VS
At a Glance
Power
375 kW
390 kW
Torque
600 Nm
650 Nm
Fuel
10.1 l/100km
10.4 l/100km
Towing
—
—
0-100 km/h
3.9 s
3.6 s
Engine
2891 cc
2993 cc
Choosing between the Alfa Romeo Giulia and the BMW M3 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Alfa Romeo Giulia delivers 375 kW while the BMW M3 produces 390 kW. On fuel, the Giulia returns 10.1 l/100km while the M3 uses 10.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 039 900 for the Giulia and R2 233 506 for the M3. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
375 kW
390 kW
Torque
600 Nm
650 Nm
0-100 kph
3.9 s
3.6 s
Top Speed
307 Km/h
280 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2891 cc
2993 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
rear
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
10.1 l/100km
10.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
58 l
59 l
CO2 Emissions
228 g/km
235 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4639 mm
4801 mm
Width
1860-2024 mm
1903-2068 mm
Height
1433 mm
1446 mm
Wheelbase
2820 mm
2857 mm
Ground Clearance
—
122 mm
Kerb Weight
1660 DIN / 1735 EU Kg
1865 DIN / 1940 EU Kg
Doors
4
5
Seats
4
5
Load Volume
525 l
500-1510 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
—
Load Capacity
—
505 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
Optional
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
2
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
M3
Fuel Economy
Giulia
Value
Giulia
Practicality
M3
Pros & Cons
Alfa Romeo Giulia
Better fuel economy (10.1 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R2 039 900)
Less power than rival (375 kW vs 390 kW)
BMW M3
More powerful engine (390 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.6 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (10.4 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Giulia or M3?
The Giulia uses 10.1 l/100km and the M3 uses 10.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Giulia is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Giulia or M3?
The Giulia produces 375 kW and 600 Nm of torque while the M3 delivers 390 kW and 650 Nm of torque. The M3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Giulia and M3?
The Giulia starts from R2 039 900 and the M3 from R2 233 506. The Giulia is cheaper by R193 606 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Giulia or M3?
The Giulia has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the M3 can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Giulia or the M3?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.