Car comparison

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

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

New comparison

BMW M3 Coupe (E46)

CSL 3.2i 24V

360 hp3246 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCoupe2003-2006
VS

BMW M3 Convertible (E36)

3.2

321 hp3201 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCabriolet / convertible1995-1999

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW M3 Coupe (E46) CSL 3.2i 24V

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    4.9 s
  • Fastest top speed
    265 km/h
    165 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    360 hp
    268 kW
  • Highest torque
    370 Nm
    273 lb-ft
  • Lightest
    1,310 kg
    2,888 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    275 hp/t
    205 kW/t
    3.6 kg/hp
  • Largest trunk
    410 L
  • Best overall score
    66/100
  • Best performance score
    71/100
  • Best practicality score
    56/100

BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2

  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    11.1 L/100 km
    21.2 mpg US
    25.4 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    17.0 L/100 km
    13.8 mpg US
    16.6 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    7.7 L/100 km
    30.5 mpg US
    36.7 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    559 km
    347 mi
  • Best economy score
    77/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24VBMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
Power
360hp268kW
321hp239kW
Torque
370Nm273lb-ft
350Nm258lb-ft
Curb weight
1,310kg2,888lb
1,560kg3,439lb
Gross weight
1,800kg3,968lb
1,980kg4,365lb
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
59.6s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
75.1s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
4.9s
5.6s
0-200 km/h
16.2s
Calculated
20.1s
Calculated
0-60 mph
4.7s
Calculated
5.3s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
11.9L/100 km19.8mpg US23.7mpg UK
11.1L/100 km21.2mpg US25.4mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
17.8L/100 km13.2mpg US15.9mpg UK
17L/100 km13.8mpg US16.6mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
8.4L/100 km28mpg US33.6mpg UK
7.7L/100 km30.5mpg US36.7mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.0s
Calculated
13.7s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
275hp/t205kW/t125hp/1000 lb
Calculated
206hp/t153kW/t93hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
282Nm/t189lb-ft/ton
Calculated
224Nm/t150lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
529km329mi
Calculated
559km347mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,246cc198cu in
3,201cc195cu 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
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 (E46) CSL 3.2i 24VBMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2PowerTorque
  • BMW M3 Coupe (E46) CSL 3.2i 24V: Power / Torque
  • BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24V7,900 rpm4,900 rpm8,150 rpm
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.27,400 rpm3,250 rpm7,650 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24VBMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
4.7 s
5.3 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
4.9 s
5.6 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
16.2 s
20.1 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
2.3 s
330 ft
101 m
5.7 s
6.0 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.5 s
9.0 s
1000 ft
305 m
10.9 s
11.6 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.0 s
13.7 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
181 km/h
112 mph
169 km/h
105 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24V
360 hp
268 kW
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
321 hp
239 kW

BMW M3 Coupe (E46) CSL 3.2i 24V has 39 hp more than BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2.

The biggest power difference is between BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2 and BMW M3 Coupe (E46) CSL 3.2i 24V: 39 hp (29 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24V
370 Nm
273 lb-ft
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
350 Nm
258 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24V
1,310 kg
2,888 lb
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
1,560 kg
3,439 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)CSL 3.2i 24V
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
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)CSL 3.2i 24V4.9 s
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.25.6 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW M3 Coupe (E46) CSL 3.2i 24V and BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2: 0.7 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)CSL 3.2i 24V
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
11.1 L/100 km
21.2 mpg US
25.4 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2 and BMW M3 Coupe (E46) CSL 3.2i 24V: 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 (E46)CSL 3.2i 24V
275 hp/t
205 kW/t
3.6 kg/hp
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
206 hp/t
153 kW/t
4.9 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24V
529 km
329 mi
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
559 km
347 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24V
360 hp
268 kW
4.9 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
321 hp
239 kW
5.6 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)CSL 3.2i 24V
Power
360 hp
268 kW
0-100 km/h4.9 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)3.2
Power
321 hp
239 kW
0-100 km/h5.6 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)CSL 3.2i 24V
Power
360 hp
268 kW
0-100 km/h4.9 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)3.2
Power
321 hp
239 kW
0-100 km/h5.6 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
11.1 L/100 km
21.2 mpg US
25.4 mpg UK

BMW M3 Coupe (E46) CSL 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)CSL 3.2i 24V
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
4.9 s
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
11.1 L/100 km
21.2 mpg US
25.4 mpg UK
5.6 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)CSL 3.2i 24V
275 hp/t
205 kW/t
3.6 kg/hp
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
206 hp/t
153 kW/t
4.9 kg/hp
11.1 L/100 km
21.2 mpg US
25.4 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24VBMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
Power
360 hp
268 kW
321 hp
239 kW
Torque
370 Nm
273 lb-ft
350 Nm
258 lb-ft
Acceleration
4.9 s
5.6 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,310 kg
2,888 lb
1,560 kg
3,439 lb
Fuel consumption
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
11.1 L/100 km
21.2 mpg US
25.4 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
559 km
347 mi
Trunk score
410 L
14.5 cu ft
230 L
8.1 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
275 hp/t
205 kW/t
3.6 kg/hp
206 hp/t
153 kW/t
4.9 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) CSL 3.2i 24VBMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2
Consumption11.9 L/100 km19.8 mpg US23.7 mpg UK11.1 L/100 km21.2 mpg US25.4 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km20.83 LC100 km19.43 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi33.51 LC100 mi31.26 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,785 L472 US gal393 UK gal1,665 L440 US gal366 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,124 LC/year2,914 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW M3 Coupe (E46) CSL 3.2i 24V

  • Has 39 hp more
  • Has 20 Nm more
  • Is 250 kg lighter
  • Is 0.7 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 5 km/h (3 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 69 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) 3.2

  • Uses 0.8 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 29 km (18 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) CSL 3.2i 24V
BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

Popular comparisons

CSL 3.2i 24V
4.0 V8
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24VvsBMWM3 Coupe (E92)4.0 V8
3.2
3.2i 24V
VS
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2vsBMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
CSL 3.2i 24V
3.2
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24VvsBMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
3.2
3.2
VS
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2vsBMWM3 (E36)3.2
CSL 3.2i 24V
4.0 V8
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24VvsBMWM3 (E90)4.0 V8
3.2
3.2i 24V
VS
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2vsBMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V
CSL 3.2i 24V
4.0 V8
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24VvsBMWM3 Convertible (E93)4.0 V8
3.2
2.3
VS
BMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2vsBMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
CSL 3.2i 24V
2.5
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24VvsBMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5
CSL 3.2i 24V
3.0
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24VvsBMWM3 (F80)3.0
CSL 3.2i 24V
3.0i
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24VvsBMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.0i
CSL 3.2i 24V
3.0
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24VvsBMWM3 (G80 LCI)Facelift 20243.0
BMW M3 Coupe (E46) CSL 3.2i 24V vs BMW M3 Convertible (E36) 3.2 - car comparison - FastVsFaster