Car comparison

BMW M3 Coupe (E30) 2.5vsBMW M3 Convertible (E30) 2.3

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

New comparison

BMW M3 Coupe (E30)

2.5

238 hp2467 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCoupe1990-1990
VS

BMW M3 Convertible (E30)

2.3

215 hp2302 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCabriolet / convertible1989-1991

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW M3 Coupe (E30) 2.5

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    6.5 s
  • Fastest top speed
    248 km/h
    154 mph
  • Most powerful
    238 hp
    177 kW
  • Highest torque
    240 Nm
    177 lb-ft
  • Lightest
    1,200 kg
    2,646 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    198 hp/t
    148 kW/t
    5.0 kg/hp
  • Lowest city consumption
    12.5 L/100 km
    18.8 mpg US
    22.6 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    795 km
    494 mi
  • Largest trunk
    420 L
  • Best overall score
    55/100
  • Best performance score
    57/100
  • Best practicality score
    51/100

BMW M3 Convertible (E30) 2.3

  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    8.0 L/100 km
    29.4 mpg US
    35.3 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    6.6 L/100 km
    35.6 mpg US
    42.8 mpg UK
  • Best economy score
    85/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
Power
238hp177kW
215hp160kW
Torque
240Nm177lb-ft
230Nm170lb-ft
Curb weight
1,200kg2,646lb
1,360kg2,998lb
Gross weight
1,600kg3,527lb
1,720kg3,792lb
Top speed
248 km/h
154 mph
239 km/h
149 mph
To 99% top speed
77.9s99% target: 246 km/h / 153 mph
Calculated
92.7s99% target: 237 km/h / 147 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.5s
7.3s
0-200 km/h
24.2s
Calculated
30.7s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.2s
Calculated
6.9s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
8.8L/100 km26.7mpg US32.1mpg UK
8L/100 km29.4mpg US35.3mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
12.5L/100 km18.8mpg US22.6mpg UK
12.5L/100 km18.8mpg US22.6mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
7.8L/100 km30.2mpg US36.2mpg UK
6.6L/100 km35.6mpg US42.8mpg UK
Quarter mile
14.5s
Calculated
15.2s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
198hp/t148kW/t90hp/1000 lb
Calculated
158hp/t118kW/t72hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
200Nm/t134lb-ft/ton
Calculated
169Nm/t113lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
795km494mi
Calculated
775km482mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,467cc151cu in
2,302cc140cu in
Length
4,345mm171in
4,345mm171in
Width
1,680mm66in
1,680mm66in
Height
1,370mm54in
1,370mm54in
Wheelbase
2,565mm101in
2,565mm101in
Front track
1,424mm56in
1,414mm56in
Rear track
1,445mm57in
1,435mm56in
Trunk volume
420L
303L
Doors
2
2
Seats
4
4
Fuel tank
70L
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 M3 Coupe (E30) 2.5BMW M3 Convertible (E30) 2.3PowerTorque
  • BMW M3 Coupe (E30) 2.5: Power / Torque
  • BMW M3 Convertible (E30) 2.3: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.57,000 rpm4,750 rpm7,250 rpm
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.36,750 rpm4,600 rpm7,000 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.2 s
6.9 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.5 s
7.3 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
24.2 s
30.7 s
Top speed
248 km/h
154 mph
239 km/h
149 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.4 s
2.5 s
330 ft
101 m
6.4 s
6.6 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.6 s
10.0 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.3 s
12.8 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.5 s
15.2 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
161 km/h
100 mph
152 km/h
94 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5
238 hp
177 kW
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
215 hp
160 kW

BMW M3 Coupe (E30) 2.5 has 23 hp more than BMW M3 Convertible (E30) 2.3.

