If fuel cost matters most
The available data is incomplete, so use the side-by-side table rather than a one-line verdict.
Side-by-side verified model comparison
Tesla Model 3 vs BMW 3 Series
A verified side-by-side comparison of Tesla Model 3 and BMW 3 Series, using generation-level specs, official EPA records and NHTSA safety data where available.
At a glance
| Metric | Tesla Model 3 | BMW 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Production coverage | 2017 - present | 1975 - present |
| Verified generations | 2 | 2 |
| Peak power | 513 hp | 382 hp |
| Best EPA combined | — | 41 MPG |
| Latest NHTSA overall | 5★ | 5★ |
| Open recalls (2024/2019) | 5 | 0 |
| Latest dimensions | 4720 × 1849 × 1441 mm | 4709 × 1827 × 1435 mm |
| Average curb weight | 1827 kg (4028 lbs) | 1600 kg (3527 lbs) |
| Fuel types | Electric | Petrol |
If power matters most
Tesla Model 3 with a verified peak of 513 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 | Tesla Model 3Model 3 Highland RWD | BMW 3 Series3 Series G20 320i 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Engine Type | Electric | Petrol |
| Cylinders / Configuration | Single motor | I4 |
| Displacement | — | 2.0L (1998 cc) |
| Aspiration | Electric | Turbocharged |
| Horsepower | 283 hp | 184 hp |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 290 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 5.8 s | 7.1 s |
| Top Speed | 201 km/h | 235 km/h |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single-speed | Automatic |
| Gears | — | 8 |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy & Range | ||
| City MPG (EPA) | — | 35.0 MPG |
| Highway MPG (EPA) | — | 47.0 MPG |
| Combined MPG (EPA) | — | 41.0 MPG |
| Electric Range | 513 km | — |
| Battery Capacity | 60.0 kWh | — |
| CO₂ Emissions | — | 139 g/km |
| Dimensions & Utility | ||
| Length | 4720 mm | 4709 mm |
| Width | 1849 mm | 1827 mm |
| Height | 1441 mm | 1435 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2875 mm | 2851 mm |
| Curb Weight | 1765 kg | 1500 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 has more horsepower, the Model 3 or the 3 Series?
Tesla Model 3 reaches the higher verified peak at 513 hp, compared with 382 hp for the BMW 3 Series.
Which is safer: Model 3 or 3 Series?
Tesla Model 3 has a latest recorded NHTSA overall rating of 5★; BMW 3 Series 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.