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BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Citroen C3 comparison

Compare performance (530 HP vs 113 HP), boot space and price (39,900 £ vs 14,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 3 Series Saloon or Citroen C3?

BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Citroen C3: Key differences

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • significantly more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • markedly more trunk space
details

Citroen C3

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • substantially more electric range
  • visibly lighter
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By Achim Sedelmaier

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

3 Series Saloon

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.

Citroen C3 is clearly cheaper – starting at 14,000 £ , while the BMW 3 Series Saloon costs 39,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 25,980 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 3 Series Saloon uses 2.4 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Citroen C3 with 5 L/100km. The difference is about 2.6 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Citroen C3 offers substantially more range – reaching up to 325 km, about 224 km more than the BMW 3 Series Saloon.

C3

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers significantly more power – delivering 530 HP compared to 113 HP. That’s roughly 417 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Saloon is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the Citroen C3 takes 9.9 s. That’s about 6.4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 3 Series Saloon delivers significantly more torque with 700 Nm compared to 205 Nm. That’s about 495 Nm more.

3 Series Saloon

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Citroen C3 is visibly lighter – 1,226 kg compared to 1,575 kg. The difference is around 349 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers markedly more boot space – 480 L compared to 310 L. That’s a difference of about 170 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 3 Series Saloon carries moderately more – 495 kg compared to 423 kg. That’s a difference of about 72 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon is far ahead 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 £39,900
3 Series Saloon

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • Engine Type Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 150 - 530 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
  • Electric Range 96 - 101 km
details

Frequently compared as well

Citroen C3
Citroen C3 Aircross
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Citroen C3
Renault Captur
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BMW 3 Series Saloon
Citroen C3

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BMW 3 Series Saloon

The BMW 3 Series saloon is a driver's car in a suit, blending poised handling with a cabin that feels more premium than its practicality suggests. It’s composed enough for daily duties yet playful enough to keep weekend drives interesting, making it a sensible choice for buyers who still want to have fun.

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Reviews BMW 3 Series Saloon

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.

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Reviews Citroen C3

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate

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

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Citroen C3
Jeep Avenger
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The Citroën C3 and the Jeep Avenger are two compact, city-focused crossovers that target buyers who want practicality, efficiency and a touch of personality. This quick comparison highlights their differences in ride comfort, interior space, fuel economy and features to help you pick the better fit …
Citroen C3
Fiat Grande Panda
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Citroen C3
Opel Corsa
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Peugeot 208
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Renault Clio
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Citroen C3
Citroen C4
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Opel Mokka
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BMW 3 Series Saloon
Citroen C3

Costs and Consumption
Price
39,900 - 92,200 £
Price
14,000 - 24,700 £
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5 - 5.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
16.7 - 17.2 kWh/100km
Electric Range
96 - 101 km
Electric Range
212 - 325 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
54 - 227 g/km
co2
0 - 126 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
2 - 5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,575 - 1,960 kg
Curb weight
1,226 - 1,518 kg
Trunk capacity
375 - 480 L
Trunk capacity
310 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,827 - 1,903 mm
Width
1,755 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
405 - 495 kg
Payload
227 - 423 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Power HP
101 - 113 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.9 - 12 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Torque
120 - 205 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Power kW
74 - 83 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D, C
Brand
BMW
Brand
Citroen
Is the BMW 3 Series Saloon offered with different drivetrains?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon is available as Rear-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.