BMW 3 Series vs Mazda RX-8
Overview | |
Years produced2004-2011 | Years produced1975-Present |
MSRP$26,795 | MSRP$45,950 |
Listings25 | Listings9639 |
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 favorites. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.3L 232 hp R2 | Engine2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity4 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower232 hp @ 8500 rpm | Horsepower255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
MPG City16 | MPG City28 |
MPG Highway22 | MPG Highway35 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.3L 232 hp R2 | Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Torque159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm | Torque295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
Horsepower232 hp @ 8500 rpm | Horsepower255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City16 | MPG City28 |
MPG Highway22 | MPG Highway35 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity4 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemOptional | Navigation SystemStandard |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space7.6 cu ft | Cargo Space16.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight3111 lbs | Curb Weight3644 lbs |
Height52.8 in | Height56.8 in |
Length175.6 in | Length185.9 in |
Width69.7 in | Width81.4 in |
Wheelbase106.3 in | Wheelbase112.2 in |
Maximum Payload753 lbs | Maximum Payload899 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 2004-2011 | 1975-Present |
MSRP | $26,795 | $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 favorites. | |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.3L 232 hp R2 | 2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Drive Train | RWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 |
Horsepower | 232 hp @ 8500 rpm | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
MPG City | 16 | 28 |
MPG Highway | 22 | 35 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.3L 232 hp R2 | 2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Torque | 159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
Horsepower | 232 hp @ 8500 rpm | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 16 | 28 |
MPG Highway | 22 | 35 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Optional | Standard |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 7.6 cu ft | 16.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3111 lbs | 3644 lbs |
Height | 52.8 in | 56.8 in |
Length | 175.6 in | 185.9 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 81.4 in |
Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 112.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 753 lbs | 899 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |

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