Car comparison

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2vsBMW M3 Coupe (E30) 2.5

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 Coupe (E30)

2.5

238 hp2467 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCoupe1990-1990

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
  • Most powerful
    321 hp
    239 kW
  • Highest torque
    350 Nm
    258 lb-ft
  • Best power-to-weight
    220 hp/t
    164 kW/t
    4.5 kg/hp
  • Lowest highway consumption
    7.5 L/100 km
    31.4 mpg US
    37.7 mpg UK
  • Best overall score
    62/100
  • Best performance score
    66/100
  • Best practicality score
    55/100

BMW M3 Coupe (E30) 2.5

  • Lightest
    1,200 kg
    2,646 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    8.8 L/100 km
    26.7 mpg US
    32.1 mpg UK
  • 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 economy score
    83/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5
Power
321hp239kW
238hp177kW
Torque
350Nm258lb-ft
240Nm177lb-ft
Curb weight
1,460kg3,219lb
1,200kg2,646lb
Gross weight
1,950kg4,299lb
1,600kg3,527lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
248 km/h
154 mph
To 99% top speed
71.1s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
77.9s99% target: 246 km/h / 153 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.5s
6.5s
0-200 km/h
18.7s
Calculated
24.2s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.2s
Calculated
6.2s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
11L/100 km21.4mpg US25.7mpg UK
8.8L/100 km26.7mpg US32.1mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
16.9L/100 km13.9mpg US16.7mpg UK
12.5L/100 km18.8mpg US22.6mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
7.5L/100 km31.4mpg US37.7mpg UK
7.8L/100 km30.2mpg US36.2mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.6s
Calculated
14.5s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
220hp/t164kW/t100hp/1000 lb
Calculated
198hp/t148kW/t90hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
240Nm/t160lb-ft/ton
Calculated
200Nm/t134lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
564km350mi
Calculated
795km494mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,201cc195cu in
2,467cc151cu in
Length
4,433mm175in
4,345mm171in
Width
1,710mm67in
1,680mm66in
Height
1,335mm53in
1,370mm54in
Wheelbase
2,700mm106in
2,565mm101in
Front track
1,422mm56in
1,424mm56in
Rear track
1,444mm57in
1,445mm57in
Ground clearance
110mm4in
-
Trunk volume
405L
420L
Doors
2
2
Seats
5
4
Fuel tank
62L
70L

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 Coupe (E30) 2.5PowerTorque
  • BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2: Power / Torque
  • BMW M3 Coupe (E30) 2.5: 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 Coupe (E30)2.57,000 rpm4,750 rpm7,250 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.2 s
6.2 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.5 s
6.5 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
18.7 s
24.2 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
248 km/h
154 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.3 s
2.4 s
330 ft
101 m
6.0 s
6.4 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.9 s
9.6 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.5 s
12.3 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.6 s
14.5 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
173 km/h
107 mph
161 km/h
100 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 Coupe (E30)2.5
238 hp
177 kW

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2 has 83 hp more than BMW M3 Coupe (E30) 2.5.

The biggest power difference is between BMW M3 Coupe (E30) 2.5 and BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2: 83 hp (62 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 Coupe (E30)2.5
240 Nm
177 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 Coupe (E30)2.5
1,200 kg
2,646 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 Coupe (E30)2.5
248 km/h
154 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 Coupe (E30)2.56.5 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2 and BMW M3 Coupe (E30) 2.5: 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 (E36)3.2
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5
8.8 L/100 km
26.7 mpg US
32.1 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW M3 Coupe (E30) 2.5 and BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2: 2.2 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
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
220 hp/t
164 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5
198 hp/t
148 kW/t
5.0 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 Coupe (E30)2.5
795 km
494 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 Coupe (E30)2.5
238 hp
177 kW
6.5 s
248 km/h
154 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 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

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 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

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 Coupe (E30)2.5
8.8 L/100 km
26.7 mpg US
32.1 mpg UK
6.5 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 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

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5
Power
321 hp
239 kW
238 hp
177 kW
Torque
350 Nm
258 lb-ft
240 Nm
177 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.5 s
6.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
248 km/h
154 mph
Lightness
1,460 kg
3,219 lb
1,200 kg
2,646 lb
Fuel consumption
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK
8.8 L/100 km
26.7 mpg US
32.1 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
420 L
14.8 cu ft
Length
4,345 mm
171.1 in
Height
1,370 mm
53.9 in
Range score
564 km
350 mi
795 km
494 mi
Trunk score
405 L
14.3 cu ft
420 L
14.8 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
220 hp/t
164 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
198 hp/t
148 kW/t
5.0 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 Coupe (E30) 2.5
Consumption11 L/100 km21.4 mpg US25.7 mpg UK8.8 L/100 km26.7 mpg US32.1 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km19.25 LC100 km15.40 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi30.98 LC100 mi24.78 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,650 L436 US gal363 UK gal1,320 L349 US gal290 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,888 LC/year2,310 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2

  • Has 83 hp more
  • Has 110 Nm more
  • Is 1.0 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 17 km/h (11 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 22 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

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

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest
  • Smallest trunk

BMW M3 Coupe (E30) 2.5

  • Is 260 kg lighter
  • Uses 2.2 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 232 km (144 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 15 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

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

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2
BMW M3 Coupe (E30) 2.5
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

Popular comparisons

3.2
3.2i 24V
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2vsBMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V
2.5
3.0i
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5vsBMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
3.2
3.2
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2vsBMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
2.5
2.3
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5vsBMWM3 Convertible (E30)2.3
3.2
3.2
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2vsBMWM3 (E36)3.2
3.2
2.3
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2vsBMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.3
3.2
3.2i 24V
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2vsBMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
2.5
4.0 V8
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5vsBMWM3 Coupe (E92)4.0 V8
3.2
4.0 V8
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2vsBMWM3 Convertible (E93)4.0 V8
3.2
4.0 V8
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2vsBMWM3 (E90)4.0 V8
2.5
M 635CSi
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E30)2.5vsBMW6 Series (E24)Facelift 1987M 635CSi
3.2
3.0
VS
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2vsBMWM3 (F80)3.0
BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2 vs BMW M3 Coupe (E30) 2.5 - car comparison - FastVsFaster