VS
At a Glance
Power
190 kW
184 kW
Torque
400 Nm
600 Nm
Fuel
6.5 l/100km
9.4 l/100km
Towing
1600 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.8 s
—
Engine
1998 cc
2996 cc
Choosing between the BMW 3 Series and the Ford Ranger is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW 3 Series delivers 190 kW while the Ford Ranger produces 184 kW. On fuel, the 3 Series returns 6.5 l/100km while the Ranger uses 9.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 040 567 for the 3 Series and R1 045 600 for the Ranger. 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 Series330i M Sport A/T (g20) 2024 - From R1 040 567
Ford Ranger3.0d V6 Tremor A/T 4x4 D/C P/U 2026 - From R1 045 600
Performance
Power Output
190 kW
184 kW
Torque
400 Nm
600 Nm
0-100 kph
5.8 s
—
Top Speed
250 Km/h
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
2996 cc
Engine Layout
inline
V
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
10
Drive Wheels
rear
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.5 l/100km
9.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
149 g/km
247 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4713 mm
5370 mm
Width
1827-2068 mm
2015-2208 mm
Height
1440 mm
1914 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
3270 mm
Ground Clearance
136 mm
261 mm
Kerb Weight
1525 DIN / 1600 EU Kg
2365 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
480 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
555 lkg
985 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ 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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
Optional
—
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
4
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
—
Optional
Service Plan Years
—
6yr
Service Plan Distance
—
90000km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 3 Series
2 / 4 categories
Performance
3 Series
Fuel Economy
3 Series
Value
Tied
Practicality
Ranger
Pros & Cons
BMW 3 Series
More powerful engine (190 kW)
Better fuel economy (6.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 040 567)
Few notable weaknesses
Ford Ranger
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (9.4 l/100km)
Less power than rival (184 kW vs 190 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 3 Series or Ranger?
The 3 Series uses 6.5 l/100km and the Ranger uses 9.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The 3 Series is the more fuel-efficient choice. 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 Ranger?
The 3 Series produces 190 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the Ranger delivers 184 kW and 600 Nm of torque. The 3 Series is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 3 Series and Ranger?
The 3 Series starts from R1 040 567 and the Ranger from R1 045 600, a difference of just R5 033, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 3 Series or Ranger?
The 3 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1600 Kg and the Ranger can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 3 Series or the Ranger?
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