Car comparison

BMW M3 Coupe (E46) 3.2i 24VvsBMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.0i

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

New comparison

BMW M3 Coupe (E46)

3.2i 24V

343 hp3246 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCoupe2000-2003
VS

BMW M3 Convertible (E36)

3.0i

286 hp2990 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCabriolet / convertible1994-1995

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW M3 Coupe (E46) 3.2i 24V

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.2 s
  • Fastest top speed
    265 km/h
    165 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    343 hp
    256 kW
  • Highest torque
    365 Nm
    269 lb-ft
  • Lightest
    1,495 kg
    3,296 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    229 hp/t
    171 kW/t
    4.4 kg/hp
  • Largest trunk
    410 L
  • Best overall score
    65/100
  • Best performance score
    69/100
  • Best practicality score
    56/100

BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.0i

  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    9.1 L/100 km
    25.8 mpg US
    31.0 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    13.0 L/100 km
    18.1 mpg US
    21.7 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    7.9 L/100 km
    29.8 mpg US
    35.8 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    714 km
    444 mi
  • Best economy score
    82/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24VBMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
Power
343hp256kW
286hp213kW
Torque
365Nm269lb-ft
320Nm236lb-ft
Curb weight
1,495kg3,296lb
1,540kg3,395lb
Gross weight
2,000kg4,409lb
1,930kg4,255lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
68.4s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
85.8s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.2s
6.2s
0-200 km/h
17.8s
Calculated
22.6s
Calculated
0-60 mph
4.9s
Calculated
5.9s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
11.9L/100 km19.8mpg US23.7mpg UK
9.1L/100 km25.8mpg US31.0mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
17.8L/100 km13.2mpg US15.9mpg UK
13L/100 km18.1mpg US21.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
8.4L/100 km28mpg US33.6mpg UK
7.9L/100 km29.8mpg US35.8mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.3s
Calculated
14.3s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
229hp/t171kW/t104hp/1000 lb
Calculated
186hp/t138kW/t84hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
244Nm/t163lb-ft/ton
Calculated
208Nm/t139lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
529km329mi
Calculated
714km444mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,246cc198cu in
2,990cc182cu in
Length
4,492mm177in
4,433mm175in
Width
1,780mm70in
1,710mm67in
Height
1,372mm54in
1,340mm53in
Wheelbase
2,731mm108in
2,700mm106in
Front track
1,508mm59in
1,422mm56in
Rear track
1,525mm60in
1,444mm57in
Trunk volume
410L
230L
Doors
2
2
Seats
5
4
Fuel tank
63L
65L

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 (E46) 3.2i 24VBMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.0iPowerTorque
  • BMW M3 Coupe (E46) 3.2i 24V: Power / Torque
  • BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.0i: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V7,900 rpm4,900 rpm8,150 rpm
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i7,000 rpm3,600 rpm7,250 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24VBMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
4.9 s
5.9 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.2 s
6.2 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
17.8 s
22.6 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.2 s
2.4 s
330 ft
101 m
5.8 s
6.2 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.7 s
9.4 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.2 s
12.0 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.3 s
14.3 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
175 km/h
109 mph
163 km/h
102 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V
343 hp
256 kW
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
286 hp
213 kW

BMW M3 Coupe (E46) 3.2i 24V has 57 hp more than BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.0i.

The biggest power difference is between BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.0i and BMW M3 Coupe (E46) 3.2i 24V: 57 hp (43 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V
365 Nm
269 lb-ft
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
320 Nm
236 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V
1,495 kg
3,296 lb
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
1,540 kg
3,395 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 (E46)3.2i 24V
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V5.2 s
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i6.2 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW M3 Coupe (E46) 3.2i 24V and BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.0i: 1.0 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 (E46)3.2i 24V
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.0i and BMW M3 Coupe (E46) 3.2i 24V: 2.8 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 (E46)3.2i 24V
229 hp/t
171 kW/t
4.4 kg/hp
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
186 hp/t
138 kW/t
5.4 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V
529 km
329 mi
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
714 km
444 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V
343 hp
256 kW
5.2 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
286 hp
213 kW
6.2 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 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 (E46)3.2i 24V
Power
343 hp
256 kW
0-100 km/h5.2 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
410 L
14.5 cu ft
Length
4,492 mm
176.9 in
Height
1,372 mm
54.0 in
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
Power
286 hp
213 kW
0-100 km/h6.2 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
230 L
8.1 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,340 mm
52.8 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
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V
Power
343 hp
256 kW
0-100 km/h5.2 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
Power
286 hp
213 kW
0-100 km/h6.2 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK

BMW M3 Coupe (E46) 3.2i 24V 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 (E46)3.2i 24V
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
5.2 s
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
6.2 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 (E46)3.2i 24V
229 hp/t
171 kW/t
4.4 kg/hp
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
186 hp/t
138 kW/t
5.4 kg/hp
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24VBMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
Power
343 hp
256 kW
286 hp
213 kW
Torque
365 Nm
269 lb-ft
320 Nm
236 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.2 s
6.2 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,495 kg
3,296 lb
1,540 kg
3,395 lb
Fuel consumption
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
410 L
14.5 cu ft
Length
4,492 mm
176.9 in
Height
1,372 mm
54.0 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
230 L
8.1 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,340 mm
52.8 in
Range score
529 km
329 mi
714 km
444 mi
Trunk score
410 L
14.5 cu ft
230 L
8.1 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
229 hp/t
171 kW/t
4.4 kg/hp
186 hp/t
138 kW/t
5.4 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 (E46) 3.2i 24VBMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.0i
Consumption11.9 L/100 km19.8 mpg US23.7 mpg UK9.1 L/100 km25.8 mpg US31 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km20.83 LC100 km15.92 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi33.51 LC100 mi25.63 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,785 L472 US gal393 UK gal1,365 L361 US gal300 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,124 LC/year2,389 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW M3 Coupe (E46) 3.2i 24V

  • Has 57 hp more
  • Has 45 Nm more
  • Is 45 kg lighter
  • Is 1.0 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 5 km/h (3 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 44 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 180 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
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption

BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.0i

  • Uses 2.8 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 185 km (115 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range

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 (E46) 3.2i 24V
BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.0i
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

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