Car comparison

BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 330dvsBMW 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)

330d

265 hp2993 ccDieselAWDAutomaticTurbochargedSedan2019-2020
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 (G20) 330d

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.1 s
  • Fastest top speed
    260 km/h
    162 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    265 hp
    198 kW
  • Highest torque
    580 Nm
    428 lb-ft
  • Best power-to-weight
    160 hp/t
    119 kW/t
    6.3 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    5.4 L/100 km
    43.6 mpg US
    52.3 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    1,093 km
    679 mi
  • Largest trunk
    480 L
  • Best overall score
    71/100
  • Best performance score
    69/100
  • Best economy score
    92/100
  • Best practicality score
    74/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW3 Series Sedan (G20)330dBMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328i
Power
265hp198kW
193hp144kW
Torque
580Nm428lb-ft
280Nm207lb-ft
Curb weight
1,660kg3,660lb
1,395kg3,075lb
Gross weight
2,255kg4,971lb
1,780kg3,924lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
236 km/h
147 mph
To 99% top speed
50.0s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
63.2s99% target: 234 km/h / 145 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.1s
7.3s
0-200 km/h
15.7s
Calculated
25.4s
Calculated
0-60 mph
4.9s
Calculated
7.0s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
5.4L/100 km43.6mpg US52.3mpg UK
8.5L/100 km27.7mpg US33.2mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
6.4L/100 km36.8mpg US44.1mpg UK
-
Fuel consumption highway
4.7L/100 km50mpg US60.1mpg UK
-
Quarter mile
13.1s
Calculated
15.2s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
160hp/t119kW/t72hp/1000 lb
Calculated
138hp/t103kW/t63hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
349Nm/t234lb-ft/ton
Calculated
201Nm/t134lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
1,093km679mi
Calculated
765km475mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,993cc183cu in
2,793cc170cu in
Length
4,709mm185in
4,433mm175in
Width
1,827mm72in
1,698mm67in
Height
1,445mm57in
1,393mm55in
Wheelbase
2,851mm112in
2,700mm106in
Front track
1,573mm62in
1,408mm55in
Rear track
1,567mm62in
1,421mm56in
Ground clearance
135mm5in
-
Trunk volume
480L
435L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
59L
65L
CO2 emissions
140g/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) 330dBMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328iPowerTorque
  • BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 330d: 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)330d4,000 rpm1,750-2,750 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)330dBMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328i
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
4.9 s
7.0 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.1 s
7.3 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
15.7 s
25.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
236 km/h
147 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.4 s
2.8 s
330 ft
101 m
5.9 s
6.9 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.7 s
10.1 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.1 s
12.9 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.1 s
15.2 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
184 km/h
114 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)330d
265 hp
198 kW
BMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328i
193 hp
144 kW

BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 330d has 72 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 Sedan (G20) 330d: 72 hp (54 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)330d
580 Nm
428 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)330d
1,660 kg
3,660 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)330d
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 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)330d5.1 s
BMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328i7.3 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 330d and BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i: 2.2 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 Sedan (G20)330d
5.4 L/100 km
43.6 mpg US
52.3 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) 330d and BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i: 3.1 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 Sedan (G20)330d
160 hp/t
119 kW/t
6.3 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)330d
1,093 km
679 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)330d
265 hp
198 kW
5.1 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 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)330d
Power
265 hp
198 kW
0-100 km/h5.1 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
480 L
17.0 cu ft
Length
4,709 mm
185.4 in
Height
1,445 mm
56.9 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 Sedan (G20)330d
Power
265 hp
198 kW
0-100 km/h5.1 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
5.4 L/100 km
43.6 mpg US
52.3 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) 330d 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)330d
5.4 L/100 km
43.6 mpg US
52.3 mpg UK
5.1 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)330d
160 hp/t
119 kW/t
6.3 kg/hp
5.4 L/100 km
43.6 mpg US
52.3 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)330dBMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328i
Power
265 hp
198 kW
193 hp
144 kW
Torque
580 Nm
428 lb-ft
280 Nm
207 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.1 s
7.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
236 km/h
147 mph
Lightness
1,660 kg
3,660 lb
1,395 kg
3,075 lb
Fuel consumption
5.4 L/100 km
43.6 mpg US
52.3 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
1,445 mm
56.9 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
1,093 km
679 mi
765 km
475 mi
CO2 score
140 g/km
-
Trunk score
480 L
17.0 cu ft
435 L
15.4 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
160 hp/t
119 kW/t
6.3 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) 330dBMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i
Consumption5.4 L/100 km43.6 mpg US52.3 mpg UK8.5 L/100 km27.7 mpg US33.2 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km9.45 LC100 km14.88 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi15.21 LC100 mi23.94 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used810 L214 US gal178 UK gal1,275 L337 US gal280 UK gal
Annual fuel cost1,418 LC/year2,231 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 330d

  • Has 72 hp more
  • Has 300 Nm more
  • Is 2.2 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 24 km/h (15 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 3.1 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 21 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 328 km (204 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 45 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 power-to-weight ratio
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Heaviest

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i

  • Is 265 kg lighter

Pros

  • Lightest

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 Sedan (G20) 330d
BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i
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