to-weight
    121 hp/t
    90 kW/t
    8.3 kg/hp
  • Largest trunk
    530 L
  • Best overall score
    47/100
  • Best practicality score
    59/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW3 Series Convertible (E46)Facelift 2003325CiMercedes-BenzW111 Cabriolet280 SE 3.5 V8
Power
192hp143kW
200hp149kW
Torque
245Nm181lb-ft
286Nm211lb-ft
Curb weight
1,640kg3,616lb
1,650kg3,638lb
Gross weight
1,985kg4,376lb
2,120kg4,674lb
Top speed
234 km/h
145 mph
205 km/h
127 mph
To 99% top speed
109.3s99% target: 232 km/h / 144 mph
Calculated
105.1s99% target: 203 km/h / 126 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
8.0s
9.4s
0-200 km/h
37.2s
Calculated
80.3s
Calculated
0-60 mph
7.6s
Calculated
8.8s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9.6L/100 km24.5mpg US29.4mpg UK
13.5L/100 km17.4mpg US20.9mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
13.4L/100 km17.6mpg US21.1mpg UK
-
Fuel consumption highway
7.3L/100 km32.2mpg US38.7mpg UK
-
Quarter mile
15.8s
Calculated
16.8s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
117hp/t87kW/t53hp/1000 lb
Calculated
121hp/t90kW/t55hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
149Nm/t100lb-ft/ton
Calculated
173Nm/t116lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
656km408mi
Calculated
607km377mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,494cc152cu in
3,499cc214cu in
Length
4,488mm177in
4,905mm193in
Width
1,757mm69in
1,845mm73in
Height
1,372mm54in
1,435mm56in
Wheelbase
2,725mm107in
2,750mm108in
Front track
1,471mm58in
1,482mm58in
Rear track
1,483mm58in
1,485mm58in
Trunk volume
260L
530L
Max trunk volume
300L
-
Doors
2
2
Seats
4
5
Fuel tank
63L
82L
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 (E46) Facelift 2003 325CiMercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet 280 SE 3.5 V8PowerTorque
  • BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) Facelift 2003 325Ci: 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 (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci6,000 rpm3,500 rpm6,250 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 (E46)Facelift 2003325CiMercedes-BenzW111 Cabriolet280 SE 3.5 V8
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
7.6 s
8.8 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
8.0 s
9.4 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
37.2 s
80.3 s
Top speed
234 km/h
145 mph
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
10.3 s
10.8 s
1000 ft
305 m
13.3 s
14.0 s
1/4 mile
402 m
15.8 s
16.8 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
145 km/h
90 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 (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci
192 hp
143 kW
Mercedes-BenzW111 Cabriolet280 SE 3.5 V8
200 hp
149 kW

Mercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet 280 SE 3.5 V8 has 8 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 Mercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet 280 SE 3.5 V8: 8 hp (6 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci
245 Nm
181 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 (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci
1,640 kg
3,616 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 (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci
234 km/h
145 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 (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci8.0 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 (E46) Facelift 2003 325Ci is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) Facelift 2003 325Ci and Mercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet 280 SE 3.5 V8: 1.4 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 (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 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 (E46) Facelift 2003 325Ci and Mercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet 280 SE 3.5 V8: 3.9 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 (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci
117 hp/t
87 kW/t
8.5 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 (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci
656 km
408 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 (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci
192 hp
143 kW
8.0 s
234 km/h
145 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 (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
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 (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
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 (E46) Facelift 2003 325Ci 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 (E46)Facelift 2003325Ci
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK
8.0 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 (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
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 (E46)Facelift 2003325CiMercedes-BenzW111 Cabriolet280 SE 3.5 V8
Power
192 hp
143 kW
200 hp
149 kW
Torque
245 Nm
181 lb-ft
286 Nm
211 lb-ft
Acceleration
8.0 s
9.4 s
Top speed
234 km/h
145 mph
205 km/h
127 mph
Lightness
1,640 kg
3,616 lb
1,650 kg
3,638 lb
Fuel consumption
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK
13.5 L/100 km
17.4 mpg US
20.9 mpg UK
Practicality
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
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
656 km
408 mi
607 km
377 mi
CO2 score
229 g/km
-
Trunk score
260 L
9.2 cu ft
530 L
18.7 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
117 hp/t
87 kW/t
8.5 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 (E46) Facelift 2003 325CiMercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet 280 SE 3.5 V8
Consumption9.6 L/100 km24.5 mpg US29.4 mpg UK13.5 L/100 km17.4 mpg US20.9 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km16.80 LC100 km23.63 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi27.04 LC100 mi38.02 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,440 L380 US gal317 UK gal2,025 L535 US gal445 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,520 LC/year3,544 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) Facelift 2003 325Ci

  • Is 10 kg lighter
  • Is 1.4 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 29 km/h (18 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 3.9 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 49 km (30 mi) more estimated range

Pros

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

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Smallest trunk

Mercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet 280 SE 3.5 V8

  • Has 8 hp more
  • Has 41 Nm more
  • Has 4 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 270 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • 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 (E46) 325Ci
Mercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet 280 SE 3.5 V8
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

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