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BMW 1 Series vs Subaru Outback comparison

Compare performance (300 HP vs 169 HP), boot space and price (29,400 £ vs 40,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 1 Series or Subaru Outback?

BMW 1 Series vs Subaru Outback: Key differences

BMW 1 Series

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

Subaru Outback

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly more trunk space
details

By Achim Sedelmaier

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 29,400 £ , while the Subaru Outback costs 40,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 10,663 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 1 Series uses 4.3 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Subaru Outback with 8.6 L/100km. The difference is about 4.3 L/100km.

Outback

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 169 HP. That’s roughly 131 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 1 Series is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 4.9 s, while the Subaru Outback takes 10.2 s. That’s about 5.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 1 Series delivers clearly more torque with 400 Nm compared to 252 Nm. That’s about 148 Nm more.

1 Series

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, BMW 1 Series is moderately lighter – 1,465 kg compared to 1,643 kg. The difference is around 178 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Subaru Outback offers markedly more boot space – 561 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 181 L.

When it comes to payload, the Subaru Outback carries very slightly more – 557 kg compared to 510 kg. That’s a difference of about 47 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 £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
BMW 1 Series
Subaru Outback

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

Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is the do-it-all wagon for buyers who want SUV capability without the SUV bulk, blending rugged confidence with everyday civility. It's practical, dependable, and built to shrug off rough gravel tracks or rainy commutes with a grin — ideal for buyers who actually use their vehicles, not just park them for show.

details
BMW 1 Series
Subaru Outback

Costs and Consumption

Price
29,400 - 51,900 £
Price
40,000 - 44,400 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
112 - 173 g/km
co2
193 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,465 - 1,625 kg
Curb weight
1,643 - 1,676 kg
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
561 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,800 mm
Width
1,875 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 510 kg
Payload
524 - 557 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol
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
169 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 400 Nm
Torque
252 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
90 - 221 kW
Power kW
124 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 - 1,998 cm3
Engine capacity
2,498 cm3

General

Model Year
2024
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
BMW
Brand
Subaru
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.