VS
At a Glance
Power
135 kW
100kW@6000
Torque
300 Nm
175Nm@4400
Fuel
6.5 l/100km
-
Towing
1600 Kg
1300kg
0-100 km/h
7.4 s
11.1s
Engine
1998 cc
1798cc
Choosing between the BMW 3 Series and the Toyota Corolla is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW 3 Series delivers 135 kW while the Toyota Corolla produces 100kW@6000. On fuel, the 3 Series returns 6.5 l/100km while the Corolla uses 0L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R920 231 for the 3 Series and R265 600 for the Corolla. 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.
Specification
BMW 3 Series320i Sport LINE A/T (g20) 2024 - From R920 231
Toyota Corolla1.8 Exclusive AT 2009 - From R265 600
Performance
Power Output
135 kW
100kW@6000
Torque
300 Nm
175Nm@4400
0-100 kph
7.4 s
11.1s
Top Speed
235 Km/h
190km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1798cc
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
4
Drive Wheels
rear
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.5 l/100km
-
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
55L
CO2 Emissions
147 g/km
173g/km
Dimensions
Length
4713 mm
4540mm
Width
1827-2068 mm
1760-1760mm
Height
1440 mm
1470mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2600mm
Ground Clearance
136 mm
150mm
Kerb Weight
1515 DIN / 1590 EU Kg
-
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
480 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
1300kg
Load Capacity
555 lkg
450kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✗
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✗
Airbag Count
6
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✗
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✗
Cruise Control
Optional
✗
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
-
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✗
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
Optional
✗
Heated Seats
Optional
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000km
Service Plan
—
S
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 3 Series
2 / 4 categories
Performance
3 Series
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Corolla
Practicality
3 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 3 Series
Higher towing capacity (1600 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.4 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (6.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Toyota Corolla
Lower starting price (R265 600)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 3 Series or Corolla?
The 3 Series uses 6.5 l/100km and the Corolla uses 0L/100km on the combined cycle. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the 3 Series or Corolla?
The 3 Series produces 135 kW and 300 Nm of torque while the Corolla delivers 100kW@6000 and 175Nm@4400 of torque. The 3 Series is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 3 Series and Corolla?
The 3 Series starts from R920 231 and the Corolla from R265 600. The Corolla is cheaper by R654 631 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 3 Series or Corolla?
The 3 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1600 Kg and the Corolla can tow 1300kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 3 Series or the Corolla?
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.
Also Consider