Car comparison

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330CivsBMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325i

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

New comparison

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46)

330Ci

231 hp2979 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedCabriolet / convertible2000-2003
VS

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36)

325i

192 hp2494 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCoupe1992-1999

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325i

  • Lightest
    1,330 kg
    2,932 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    144 hp/t
    108 kW/t
    6.9 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    8.8 L/100 km
    26.7 mpg US
    32.1 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    12.9 L/100 km
    18.2 mpg US
    21.9 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    6.7 L/100 km
    35.1 mpg US
    42.2 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    705 km
    438 mi
  • Largest trunk
    405 L
  • Best overall score
    51/100
  • Best economy score
    83/100
  • Best practicality score
    56/100

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    7.5 s
  • Fastest top speed
    250 km/h
    155 mph Unrestricted
    240 km/h
    149 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    231 hp
    172 kW
  • Highest torque
    300 Nm
    221 lb-ft
  • Best performance score
    53/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330CiBMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i
Power
231hp172kW
192hp143kW
Torque
300Nm221lb-ft
244Nm180lb-ft
Curb weight
1,645kg3,627lb
1,330kg2,932lb
Gross weight
1,680kg3,704lb
1,790kg3,946lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
250 km/h155 mph
Restricted
240 km/h149 mph
Calculated
232 km/h
144 mph
To 99% top speed
103.4s99% target: 248 km/h / 154 mph
Calculated
93.3s99% target: 230 km/h / 143 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
7.5s
8.0s
0-200 km/h
29.5s
Calculated
34.8s
Calculated
0-60 mph
7.1s
Calculated
7.6s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
10.2L/100 km23.1mpg US27.7mpg UK
8.8L/100 km26.7mpg US32.1mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
14.9L/100 km15.8mpg US19.0mpg UK
12.9L/100 km18.2mpg US21.9mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
7.5L/100 km31.4mpg US37.7mpg UK
6.7L/100 km35.1mpg US42.2mpg UK
Quarter mile
15.4s
Calculated
15.8s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
140hp/t105kW/t64hp/1000 lb
Calculated
144hp/t108kW/t65hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
182Nm/t122lb-ft/ton
Calculated
183Nm/t123lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
618km384mi
Calculated
705km438mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,979cc182cu in
2,494cc152cu in
Length
4,488mm177in
4,433mm175in
Width
1,757mm69in
1,710mm67in
Height
1,370mm54in
1,366mm54in
Wheelbase
2,725mm107in
2,700mm106in
Front track
1,471mm58in
1,408mm55in
Rear track
1,483mm58in
1,421mm56in
Ground clearance-
110mm4in
Trunk volume
260L
405L
Max trunk volume
300L
-
Doors
2
2
Seats
4
5
Fuel tank
63L
62L
CO2 emissions
244g/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) 330CiBMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325iPowerTorque
  • BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci: Power / Torque
  • BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325i: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330Ci5,900 rpm3,500 rpm6,150 rpm
BMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i5,900 rpm4,200 rpm6,150 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330CiBMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
7.1 s
7.6 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
7.5 s
8.0 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
29.5 s
34.8 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
250 km/h155 mph
Restricted
240 km/h149 mph
Likely limited
232 km/h
144 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.5 s
2.6 s
330 ft
101 m
6.7 s
6.9 s
1/8 mile
201 m
10.1 s
10.3 s
1000 ft
305 m
13.0 s
13.3 s
1/4 mile
402 m
15.4 s
15.8 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
152 km/h
94 mph
147 km/h
92 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330Ci
231 hp
172 kW
BMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i
192 hp
143 kW

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci has 39 hp more than BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325i.

The biggest power difference is between BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325i and BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci: 39 hp (29 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330Ci
300 Nm
221 lb-ft
BMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i
244 Nm
180 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330Ci
1,645 kg
3,627 lb
BMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i
1,330 kg
2,932 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)330Ci
Unrestricted
250 km/h155 mph
Restricted
240 km/h149 mph
BMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i
232 km/h
144 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)330Ci7.5 s
BMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i8.0 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci and BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325i: 0.5 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)330Ci
10.2 L/100 km
23.1 mpg US
27.7 mpg UK
BMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i
8.8 L/100 km
26.7 mpg US
32.1 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325i and BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci: 1.4 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)330Ci
140 hp/t
105 kW/t
7.1 kg/hp
BMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i
144 hp/t
108 kW/t
6.9 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330Ci
618 km
384 mi
BMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i
705 km
438 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330Ci
231 hp
172 kW
7.5 s
Unrestricted
250 km/h155 mph
Restricted
240 km/h149 mph
BMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i
192 hp
143 kW
8.0 s
232 km/h
144 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)330Ci
Power
231 hp
172 kW
0-100 km/h7.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
250 km/h155 mph
Restricted
240 km/h149 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
260 L
9.2 cu ft
Length
4,488 mm
176.7 in
Height
1,370 mm
53.9 in
BMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i
Power
192 hp
143 kW
0-100 km/h8.0 s
Top speed
232 km/h
144 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
405 L
14.3 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,366 mm
53.8 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)330Ci
Power
231 hp
172 kW
0-100 km/h7.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
250 km/h155 mph
Restricted
240 km/h149 mph
10.2 L/100 km
23.1 mpg US
27.7 mpg UK
BMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i
Power
192 hp
143 kW
0-100 km/h8.0 s
Top speed
232 km/h
144 mph
8.8 L/100 km
26.7 mpg US
32.1 mpg UK

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci 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)330Ci
10.2 L/100 km
23.1 mpg US
27.7 mpg UK
7.5 s
BMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i
8.8 L/100 km
26.7 mpg US
32.1 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 (E46)330Ci
140 hp/t
105 kW/t
7.1 kg/hp
10.2 L/100 km
23.1 mpg US
27.7 mpg UK
BMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i
144 hp/t
108 kW/t
6.9 kg/hp
8.8 L/100 km
26.7 mpg US
32.1 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330CiBMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i
Power
231 hp
172 kW
192 hp
143 kW
Torque
300 Nm
221 lb-ft
244 Nm
180 lb-ft
Acceleration
7.5 s
8.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
250 km/h155 mph
Restricted
240 km/h149 mph
232 km/h
144 mph
Lightness
1,645 kg
3,627 lb
1,330 kg
2,932 lb
Fuel consumption
10.2 L/100 km
23.1 mpg US
27.7 mpg UK
8.8 L/100 km
26.7 mpg US
32.1 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
260 L
9.2 cu ft
Length
4,488 mm
176.7 in
Height
1,370 mm
53.9 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
405 L
14.3 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,366 mm
53.8 in
Range score
618 km
384 mi
705 km
438 mi
CO2 score
244 g/km
-
Trunk score
260 L
9.2 cu ft
405 L
14.3 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
140 hp/t
105 kW/t
7.1 kg/hp
144 hp/t
108 kW/t
6.9 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) 330CiBMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325i
Consumption10.2 L/100 km23.1 mpg US27.7 mpg UK8.8 L/100 km26.7 mpg US32.1 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km17.85 LC100 km15.40 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi28.73 LC100 mi24.78 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,530 L404 US gal337 UK gal1,320 L349 US gal290 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,678 LC/year2,310 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci

  • Has 39 hp more
  • Has 56 Nm more
  • Is 0.5 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 18 km/h (11 mph) higher top speed

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest
  • Smallest trunk

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325i

  • Is 315 kg lighter
  • Uses 1.4 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 4 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 87 km (54 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 145 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power
  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci
BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325i
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