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Citroen C3 vs BMW 3 Series Saloon comparison

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

Citroen C3 vs BMW 3 Series Saloon: Key differences

Citroen C3

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • significantly more electric range
  • clearly lighter
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BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • substantially more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • visibly more trunk space
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By Achim Sedelmaier

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

C3

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 considerably 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 significantly 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 significantly more range – reaching up to 325 km, about 224 km more than the BMW 3 Series Saloon.

3 Series Saloon

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 substantially 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 considerably 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 substantially more torque with 700 Nm compared to 205 Nm. That’s about 495 Nm more.

C3

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 clearly 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 visibly 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 somewhat 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 stands well ahead of its rival 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
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Frequently compared as well

Citroen C3
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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
Fiat Panda
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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 …
Citroen C3
BMW 3 Series Saloon

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

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

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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

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Frequently compared as well

Citroen C3
Renault Captur
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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
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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
Citroen C4
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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 …
Citroen C3
Fiat Grande Panda
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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
MG MG3
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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
Peugeot 208
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Forget badge snobbery: the Citroën C3 is the comfy, quirky city car that soaks up potholes and prioritises practicality, while the Peugeot 208 feels sharper to drive with a more premium cabin and livelier engines. Pick the C3 for relaxed, characterful motoring and the 208 if you want style and …
Citroen C3
Renault Clio
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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 …
BMW 3 Series Saloon
BMW 3 Series Touring
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Unsure whether the BMW 3 Series Saloon or the BMW 3 Series Touring is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
Citroen C3
BMW 3 Series Saloon

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

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

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

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
Brand
Citroen
Brand
BMW
What drivetrain options does the Citroen C3 have?

The Citroen C3 is available as Front-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.