If fuel cost matters most
Toyota Corolla with up to 52 MPG combined.
Side-by-side verified model comparison
Toyota Corolla vs BMW 3 Series
Toyota Corolla and BMW 3 Series answer the same shopping question from different directions. The Corolla 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 | Toyota Corolla | BMW 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Production coverage | 1966 - present | 1975 - present |
| Verified generations | 2 | 2 |
| Peak power | 169 hp | 382 hp |
| Best EPA combined | 52 MPG | 41 MPG |
| Latest NHTSA overall | 5★ | 5★ |
| Open recalls (2019/2019) | 5 | 0 |
| Latest dimensions | 4630 × 1780 × 1435 mm | 4709 × 1827 × 1435 mm |
| Average curb weight | 1357 kg (2992 lbs) | 1600 kg (3527 lbs) |
| Fuel types | Hybrid, Petrol | Petrol |
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 | Toyota CorollaCorolla XII 1.8 Hybrid | BMW 3 Series3 Series G20 320i 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Engine Type | Hybrid | Petrol |
| Cylinders / Configuration | I4 + e-motor | I4 |
| Displacement | 1.8L (1798 cc) | 2.0L (1998 cc) |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | Turbocharged |
| Horsepower | 121 hp | 184 hp |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 290 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 10.9 s | 7.1 s |
| Top Speed | 180 km/h | 235 km/h |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | eCVT | Automatic |
| Gears | — | 8 |
| Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy & Range | ||
| City MPG (EPA) | 53.0 MPG | 35.0 MPG |
| Highway MPG (EPA) | 52.0 MPG | 47.0 MPG |
| Combined MPG (EPA) | 52.0 MPG | 41.0 MPG |
| Electric Range | — | — |
| Battery Capacity | — | — |
| CO₂ Emissions | 105 g/km | 139 g/km |
| Dimensions & Utility | ||
| Length | 4630 mm | 4709 mm |
| Width | 1780 mm | 1827 mm |
| Height | 1435 mm | 1435 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm | 2851 mm |
| Curb Weight | 1385 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 is more fuel-efficient, the Corolla or the 3 Series?
Toyota Corolla wins on verified EPA combined economy at up to 52 MPG, versus 41 MPG for the BMW 3 Series.
Which has more horsepower, the Corolla or the 3 Series?
BMW 3 Series reaches the higher verified peak at 382 hp, compared with 169 hp for the Toyota Corolla.
Which is safer: Corolla or 3 Series?
Toyota Corolla 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.