VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
148kW@7800
Torque
400 Nm
193Nm@5600
Fuel
4.9 l/100km
9.3
Towing
1600 Kg
1400
0-100 km/h
7.0 s
6.6
Engine
1995 cc
1998
Choosing between the BMW 3 Series and the Honda Civic is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW 3 Series delivers 140 kW while the Honda Civic produces 148kW@7800. On fuel, the 3 Series returns 4.9 l/100km while the Civic uses 9.3 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 017 377 for the 3 Series and R317 900 for the Civic. 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
140 kW
148kW@7800
Torque
400 Nm
193Nm@5600
0-100 kph
7.0 s
6.6
Top Speed
235 Km/h
235
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1995 cc
1998
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
rear
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
4.9 l/100km
9.3
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
50
CO2 Emissions
130 g/km
152
Dimensions
Length
4713 mm
4275
Width
1827-2068 mm
1785-2046
Height
1440 mm
1445
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2700
Ground Clearance
136 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1595 DIN / 1670 EU Kg
1322
Doors
4
3
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
480 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
1400
Load Capacity
570 l
1352
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
VSA
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
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✗
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
Optional
✗
Heated Seats
Optional
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
Optional
✗
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000
Service Plan
—
S
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 3 Series
3 / 4 categories
Performance
3 Series
Fuel Economy
3 Series
Value
Civic
Practicality
3 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 3 Series
Better fuel economy (4.9 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1600 Kg)
Higher starting price
Honda Civic
Lower starting price (R317 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.6s)
Higher fuel consumption (9.3)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 3 Series or Civic?
The 3 Series uses 4.9 l/100km and the Civic uses 9.3 on the combined cycle. The 3 Series 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 3 Series or Civic?
The 3 Series produces 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the Civic delivers 148kW@7800 and 193Nm@5600 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the 3 Series and Civic?
The 3 Series starts from R1 017 377 and the Civic from R317 900. The Civic is cheaper by R699 477 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 3 Series or Civic?
The 3 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1600 Kg and the Civic can tow 1400. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 3 Series or the Civic?
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.