Car comparison

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2vsBMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V

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

New comparison

BMW M3 Coupe (E36)

3.2

321 hp3201 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCoupe1995-1999
VS

BMW M3 Convertible (E46)

3.2i 24V

343 hp3246 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCabriolet / convertible2001-2006

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.5 s
  • Fastest top speed
    265 km/h
    165 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Lightest
    1,460 kg
    3,219 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    220 hp/t
    164 kW/t
    4.5 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    11.0 L/100 km
    21.4 mpg US
    25.7 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    16.9 L/100 km
    13.9 mpg US
    16.7 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    7.5 L/100 km
    31.4 mpg US
    37.7 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    564 km
    350 mi
  • Largest trunk
    405 L
  • Best overall score
    62/100
  • Best performance score
    66/100
  • Best economy score
    77/100
  • Best practicality score
    55/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
Power
321hp239kW
343hp256kW
Torque
350Nm258lb-ft
365Nm269lb-ft
Curb weight
1,460kg3,219lb
1,655kg3,649lb
Gross weight
1,950kg4,299lb
2,100kg4,630lb
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
71.1s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
76.2s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.5s
5.5s
0-200 km/h
18.7s
Calculated
20.0s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.2s
Calculated
5.2s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
11L/100 km21.4mpg US25.7mpg UK
12.1L/100 km19.4mpg US23.3mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
16.9L/100 km13.9mpg US16.7mpg UK
17.9L/100 km13.1mpg US15.8mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
7.5L/100 km31.4mpg US37.7mpg UK
8.8L/100 km26.7mpg US32.1mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.6s
Calculated
13.6s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
220hp/t164kW/t100hp/1000 lb
Calculated
207hp/t155kW/t94hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
240Nm/t160lb-ft/ton
Calculated
221Nm/t148lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
564km350mi
Calculated
521km324mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,201cc195cu in
3,246cc198cu in
Length
4,433mm175in
4,492mm177in
Width
1,710mm67in
1,780mm70in
Height
1,335mm53in
1,363mm54in
Wheelbase
2,700mm106in
2,731mm108in
Front track
1,422mm56in
1,508mm59in
Rear track
1,444mm57in
1,525mm60in
Ground clearance
110mm4in
-
Trunk volume
405L
300L
Doors
2
2
Seats
5
4
Fuel tank
62L
63L

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 (E36) 3.2BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24VPowerTorque
  • BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2: Power / Torque
  • BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.27,400 rpm3,250 rpm7,650 rpm
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V7,900 rpm4,900 rpm8,150 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.2 s
5.2 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.5 s
5.5 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
18.7 s
20.0 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
2.3 s
2.2 s
330 ft
101 m
6.0 s
5.9 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.9 s
8.9 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.5 s
11.5 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.6 s
13.6 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
173 km/h
107 mph
170 km/h
105 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
321 hp
239 kW
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
343 hp
256 kW

BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V has 22 hp more than BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2.

The biggest power difference is between BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2 and BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V: 22 hp (16 kW).

Torque comparison

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

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

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
1,460 kg
3,219 lb
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
1,655 kg
3,649 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 (E36)3.2
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
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 (E36)3.25.5 s
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V5.5 s

Although BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V has more power, BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2 is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

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 (E36)3.2
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
12.1 L/100 km
19.4 mpg US
23.3 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2 and BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V: 1.1 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
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
220 hp/t
164 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
207 hp/t
155 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
564 km
350 mi
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
521 km
324 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
321 hp
239 kW
5.5 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
343 hp
256 kW
5.5 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 (E36)3.2
Power
321 hp
239 kW
0-100 km/h5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
405 L
14.3 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,335 mm
52.6 in
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
Power
343 hp
256 kW
0-100 km/h5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
300 L
10.6 cu ft
Length
4,492 mm
176.9 in
Height
1,363 mm
53.7 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 (E36)3.2
Power
321 hp
239 kW
0-100 km/h5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
Power
343 hp
256 kW
0-100 km/h5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
12.1 L/100 km
19.4 mpg US
23.3 mpg UK

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2 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 (E36)3.2
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK
5.5 s
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
12.1 L/100 km
19.4 mpg US
23.3 mpg UK
5.5 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 (E36)3.2
220 hp/t
164 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK
BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
207 hp/t
155 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp
12.1 L/100 km
19.4 mpg US
23.3 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2BMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
Power
321 hp
239 kW
343 hp
256 kW
Torque
350 Nm
258 lb-ft
365 Nm
269 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.5 s
5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,460 kg
3,219 lb
1,655 kg
3,649 lb
Fuel consumption
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK
12.1 L/100 km
19.4 mpg US
23.3 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
405 L
14.3 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,335 mm
52.6 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
300 L
10.6 cu ft
Length
4,492 mm
176.9 in
Height
1,363 mm
53.7 in
Range score
564 km
350 mi
521 km
324 mi
Trunk score
405 L
14.3 cu ft
300 L
10.6 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
220 hp/t
164 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
207 hp/t
155 kW/t
4.8 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 (E36) 3.2BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V
Consumption11 L/100 km21.4 mpg US25.7 mpg UK12.1 L/100 km19.4 mpg US23.3 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km19.25 LC100 km21.18 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi30.98 LC100 mi34.08 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,650 L436 US gal363 UK gal1,815 L479 US gal399 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,888 LC/year3,176 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2

  • Is 195 kg lighter
  • Has 5 km/h (3 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 1.1 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 13 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 43 km (27 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 105 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Lowest power

BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V

  • Has 22 hp more
  • Has 15 Nm more

Pros

  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest
  • Lowest top speed
  • Smallest trunk

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2
BMW M3 Convertible (E46) 3.2i 24V
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