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BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Subaru Outback comparison

Compare performance (530 HP vs 169 HP), boot space and price (39,900 £ vs 40,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 3 Series Saloon or Subaru Outback?

BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Subaru Outback: Key differences

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • barely cheaper
  • considerably more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • marginally lighter
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Subaru Outback

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • a bit more trunk space
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By Achim Sedelmaier

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

3 Series Saloon

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.

BMW 3 Series Saloon is barely cheaper – starting at 39,900 £ , while the Subaru Outback costs 40,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 78 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 3 Series Saloon uses 2.4 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Subaru Outback with 8.6 L/100km. The difference is about 6.2 L/100km.

Outback

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers considerably more power – delivering 530 HP compared to 169 HP. That’s roughly 361 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Saloon is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the Subaru Outback takes 10.2 s. That’s about 6.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 3 Series Saloon delivers clearly more torque with 700 Nm compared to 252 Nm. That’s about 448 Nm more.

3 Series Saloon

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 3 Series Saloon is marginally lighter – 1,575 kg compared to 1,643 kg. The difference is around 68 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Subaru Outback offers a bit more boot space – 561 L compared to 480 L. That’s a difference of about 81 L.

When it comes to payload, the Subaru Outback carries a bit more – 557 kg compared to 495 kg. That’s a difference of about 62 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon 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 £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
BMW 3 Series Saloon
Subaru Outback

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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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.

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BMW 3 Series Saloon
Subaru Outback

Costs and Consumption

Price
39,900 - 91,000 £
Price
40,000 - 44,400 £
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
96 - 101 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
19.5 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
54 - 227 g/km
co2
193 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 59 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
4
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,575 - 1,960 kg
Curb weight
1,643 - 1,676 kg
Trunk capacity
375 - 480 L
Trunk capacity
561 L
Length
4,713 mm
Length
-
Width
1,827 - 1,903 mm
Width
1,875 mm
Height
1,440 - 1,446 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
405 - 495 kg
Payload
524 - 557 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Power HP
169 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.2 s
Max Speed
218 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Torque
252 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Power kW
124 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
2,498 cm3

General

Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
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.