Car comparison

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) · Facelift 2003 330CdvsBMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325i

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

New comparison

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) · Facelift 2003

330Cd

204 hp2993 ccDieselRWDAutomaticTurbochargedCoupe2003-2005
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 (E46) Facelift 2003 330Cd

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    7.4 s
  • Fastest top speed
    235 km/h
    146 mph
  • Most powerful
    204 hp
    152 kW
  • Highest torque
    410 Nm
    302 lb-ft
  • 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 Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330CdBMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i
Power
204hp152kW
192hp143kW
Torque
410Nm302lb-ft
244Nm180lb-ft
Curb weight
1,555kg3,428lb
1,330kg2,932lb
Gross weight
2,055kg4,530lb
1,790kg3,946lb
Top speed
235 km/h
146 mph
232 km/h
144 mph
To 99% top speed
93.2s99% target: 233 km/h / 145 mph
Calculated
93.3s99% target: 230 km/h / 143 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
7.4s
8.0s
0-200 km/h
32.4s
Calculated
34.8s
Calculated
0-60 mph
7.0s
Calculated
7.6s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
7.7L/100 km30.5mpg US36.7mpg UK
8.8L/100 km26.7mpg US32.1mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
10.6L/100 km22.2mpg US26.6mpg UK
12.9L/100 km18.2mpg US21.9mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
6.1L/100 km38.6mpg US46.3mpg UK
6.7L/100 km35.1mpg US42.2mpg UK
Quarter mile
15.3s
Calculated
15.8s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
131hp/t98kW/t60hp/1000 lb
Calculated
144hp/t108kW/t65hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
264Nm/t176lb-ft/ton
Calculated
183Nm/t123lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
818km508mi
Calculated
705km438mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,993cc183cu in
2,494cc152cu in
Length
4,488mm177in
4,433mm175in
Width
1,757mm69in
1,710mm67in
Height
1,369mm54in
1,366mm54in
Wheelbase
2,725mm107in
2,700mm106in
Front track
1,471mm58in
1,408mm55in
Rear track
1,483mm58in
1,421mm56in
Ground clearance-
110mm4in
Trunk volume
410L
405L
Doors
2
2
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
63L
62L

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 Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330CdBMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325iPowerTorque
  • BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Cd: Power / Torque
  • BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325i: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd4,000 rpm1,500 rpm4,250 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 Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330CdBMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
7.0 s
7.6 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
7.4 s
8.0 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
32.4 s
34.8 s
Top speed
235 km/h
146 mph
232 km/h
144 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.5 s
2.6 s
330 ft
101 m
6.6 s
6.9 s
1/8 mile
201 m
10.0 s
10.3 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.9 s
13.3 s
1/4 mile
402 m
15.3 s
15.8 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
150 km/h
93 mph
147 km/h
92 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
204 hp
152 kW
BMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i
192 hp
143 kW

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Cd has 12 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 Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Cd: 12 hp (9 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
410 Nm
302 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 Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
1,555 kg
3,428 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 Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
235 km/h
146 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 Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd7.4 s
BMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i8.0 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Cd and BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325i: 0.6 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 Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
7.7 L/100 km
30.5 mpg US
36.7 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 (E46) Facelift 2003 330Cd and BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325i: 1.1 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 Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
131 hp/t
98 kW/t
7.6 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 Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
818 km
508 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 Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
204 hp
152 kW
7.4 s
235 km/h
146 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 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
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 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
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 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 Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
7.7 L/100 km
30.5 mpg US
36.7 mpg UK
7.4 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 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
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 Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330CdBMW3 Series Coupe (E36)325i
Power
204 hp
152 kW
192 hp
143 kW
Torque
410 Nm
302 lb-ft
244 Nm
180 lb-ft
Acceleration
7.4 s
8.0 s
Top speed
235 km/h
146 mph
232 km/h
144 mph
Lightness
1,555 kg
3,428 lb
1,330 kg
2,932 lb
Fuel consumption
7.7 L/100 km
30.5 mpg US
36.7 mpg UK
8.8 L/100 km
26.7 mpg US
32.1 mpg UK
Practicality
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
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
818 km
508 mi
705 km
438 mi
Trunk score
410 L
14.5 cu ft
405 L
14.3 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
131 hp/t
98 kW/t
7.6 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 Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330CdBMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325i
Consumption7.7 L/100 km30.5 mpg US36.7 mpg UK8.8 L/100 km26.7 mpg US32.1 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km13.48 LC100 km15.40 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi21.69 LC100 mi24.78 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,155 L305 US gal254 UK gal1,320 L349 US gal290 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,021 LC/year2,310 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Cd

  • Has 12 hp more
  • Has 166 Nm more
  • Is 0.6 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 3 km/h (2 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 1.1 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 114 km (71 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 5 L more trunk volume

Pros

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

Cons

  • Heaviest

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325i

  • Is 225 kg lighter
  • Has 13 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

  • Lightest
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

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

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) 330Cd
BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325i
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BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) · Facelift 2003 330Cd vs BMW 3 Series Coupe (E36) 325i - car comparison - FastVsFaster