VS
At a Glance
Power
390 kW
180kW@6600
Torque
650 Nm
297Nm@4200
Fuel
10.4 l/100km
14.88L/100km
Towing
-
1800kg
0-100 km/h
3.6 s
8.1s
Engine
2993 cc
3000cc
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 390 kW while the Subaru Outback produces 180kW@6600. On fuel, the M3 returns 10.4 l/100km while the Outback uses 14.88L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 233 506 for the M3 and R384 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 M3Touring Xdrive Competition (g81) 2024 - From R2 233 506
Subaru Outback3.0r Sportshift 5 Premium 2004 - From R384 000
Performance
Power Output
390 kW
180kW@6600
Torque
650 Nm
297Nm@4200
0-100 kph
3.6 s
8.1s
Top Speed
280 Km/h
227km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2993 cc
3000cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 6
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
5
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
10.4 l/100km
14.88L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
18.1L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
9.4L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
64L
CO2 Emissions
235 g/km
-
Dimensions
Length
4801 mm
4730mm
Width
1903-2068 mm
1770mm
Height
1446 mm
1545mm
Wheelbase
2857 mm
2670mm
Ground Clearance
122 mm
202mm
Kerb Weight
1865 DIN / 1940 EU Kg
1585kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
500-1510 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
-
1800kg
Load Capacity
505 lkg
1649kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ 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
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000km
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
M3
Fuel Economy
M3
Value
Outback
Practicality
Outback
Pros & Cons
BMW M3
Better fuel economy (10.4 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.6 ss)
Higher starting price
Subaru Outback
Lower starting price (R384 000)
Higher towing capacity (1800kg)
Higher fuel consumption (14.88L/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the M3 or Outback?
The M3 uses 10.4 l/100km and the Outback uses 14.88L/100km on the combined cycle. The M3 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 390 kW and 650 Nm of torque while the Outback delivers 180kW@6600 and 297Nm@4200 of torque. The M3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the M3 and Outback?
The M3 starts from R2 233 506 and the Outback from R384 000. The Outback is cheaper by R1 849 506 at this variant level. 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 0 Kg and the Outback can tow 1800kg. 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.