VS

BMW 1 Series vs Citroen C3 comparison

Compare performance (300 HP vs 113 HP), boot space and price (29,400 £ vs 14,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 1 Series or Citroen C3?

BMW 1 Series vs Citroen C3: Key differences

BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more power
  • somewhat more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • somewhat more trunk space
details

Citroen C3

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • moderately lighter
details

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

1 Series

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Citroen C3 is considerably cheaper – starting at 14,000 £ , while the BMW 1 Series costs 29,400 £ . That’s a price difference of around 15,395 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 1 Series uses 4.3 L/100km and is somewhat more efficient than the Citroen C3 with 5 L/100km. The difference is about 0.7 L/100km.

C3

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 1 Series offers significantly more power – delivering 300 HP compared to 113 HP. That’s roughly 187 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 1 Series is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.9 s, while the Citroen C3 takes 9.9 s. That’s about 5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 1 Series delivers substantially more torque with 400 Nm compared to 205 Nm. That’s about 195 Nm more.

1 Series

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Citroen C3 is moderately lighter – 1,226 kg compared to 1,465 kg. The difference is around 239 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW 1 Series offers somewhat more boot space – 380 L compared to 310 L. That’s a difference of about 70 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 1 Series carries somewhat more – 510 kg compared to 423 kg. That’s a difference of about 87 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 1 Series is decisively ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £29,400
1 Series

BMW 1 Series

  • Engine Type Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 122 - 300 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
details

Frequently compared as well

Citroen C3
Citroen C3 Aircross
VS
Deciding between the Citroën C3 and the Citroën C3 Aircross is basically a choice between a compact, city-focused hatch and a taller, more practical crossover. The C3 prioritises nimble handling, simplicity and economy for urban driving, while the C3 Aircross adds higher ride height, extra interior …
Citroen C3
Citroen C4
VS
The Citroën C3 is the cheeky city hatch that charms with low running costs, soft suspension and easy parking, while the Citroën C4 stretches into crossover territory with more space, stronger engines and sharper tech. If you mostly nip around town grab the C3 for its thrift and comfort; if you want …
BMW 1 Series
Citroen C3

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BMW 1 Series

The BMW 1 Series is a compact premium hatchback that injects a proper sense of driving fun into everyday life, with sharp handling and a cabin that punches above its class. It’s a great pick for buyers who want sporty manners without losing practicality, and yes, you’ll still get that unmistakable BMW grin behind the wheel.

details
P90460899_highRes_additional-pictures-
P90460903_highRes_additional-pictures-
P90460910_highRes_additional-pictures-
P90460951_highRes_additional-pictures-
P90460954_highRes_additional-pictures-

Reviews BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Citroen C3

The Citroën C3 is a stylish and practical small hatchback that puts comfort and a calm urban driving experience at the top of its list. With its distinctive looks and thoughtful interior touches, it suits buyers who want personality and everyday usability without drama.

details
CITROEN_C3_25
CITROEN_C3_26
CITROEN_C3_44
12D30_01

Reviews Citroen C3

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Frequently compared as well

Citroen C3
Renault Captur
VS
Choosing between the Citroën C3 and the Renault Captur comes down to whether you want a compact, comfort-focused hatch with quirky styling or a slightly larger, more versatile crossover with a higher driving position. I’ll compare practicality, fuel economy, driving feel and value so you can pick …
Citroen C3
Opel Corsa
VS
The Citroën C3 charms with its quirky French flair, plush seats and a ride tuned more for comfort than cornering, while the Opel Corsa plays the sensible all-rounder with sharper handling, a tidier cabin and a broader engine lineup. If you want personality and city-friendly cushioning, pick the C3; …
Citroen C3
Fiat Grande Panda
VS
Comparing the Citroën C3 and the Fiat Panda shows two different takes on small cars: the C3 emphasises comfort, style and a quieter ride, while the Panda prioritises practicality, space efficiency and rugged simplicity. Choose the C3 for a refined, tech-friendly city runabout; choose the Panda for …
Citroen C3
Fiat Panda
VS
Choosing between the Citroën C3 and the Fiat Panda often comes down to whether you want a comfort-focused, stylish city hatch or a no-nonsense, practical small car. I’ll highlight the key differences in interior space, fuel economy, driving feel and running costs so you can decide which suits your …
BMW 1 Series
BMW X1
VS
The BMW 1 Series and BMW X1 share BMW’s driving focus but target different needs: the 1 Series is a compact, sporty hatch that prioritises handling and driver engagement, while the X1 is a compact SUV offering higher seating, more interior space and everyday practicality. Pick the 1 Series if you …
Citroen C3
Renault Clio
VS
City supermini buyers face a tasty dilemma: the Citroën C3 charms with cosy ride comfort, playful looks and practical flair, while the Renault Clio answers with sharper handling, a more premium cabin and smarter tech. Choose the C3 if you prioritise comfort and personality; pick the Clio if you …
Citroen C3
MG MG3
VS
Comparing the Citroën C3 and the MG3 puts two budget-friendly city hatchbacks head-to-head: the C3 leans toward comfort, distinctive styling and a refined ride, while the MG3 focuses on low cost, generous interior space and straightforward practicality. If you value a plush, design-led small car go …
Citroen C3
Opel Mokka
VS
Choosing between the Citroën C3 and the Opel Mokka comes down to whether you want a cozy, city-friendly hatchback or a taller, more SUV-like compact—both are practical but aimed at different buyers. The C3 focuses on comfort, quirky style and efficient urban driving, while the Mokka offers a higher …
BMW 1 Series
Citroen C3

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,400 - 51,900 £
Price
14,000 - 24,700 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5 - 5.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
16.7 - 17.2 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
212 - 325 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
112 - 173 g/km
co2
0 - 126 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
2 - 5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,465 - 1,625 kg
Curb weight
1,226 - 1,518 kg
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
310 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,800 mm
Width
1,755 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 510 kg
Payload
227 - 423 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 300 HP
Power HP
101 - 113 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.9 - 12 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 400 Nm
Torque
120 - 205 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
90 - 221 kW
Power kW
74 - 83 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 - 1,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D, C
Brand
BMW
Brand
Citroen
What drive types are available for the BMW 1 Series?

The BMW 1 Series is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.