The biggest power difference is between BMW M3 Convertible (E30) 2.3 and BMW M3 Coupe (E30) 2.5: 23 hp (17 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5
240 Nm
177 lb-ft
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
230 Nm
170 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5
1,200 kg
2,646 lb
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
1,360 kg
2,998 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5
248 km/h
154 mph
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
239 km/h
149 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.56.5 s
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.37.3 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW M3 Coupe (E30) 2.5 and BMW M3 Convertible (E30) 2.3: 0.8 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5
8.8 L/100 km
26.7 mpg US
32.1 mpg UK
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
8.0 L/100 km
29.4 mpg US
35.3 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW M3 Convertible (E30) 2.3 and BMW M3 Coupe (E30) 2.5: 0.8 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
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5
198 hp/t
148 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
158 hp/t
118 kW/t
6.3 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5
795 km
494 mi
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
775 km
482 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5
238 hp
177 kW
6.5 s
248 km/h
154 mph
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
215 hp
160 kW
7.3 s
239 km/h
149 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
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5
Power
238 hp
177 kW
0-100 km/h6.5 s
Top speed
248 km/h
154 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
420 L
14.8 cu ft
Length
4,345 mm
171.1 in
Height
1,370 mm
53.9 in
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
Power
215 hp
160 kW
0-100 km/h7.3 s
Top speed
239 km/h
149 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
303 L
10.7 cu ft
Length
4,345 mm
171.1 in
Height
1,370 mm
53.9 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
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5
Power
238 hp
177 kW
0-100 km/h6.5 s
Top speed
248 km/h
154 mph
8.8 L/100 km
26.7 mpg US
32.1 mpg UK
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
Power
215 hp
160 kW
0-100 km/h7.3 s
Top speed
239 km/h
149 mph
8.0 L/100 km
29.4 mpg US
35.3 mpg UK

BMW M3 Coupe (E30) 2.5 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
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5
8.8 L/100 km
26.7 mpg US
32.1 mpg UK
6.5 s
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
8.0 L/100 km
29.4 mpg US
35.3 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
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5
198 hp/t
148 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp
8.8 L/100 km
26.7 mpg US
32.1 mpg UK
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
158 hp/t
118 kW/t
6.3 kg/hp
8.0 L/100 km
29.4 mpg US
35.3 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
Power
238 hp
177 kW
215 hp
160 kW
Torque
240 Nm
177 lb-ft
230 Nm
170 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.5 s
7.3 s
Top speed
248 km/h
154 mph
239 km/h
149 mph
Lightness
1,200 kg
2,646 lb
1,360 kg
2,998 lb
Fuel consumption
8.8 L/100 km
26.7 mpg US
32.1 mpg UK
8.0 L/100 km
29.4 mpg US
35.3 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
420 L
14.8 cu ft
Length
4,345 mm
171.1 in
Height
1,370 mm
53.9 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
303 L
10.7 cu ft
Length
4,345 mm
171.1 in
Height
1,370 mm
53.9 in
Range score
795 km
494 mi
775 km
482 mi
Trunk score
420 L
14.8 cu ft
303 L
10.7 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
198 hp/t
148 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp
158 hp/t
118 kW/t
6.3 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 M3 Coupe (E30) 2.5BMW M3 Convertible (E30) 2.3
Consumption8.8 L/100 km26.7 mpg US32.1 mpg UK8 L/100 km29.4 mpg US35.3 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km15.40 LC100 km14.00 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi24.78 LC100 mi22.53 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,320 L349 US gal290 UK gal1,200 L317 US gal264 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,310 LC/year2,100 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW M3 Coupe (E30) 2.5

  • Has 23 hp more
  • Has 10 Nm more
  • Is 160 kg lighter
  • Is 0.8 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 9 km/h (6 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 40 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 20 km (13 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 117 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Lightest
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption

BMW M3 Convertible (E30) 2.3

  • Uses 0.8 L/100 km less fuel

Pros

  • Lowest combined fuel consumption

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power
  • Heaviest
  • Lowest top speed
  • Smallest trunk

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW M3 Coupe (E30) 2.5
BMW M3 Convertible (E30) 2.3
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

Popular comparisons

2.5
3.0i
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5vsBMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
2.3
3.0i
VS
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3vsBMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
2.5
2.3
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5vsBMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
2.3
2.3
VS
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3vsBMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.3
2.5
3.2i 24V
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5vsBMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V
2.3
3.2i 24V
VS
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3vsBMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
2.5
4.0 V8
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5vsBMWM3 Coupe (E92)4.0 V8
2.3
4.0 V8
VS
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3vsBMWM3 Convertible (E93)4.0 V8
2.5
3.2
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5vsBMWM3 (E36)3.2
2.5
M 635CSi
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5vsBMW6 Series (E24)Facelift 1987M 635CSi
2.3
3.0 i V6
VS
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3vsAlfa RomeoRZ3.0 i V6
2.3
4.0 V8
VS
BMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3vsBMWM3 (E90)4.0 V8
BMW M3 Coupe (E30) 2.5 vs BMW M3 Convertible (E30) 2.3 - car comparison - FastVsFaster