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BMW 1 Series vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (300 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (28,800 £ vs 34,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 1 Series or Subaru Forester?

BMW 1 Series vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly cheaper
  • considerably more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • slightly lighter

Subaru Forester

4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly more trunk space

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

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

1 Series

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

BMW 1 Series is markedly cheaper – starting at 28,800 £ , while the Subaru Forester costs 34,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5,905 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 1 Series uses 4.3 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 3.8 L/100km.

Forester

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 considerably more power – delivering 300 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 164 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 1 Series is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 4.9 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 7.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 1 Series delivers clearly more torque with 400 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 218 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, BMW 1 Series is slightly lighter – 1,465 kg compared to 1,693 kg. The difference is around 228 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Subaru Forester offers visibly more boot space – 508 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 128 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 1 Series carries only slightly more – 510 kg compared to 492 kg. That’s a difference of about 18 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 1 Series is clearly superior overall 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 £28,800
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
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

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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.

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Reviews BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a practical all-rounder that quietly does everything right, with roomy comfort, excellent visibility and a real fondness for weekend adventures off the beaten path. It won't set your pulse racing like a sports car, but for buyers who prize reliability, safety and sensible charm, it's a brilliantly steady companion with a cheeky streak.

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Reviews Subaru Forester

4 (1 Reviews)
rate
Dirk
8 Dec 2025, 17:00:06

It's indeed much more expensive, but it drives brilliantly. I have the automatic — fantastic. It's a bit noisy for such an expensive car, and servicing at a Subaru dealer isn't cheap. It's certainly not economical.

On the other hand, very little breaks and it will never leave you stranded. And that space... 500 litres more is really about a 40% increase.

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BMW 1 Series
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
Price
28,800 - 51,100 £
Price
34,700 - 42,200 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
112 - 173 g/km
co2
183 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
49 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,465 - 1,625 kg
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
4,361 mm
Length
-
Width
1,800 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
1,459 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
1,135 - 1,200 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 510 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 300 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Max Speed
210 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 400 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
90 - 221 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 - 1,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024
Model Year
2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
BMW
Brand
Subaru
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.