Car comparison

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330CivsBMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i

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 Sedan (E36)

328i

193 hp2793 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedSedan1995-1999

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    7.3 s
  • Lightest
    1,395 kg
    3,075 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    8.5 L/100 km
    27.7 mpg US
    33.2 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    765 km
    475 mi
  • Largest trunk
    435 L
  • Best overall score
    58/100
  • Best economy score
    84/100
  • Best practicality score
    72/100

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci

  • 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 power-to-weight
    140 hp/t
    105 kW/t
    7.1 kg/hp
  • Best performance score
    53/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330CiBMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328i
Power
231hp172kW
193hp144kW
Torque
300Nm221lb-ft
280Nm207lb-ft
Curb weight
1,645kg3,627lb
1,395kg3,075lb
Gross weight
1,680kg3,704lb
1,780kg3,924lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
250 km/h155 mph
Restricted
240 km/h149 mph
Calculated
236 km/h
147 mph
To 99% top speed
103.4s99% target: 248 km/h / 154 mph
Calculated
63.1s99% target: 234 km/h / 145 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
7.5s
7.3s
0-200 km/h
29.5s
Calculated
25.4s
Calculated
0-60 mph
7.1s
Calculated
7.0s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
10.2L/100 km23.1mpg US27.7mpg UK
8.5L/100 km27.7mpg US33.2mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
14.9L/100 km15.8mpg US19.0mpg UK
-
Fuel consumption highway
7.5L/100 km31.4mpg US37.7mpg UK
-
Quarter mile
15.4s
Calculated
15.2s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
140hp/t105kW/t64hp/1000 lb
Calculated
138hp/t103kW/t63hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
182Nm/t122lb-ft/ton
Calculated
201Nm/t134lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
618km384mi
Calculated
765km475mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,979cc182cu in
2,793cc170cu in
Length
4,488mm177in
4,433mm175in
Width
1,757mm69in
1,698mm67in
Height
1,370mm54in
1,393mm55in
Wheelbase
2,725mm107in
2,700mm106in
Front track
1,471mm58in
1,408mm55in
Rear track
1,483mm58in
1,421mm56in
Trunk volume
260L
435L
Max trunk volume
300L
-
Doors
2
4
Seats
4
5
Fuel tank
63L
65L
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 Sedan (E36) 328iPowerTorque
  • BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci: Power / Torque
  • BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i: 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 Sedan (E36)328i5,500 rpm3,950 rpm5,750 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330CiBMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328i
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
7.1 s
7.0 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
7.5 s
7.3 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
29.5 s
25.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
250 km/h155 mph
Restricted
240 km/h149 mph
Likely limited
236 km/h
147 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.5 s
2.8 s
330 ft
101 m
6.7 s
6.9 s
1/8 mile
201 m
10.1 s
10.1 s
1000 ft
305 m
13.0 s
12.9 s
1/4 mile
402 m
15.4 s
15.2 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
152 km/h
94 mph
160 km/h
99 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 Sedan (E36)328i
193 hp
144 kW

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci has 38 hp more than BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i.

The biggest power difference is between BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i and BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci: 38 hp (28 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 Sedan (E36)328i
280 Nm
207 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 Sedan (E36)328i
1,395 kg
3,075 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 Sedan (E36)328i
236 km/h
147 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 Sedan (E36)328i7.3 s

Although BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci has more power, BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i and BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci: 0.2 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 Sedan (E36)328i
8.5 L/100 km
27.7 mpg US
33.2 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i and BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci: 1.7 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 Sedan (E36)328i
138 hp/t
103 kW/t
7.2 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330Ci
618 km
384 mi
BMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328i
765 km
475 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 Sedan (E36)328i
193 hp
144 kW
7.3 s
236 km/h
147 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 Sedan (E36)328i
Power
193 hp
144 kW
0-100 km/h7.3 s
Top speed
236 km/h
147 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
435 L
15.4 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,393 mm
54.8 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 Sedan (E36)328i
Power
193 hp
144 kW
0-100 km/h7.3 s
Top speed
236 km/h
147 mph
8.5 L/100 km
27.7 mpg US
33.2 mpg UK

BMW 3 Series Sedan (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 (E46)330Ci
10.2 L/100 km
23.1 mpg US
27.7 mpg UK
7.5 s
BMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328i
8.5 L/100 km
27.7 mpg US
33.2 mpg UK
7.3 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 Sedan (E36)328i
138 hp/t
103 kW/t
7.2 kg/hp
8.5 L/100 km
27.7 mpg US
33.2 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330CiBMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328i
Power
231 hp
172 kW
193 hp
144 kW
Torque
300 Nm
221 lb-ft
280 Nm
207 lb-ft
Acceleration
7.5 s
7.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
250 km/h155 mph
Restricted
240 km/h149 mph
236 km/h
147 mph
Lightness
1,645 kg
3,627 lb
1,395 kg
3,075 lb
Fuel consumption
10.2 L/100 km
23.1 mpg US
27.7 mpg UK
8.5 L/100 km
27.7 mpg US
33.2 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
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
435 L
15.4 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,393 mm
54.8 in
Range score
618 km
384 mi
765 km
475 mi
CO2 score
244 g/km
-
Trunk score
260 L
9.2 cu ft
435 L
15.4 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
140 hp/t
105 kW/t
7.1 kg/hp
138 hp/t
103 kW/t
7.2 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 Sedan (E36) 328i
Consumption10.2 L/100 km23.1 mpg US27.7 mpg UK8.5 L/100 km27.7 mpg US33.2 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km17.85 LC100 km14.88 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi28.73 LC100 mi23.94 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,530 L404 US gal337 UK gal1,275 L337 US gal280 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,678 LC/year2,231 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci

  • Has 38 hp more
  • Has 20 Nm more
  • Has 14 km/h (9 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 2 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

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

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i

  • Is 250 kg lighter
  • Is 0.2 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 1.7 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 147 km (91 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 175 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) 330Ci
BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i
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2 vehicles selected

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