If fuel cost matters most
Honda Accord with up to 44 MPG combined.
Side-by-side verified model comparison
BMW 3 Series vs Honda Accord
BMW 3 Series and Honda Accord answer the same shopping question from different directions. The Accord is more efficient on verified EPA data, while the 3 Series reaches the higher power peak. Use the table below to decide whether your priority is fuel cost, safety, size or outright output.
At a glance
| Metric | BMW 3 Series | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Production coverage | 1975 - present | 1976 - present |
| Verified generations | 2 | 2 |
| Peak power | 382 hp | 204 hp |
| Best EPA combined | 41 MPG | 44 MPG |
| Latest NHTSA overall | 5★ | 5★ |
| Open recalls (2019/2023) | 0 | 5 |
| Latest dimensions | 4709 × 1827 × 1435 mm | 4971 × 1862 × 1450 mm |
| Average curb weight | 1600 kg (3527 lbs) | 1528 kg (3369 lbs) |
| Fuel types | Petrol | Petrol, Hybrid |
If power matters most
BMW 3 Series with a verified peak of 382 hp.
If safety is the filter
They are effectively tied on this metric; use the table and generation links for context.
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Head-to-Head: Base Model Specifications
A detailed side-by-side comparison of the entry-level powertrain for the newest verified generation of each model. This shows exactly what you get before adding options or stepping up to premium trims.
| Specification | BMW 3 Series3 Series G20 320i 2.0 | Honda AccordAccord XI 1.5 VTEC Turbo |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Engine Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Cylinders / Configuration | I4 | I4 |
| Displacement | 2.0L (1998 cc) | 1.5L (1498 cc) |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Turbocharged |
| Horsepower | 184 hp | 192 hp |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 260 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 7.1 s | 7.6 s |
| Top Speed | 235 km/h | 200 km/h |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Automatic | CVT |
| Gears | 8 | — |
| Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy & Range | ||
| City MPG (EPA) | 35.0 MPG | 29.0 MPG |
| Highway MPG (EPA) | 47.0 MPG | 37.0 MPG |
| Combined MPG (EPA) | 41.0 MPG | 32.0 MPG |
| Electric Range | — | — |
| Battery Capacity | — | — |
| CO₂ Emissions | 139 g/km | 154 g/km |
| Dimensions & Utility | ||
| Length | 4709 mm | 4971 mm |
| Width | 1827 mm | 1862 mm |
| Height | 1435 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2851 mm | 2830 mm |
| Curb Weight | 1500 kg | 1475 kg |
| Doors / Seats | 4 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
What search winners do that generic comparisons don’t
The top-ranking comparison pages win because they answer an explicit buying job: which one is more efficient, which one is safer, which one is larger, which one has the broader powertrain range. Pages that only dump two brochures side by side rarely hold clicks.
This comparison uses the newest verified generation of each model as the headline lens, then routes you into the exact generation sheets for the trim-level details. That is more durable than comparing incentives or dealer inventory, and more trustworthy than hiding missing data behind a made-up score.
Questions buyers ask
Which is more fuel-efficient, the 3 Series or the Accord?
Honda Accord wins on verified EPA combined economy at up to 44 MPG, versus 41 MPG for the BMW 3 Series.
Which has more horsepower, the 3 Series or the Accord?
BMW 3 Series reaches the higher verified peak at 382 hp, compared with 204 hp for the Honda Accord.
Which is safer: 3 Series or Accord?
BMW 3 Series has a latest recorded NHTSA overall rating of 5★; Honda Accord has 5★. Cross-check the frontal, side and rollover rows rather than using one headline number alone.
Is this a trim-by-trim comparison?
This page compares the newest verified generation of each model family. For year-specific engines, dimensions and trim tables, open the linked generation pages for each side.