BMW 3 Series vs Mazda MX-5 Miata
Overview | |
Years produced1990-1997 | Years produced1975-Present |
MSRP$29,830 | MSRP$45,950 |
Listings67 | Listings1286 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews | Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| |
Reviews Summary | |
Reviews SummaryTo enjoy driving a new 3 Series, you don’t need to upgrade to the M340i or the M3, though we certainly wouldn’t discourage you if those models are within your budget. Instead, try the standard 330i with the M Sport Package. It’s surprisingly satisfying. Plus, minor updates and refinements make the 2025 3 Series better than ever. However, the plug-in hybrid powertrain is gone, so for that, you’ll need to find a leftover 2024. Verdict: The 2025 BMW 3 Series isn’t perfect, but it’s perfectly enjoyable to drive. Also, for a car nearing the end of its current generation, it offers remarkably advanced technology. A redesign is coming soon, but the current version remains one of our favourites. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 181 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity2 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower181 hp @ 7000 rpm | Horsepower255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
MPG City26 | MPG City28 |
MPG Highway34 | MPG Highway35 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 181 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Torque151 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Torque295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
Horsepower181 hp @ 7000 rpm | Horsepower255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City26 | MPG City28 |
MPG Highway34 | MPG Highway35 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity2 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation System | Navigation SystemStandard |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space4.6 cu ft | Cargo Space16.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight2366 lbs | Curb Weight3644 lbs |
Height48.6 in | Height56.8 in |
Length154.1 in | Length185.9 in |
Width68.3 in | Width81.4 in |
Wheelbase90.9 in | Wheelbase112.2 in |
Maximum Payload379 lbs | Maximum Payload899 lbs |
Number of doors2 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1990-1997 | 1975-Present |
MSRP | $29,830 | $45,950 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | To enjoy driving a new 3 Series, you don’t need to upgrade to the M340i or the M3, though we certainly wouldn’t discourage you if those models are within your budget. Instead, try the standard 330i with the M Sport Package. It’s surprisingly satisfying. Plus, minor updates and refinements make the 2025 3 Series better than ever. However, the plug-in hybrid powertrain is gone, so for that, you’ll need to find a leftover 2024. Verdict: The 2025 BMW 3 Series isn’t perfect, but it’s perfectly enjoyable to drive. Also, for a car nearing the end of its current generation, it offers remarkably advanced technology. A redesign is coming soon, but the current version remains one of our favourites. | |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 181 hp I4 | 2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Drive Train | RWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 2 | 5 |
Horsepower | 181 hp @ 7000 rpm | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
MPG City | 26 | 28 |
MPG Highway | 34 | 35 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 181 hp I4 | 2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Torque | 151 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
Horsepower | 181 hp @ 7000 rpm | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 26 | 28 |
MPG Highway | 34 | 35 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 2 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 4.6 cu ft | 16.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 2366 lbs | 3644 lbs |
Height | 48.6 in | 56.8 in |
Length | 154.1 in | 185.9 in |
Width | 68.3 in | 81.4 in |
Wheelbase | 90.9 in | 112.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 379 lbs | 899 lbs |
Number of doors | 2 | 4 |

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