VS
At a Glance
Power
190 kW
104kW@6500
Torque
400 Nm
174Nm@4300
Fuel
6.5 l/100km
6.6
Towing
1600 Kg
1000
0-100 km/h
5.8 s
10.7
Engine
1998 cc
1798
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 190 kW while the Honda Civic produces 104kW@6500. On fuel, the 3 Series returns 6.5 l/100km while the Civic uses 6.6 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 040 567 for the 3 Series and R302 500 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
190 kW
104kW@6500
Torque
400 Nm
174Nm@4300
0-100 kph
5.8 s
10.7
Top Speed
250 Km/h
200
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1798
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
5
Drive Wheels
rear
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.5 l/100km
6.6
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
50
CO2 Emissions
149 g/km
157
Dimensions
Length
4713 mm
4545
Width
1827-2068 mm
-1750
Height
1440 mm
1435
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2675
Ground Clearance
136 mm
150
Kerb Weight
1525 DIN / 1600 EU Kg
1220
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
480 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
1000
Load Capacity
555 l
—
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
✗
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ 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 (6.5 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1600 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.8 ss)
Higher starting price
Honda Civic
Lower starting price (R302 500)
Higher fuel consumption (6.6)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 3 Series or Civic?
The 3 Series uses 6.5 l/100km and the Civic uses 6.6 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 190 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the Civic delivers 104kW@6500 and 174Nm@4300 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the 3 Series and Civic?
The 3 Series starts from R1 040 567 and the Civic from R302 500. The Civic is cheaper by R738 067 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 1000. 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.