Car comparison

BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 320dvsBMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i

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

New comparison

BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20)

320d

190 hp1995 ccDieselRWDAutomaticTurbochargedSedan2018-2020
VS

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36)

328i

193 hp2793 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedSedan1995-1999

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 320d

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    6.8 s
  • Fastest top speed
    250 km/h
    155 mph Unrestricted
    240 km/h
    149 mph Restricted
  • Highest torque
    400 Nm
    295 lb-ft
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    4.5 L/100 km
    52.3 mpg US
    62.8 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    889 km
    552 mi
  • Largest trunk
    480 L
  • Best overall score
    62/100
  • Best performance score
    57/100
  • Best economy score
    95/100
  • Best practicality score
    74/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW3 Series Sedan (G20)320dBMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328i
Power
190hp142kW
193hp144kW
Torque
400Nm295lb-ft
280Nm207lb-ft
Curb weight
1,455kg3,208lb
1,395kg3,075lb
Gross weight
2,085kg4,597lb
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
63.6s99% target: 248 km/h / 154 mph
Calculated
63.2s99% target: 234 km/h / 145 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.8s
7.3s
0-200 km/h
21.9s
Calculated
25.4s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.5s
Calculated
7.0s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
4.5L/100 km52.3mpg US62.8mpg UK
8.5L/100 km27.7mpg US33.2mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
5.1L/100 km46.1mpg US55.4mpg UK
-
Fuel consumption highway
4.1L/100 km57.4mpg US68.9mpg UK
-
Quarter mile
14.7s
Calculated
15.2s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
131hp/t97kW/t59hp/1000 lb
Calculated
138hp/t103kW/t63hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
275Nm/t184lb-ft/ton
Calculated
201Nm/t134lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
889km552mi
Calculated
765km475mi
Calculated
Displacement
1,995cc122cu in
2,793cc170cu in
Length
4,709mm185in
4,433mm175in
Width
1,827mm72in
1,698mm67in
Height
1,442mm57in
1,393mm55in
Wheelbase
2,851mm112in
2,700mm106in
Front track
1,589mm63in
1,408mm55in
Rear track
1,604mm63in
1,421mm56in
Ground clearance
136mm5in
-
Trunk volume
480L
435L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
40L
65L
CO2 emissions
117g/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 Sedan (G20) 320dBMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328iPowerTorque
  • BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 320d: Power / Torque
  • BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)320d4,000 rpm1,750-2,500 rpm4,250 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 Sedan (G20)320dBMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328i
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.5 s
7.0 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.8 s
7.3 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
21.9 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
2.7 s
2.8 s
330 ft
101 m
6.7 s
6.9 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.8 s
10.1 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.5 s
12.9 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.7 s
15.2 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
166 km/h
103 mph
160 km/h
99 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)320d
190 hp
142 kW
BMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328i
193 hp
144 kW

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i has 3 hp more than BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 320d.

The biggest power difference is between BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 320d and BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i: 3 hp (2 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)320d
400 Nm
295 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 Sedan (G20)320d
1,455 kg
3,208 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 Sedan (G20)320d
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 Sedan (G20)320d6.8 s
BMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328i7.3 s

Although BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i has more power, BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 320d is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 320d and BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i: 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 Sedan (G20)320d
4.5 L/100 km
52.3 mpg US
62.8 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 (G20) 320d and BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i: 4.0 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 Sedan (G20)320d
131 hp/t
97 kW/t
7.7 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 Sedan (G20)320d
889 km
552 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 Sedan (G20)320d
190 hp
142 kW
6.8 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 Sedan (G20)320d
Power
190 hp
142 kW
0-100 km/h6.8 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
250 km/h155 mph
Restricted
240 km/h149 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
480 L
17.0 cu ft
Length
4,709 mm
185.4 in
Height
1,442 mm
56.8 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 Sedan (G20)320d
Power
190 hp
142 kW
0-100 km/h6.8 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
250 km/h155 mph
Restricted
240 km/h149 mph
4.5 L/100 km
52.3 mpg US
62.8 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 (G20) 320d 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 Sedan (G20)320d
4.5 L/100 km
52.3 mpg US
62.8 mpg UK
6.8 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 Sedan (G20)320d
131 hp/t
97 kW/t
7.7 kg/hp
4.5 L/100 km
52.3 mpg US
62.8 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 Sedan (G20)320dBMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328i
Power
190 hp
142 kW
193 hp
144 kW
Torque
400 Nm
295 lb-ft
280 Nm
207 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.8 s
7.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
250 km/h155 mph
Restricted
240 km/h149 mph
236 km/h
147 mph
Lightness
1,455 kg
3,208 lb
1,395 kg
3,075 lb
Fuel consumption
4.5 L/100 km
52.3 mpg US
62.8 mpg UK
8.5 L/100 km
27.7 mpg US
33.2 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
480 L
17.0 cu ft
Length
4,709 mm
185.4 in
Height
1,442 mm
56.8 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
889 km
552 mi
765 km
475 mi
CO2 score
117 g/km
-
Trunk score
480 L
17.0 cu ft
435 L
15.4 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
131 hp/t
97 kW/t
7.7 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 Sedan (G20) 320dBMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i
Consumption4.5 L/100 km52.3 mpg US62.8 mpg UK8.5 L/100 km27.7 mpg US33.2 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km7.88 LC100 km14.88 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi12.67 LC100 mi23.94 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used675 L178 US gal148 UK gal1,275 L337 US gal280 UK gal
Annual fuel cost1,181 LC/year2,231 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 320d

  • Has 120 Nm more
  • Is 0.5 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 14 km/h (9 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 4.0 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 124 km (77 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 45 L more trunk volume

Pros

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

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Heaviest

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i

  • Has 3 hp more
  • Is 60 kg lighter
  • Has 8 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

  • Most powerful
  • Lightest
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

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

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 320d
BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i
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