VS
At a Glance
Power
309kW@8300
183 kW
Torque
400Nm@3900
350 Nm
Fuel
12.3L/100km
9.0 l/100km
Towing
-
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.1s
7.5 s
Engine
3999cc
2387 cc
Choosing between the BMW M3 and the Subaru Outback is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW M3 delivers 309kW@8300 while the Subaru Outback produces 183 kW. On fuel, the M3 returns 12.3L/100km while the Outback uses 9.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 004 829 for the M3 and R999 000 for the Outback. 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 M3Coupe Dynamic M-DCT 2010 - From R1 004 829
Subaru Outback2.4 XT CVT 2023 - From R999 000
Performance
Power Output
309kW@8300
183 kW
Torque
400Nm@3900
350 Nm
0-100 kph
5.1s
7.5 s
Top Speed
250km/h
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3999cc
2387 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
boxer
Cylinders
8
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
7
-
Drive Wheels
REAR
all
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
12.3L/100km
9.0 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
17.3L/100km
12.0 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
9.4L/100km
7.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
63L
63 l
CO2 Emissions
295g/km
204 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4615mm
4850 mm
Width
1804-1976mm
1875 mm
Height
1424mm
1675 mm
Wheelbase
2761mm
2745 mm
Ground Clearance
-
213 mm
Kerb Weight
1830kg
1730 Kg
Doors
2
5
Seats
4
5
Load Volume
—
522-1267 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
-
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
450kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL
✓ 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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✗
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
Optional
—
Park Distance Front
Optional
—
Sunroof
✗
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
DRIVER
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
5
Warranty Distance
-
150000 Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
30000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru Outback
2 / 4 categories
Performance
M3
Fuel Economy
Outback
Value
Tied
Practicality
Outback
Pros & Cons
BMW M3
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.1ss)
Higher fuel consumption (12.3L/100km)
Higher starting price
Subaru Outback
Better fuel economy (9.0 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R999 000)
Higher towing capacity (1800 Kg)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the M3 or Outback?
The M3 uses 12.3L/100km and the Outback uses 9.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Outback 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 M3 or Outback?
The M3 produces 309kW@8300 and 400Nm@3900 of torque while the Outback delivers 183 kW and 350 Nm of torque. The M3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the M3 and Outback?
The M3 starts from R1 004 829 and the Outback from R999 000, a difference of just R5 829, 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 M3 or Outback?
The M3 has a braked towing capacity of 0kg and the Outback can tow 1800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the M3 or the Outback?
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