Car comparison

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330ivsBMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 320d

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

New comparison

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46)

330i

231 hp2979 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedSedan2000-2001
VS

BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20)

320d

190 hp1995 ccDieselAWDAutomaticTurbochargedSedan2020-2022

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
    6.9 s
  • Highest torque
    400 Nm
    295 lb-ft
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    4.4 L/100 km
    53.5 mpg US
    64.2 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    5.0 L/100 km
    47.0 mpg US
    56.5 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    4.1 L/100 km
    57.4 mpg US
    68.9 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    909 km
    565 mi
  • Largest trunk
    480 L
  • Best economy score
    95/100
  • Best practicality score
    74/100

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330i

  • Fastest top speed
    247 km/h
    153 mph
  • Most powerful
    231 hp
    172 kW
  • Lightest
    1,400 kg
    3,086 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    165 hp/t
    123 kW/t
    6.1 kg/hp
  • Best overall score
    61/100
  • Best performance score
    56/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330iBMW3 Series Sedan (G20)320d
Power
231hp172kW
190hp142kW
Torque
300Nm221lb-ft
400Nm295lb-ft
Curb weight
1,400kg3,086lb
1,620kg3,571lb
Gross weight
1,900kg4,189lb
2,205kg4,861lb
Top speed
247 km/h
153 mph
233 km/h
145 mph
To 99% top speed
62.7s99% target: 245 km/h / 152 mph
Calculated
61.8s99% target: 231 km/h / 143 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
7.0s
6.9s
0-200 km/h
22.5s
Calculated
25.3s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.7s
Calculated
6.6s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9.6L/100 km24.5mpg US29.4mpg UK
4.4L/100 km53.5mpg US64.2mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
14L/100 km16.8mpg US20.2mpg UK
5L/100 km47mpg US56.5mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
7L/100 km33.6mpg US40.4mpg UK
4.1L/100 km57.4mpg US68.9mpg UK
Quarter mile
14.9s
Calculated
14.9s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
165hp/t123kW/t75hp/1000 lb
Calculated
117hp/t87kW/t53hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
214Nm/t143lb-ft/ton
Calculated
247Nm/t165lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
656km408mi
Calculated
909km565mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,979cc182cu in
1,995cc122cu in
Length
4,471mm176in
4,709mm185in
Width
1,739mm68in
1,827mm72in
Height
1,415mm56in
1,445mm57in
Wheelbase
2,725mm107in
2,851mm112in
Front track
1,471mm58in
1,573mm62in
Rear track
1,483mm58in
1,567mm62in
Ground clearance-
135mm5in
Trunk volume
440L
480L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
63L
40L

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 (E46) 330iBMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 320dPowerTorque
  • BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330i: Power / Torque
  • BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 320d: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330i5,900 rpm3,500 rpm6,150 rpm
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)320d4,000 rpm1,750-2,500 rpm4,250 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330iBMW3 Series Sedan (G20)320d
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.7 s
6.6 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
7.0 s
6.9 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
22.5 s
25.3 s
Top speed
247 km/h
153 mph
233 km/h
145 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.8 s
2.7 s
330 ft
101 m
6.8 s
6.7 s
1/8 mile
201 m
10.0 s
9.9 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.7 s
12.6 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.9 s
14.9 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
165 km/h
102 mph
161 km/h
100 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330i
231 hp
172 kW
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)320d
190 hp
142 kW

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330i has 41 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 (E46) 330i: 41 hp (31 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330i
300 Nm
221 lb-ft
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)320d
400 Nm
295 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330i
1,400 kg
3,086 lb
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)320d
1,620 kg
3,571 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 (E46)330i
247 km/h
153 mph
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)320d
233 km/h
145 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 (E46)330i7.0 s
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)320d6.9 s

Although BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330i 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 (E46) 330i: 0.1 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 (E46)330i
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)320d
4.4 L/100 km
53.5 mpg US
64.2 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 320d and BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330i: 5.2 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 (E46)330i
165 hp/t
123 kW/t
6.1 kg/hp
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)320d
117 hp/t
87 kW/t
8.5 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330i
656 km
408 mi
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)320d
909 km
565 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330i
231 hp
172 kW
7.0 s
247 km/h
153 mph
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)320d
190 hp
142 kW
6.9 s
233 km/h
145 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 (E46)330i
Power
231 hp
172 kW
0-100 km/h7.0 s
Top speed
247 km/h
153 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
440 L
15.5 cu ft
Length
4,471 mm
176.0 in
Height
1,415 mm
55.7 in
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)320d
Power
190 hp
142 kW
0-100 km/h6.9 s
Top speed
233 km/h
145 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

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 (E46)330i
Power
231 hp
172 kW
0-100 km/h7.0 s
Top speed
247 km/h
153 mph
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)320d
Power
190 hp
142 kW
0-100 km/h6.9 s
Top speed
233 km/h
145 mph
4.4 L/100 km
53.5 mpg US
64.2 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 (E46)330i
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK
7.0 s
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)320d
4.4 L/100 km
53.5 mpg US
64.2 mpg UK
6.9 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 (E46)330i
165 hp/t
123 kW/t
6.1 kg/hp
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK
BMW3 Series Sedan (G20)320d
117 hp/t
87 kW/t
8.5 kg/hp
4.4 L/100 km
53.5 mpg US
64.2 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330iBMW3 Series Sedan (G20)320d
Power
231 hp
172 kW
190 hp
142 kW
Torque
300 Nm
221 lb-ft
400 Nm
295 lb-ft
Acceleration
7.0 s
6.9 s
Top speed
247 km/h
153 mph
233 km/h
145 mph
Lightness
1,400 kg
3,086 lb
1,620 kg
3,571 lb
Fuel consumption
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK
4.4 L/100 km
53.5 mpg US
64.2 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
440 L
15.5 cu ft
Length
4,471 mm
176.0 in
Height
1,415 mm
55.7 in
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
Range score
656 km
408 mi
909 km
565 mi
Trunk score
440 L
15.5 cu ft
480 L
17.0 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
165 hp/t
123 kW/t
6.1 kg/hp
117 hp/t
87 kW/t
8.5 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 (E46) 330iBMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 320d
Consumption9.6 L/100 km24.5 mpg US29.4 mpg UK4.4 L/100 km53.5 mpg US64.2 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km16.80 LC100 km7.70 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi27.04 LC100 mi12.39 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,440 L380 US gal317 UK gal660 L174 US gal145 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,520 LC/year1,155 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330i

  • Has 41 hp more
  • Is 220 kg lighter
  • Has 14 km/h (9 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 48 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

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

Cons

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

BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 320d

  • Has 100 Nm more
  • Is 0.1 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 5.2 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 253 km (157 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 40 L more trunk volume

Pros

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

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Heaviest
  • Lowest top speed

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Model
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BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330i
BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 320d
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BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330i vs BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 320d - car comparison - FastVsFaster