VS
At a Glance
Power
233 kW
176 kW
Torque
400 Nm
221+e Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
4.4 l/100km
Towing
750 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
4.9 s
—
Engine
1998 cc
2487 cc
Choosing between the BMW 1 Series and the Toyota Crown is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW 1 Series delivers 233 kW while the Toyota Crown produces 176 kW. On fuel, the 1 Series returns 7.8 l/100km while the Crown uses 4.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R988 768 for the 1 Series and R957 500 for the Crown. 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
233 kW
176 kW
Torque
400 Nm
221+e Nm
0-100 kph
4.9 s
—
Top Speed
250 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
2487 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
4.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
49 l
55 l
CO2 Emissions
177 g/km
101 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4361 mm
4980 mm
Width
1800-2072 mm
1840 mm
Height
1459 mm
1540 mm
Wheelbase
2670 mm
2850 mm
Ground Clearance
156 mm
139 mm
Kerb Weight
1550 DIN / 1625 EU Kg
1795 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
380-1200 l
433 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
750 Kg
—
Load Capacity
550 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
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
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
3 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
6 services
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
1 Series
Fuel Economy
Crown
Value
Crown
Practicality
1 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 1 Series
More powerful engine (233 kW)
Higher towing capacity (750 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (7.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Toyota Crown
Better fuel economy (4.4 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R957 500)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (176 kW vs 233 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 1 Series or Crown?
The 1 Series uses 7.8 l/100km and the Crown uses 4.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Crown 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 1 Series or Crown?
The 1 Series produces 233 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the Crown delivers 176 kW and 221+e Nm of torque. The 1 Series is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 1 Series and Crown?
The 1 Series starts from R988 768 and the Crown from R957 500. The Crown is cheaper by R31 268 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 1 Series or Crown?
The 1 Series has a braked towing capacity of 750 Kg and the Crown can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 1 Series or the Crown?
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.