VS
At a Glance
Power
285 kW
202 kW
Torque
500 Nm
350 Nm
Fuel
8.0 l/100km
9.9 l/100km
Towing
1800 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
4.3 s
—
Engine
2998 cc
2387 cc
Choosing between the BMW 3 Series and the Subaru WRX is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW 3 Series delivers 285 kW while the Subaru WRX produces 202 kW. On fuel, the 3 Series returns 8.0 l/100km while the WRX uses 9.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 377 107 for the 3 Series and R899 000 for the WRX. 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
285 kW
202 kW
Torque
500 Nm
350 Nm
0-100 kph
4.3 s
—
Top Speed
250 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2998 cc
2387 cc
Engine Layout
inline
boxer
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.0 l/100km
9.9 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
13.8 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
7.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
63 l
CO2 Emissions
182 g/km
225 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4714 mm
4670 mm
Width
1827-2068 mm
1825 mm
Height
1440 mm
1465 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2675 mm
Ground Clearance
—
135 mm
Kerb Weight
1725 DIN / 1770 EU Kg
—
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
480 l
423 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1800 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
8
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
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
150000 Km
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
WRX
Practicality
3 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 3 Series
More powerful engine (285 kW)
Better fuel economy (8.0 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Subaru WRX
Lower starting price (R899 000)
Higher fuel consumption (9.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (202 kW vs 285 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 3 Series or WRX?
The 3 Series uses 8.0 l/100km and the WRX uses 9.9 l/100km 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 WRX?
The 3 Series produces 285 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the WRX delivers 202 kW and 350 Nm of torque. The 3 Series is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 3 Series and WRX?
The 3 Series starts from R1 377 107 and the WRX from R899 000. The WRX is cheaper by R478 107 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 3 Series or WRX?
The 3 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1800 Kg and the WRX can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 3 Series or the WRX?
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.