VS
At a Glance
Power
272hp @ 6500
255hp @ 4700
Torque
280lb-ft @ 1600
295lb-ft @ 1600
Fuel
26 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.0 L/122ci
Choosing between the Acura Tlx and the BMW 3 Series is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Acura Tlx delivers 272hp @ 6500 while the BMW 3 Series produces 255hp @ 4700. On fuel, the Tlx returns 26 mpg est. while the 3 Series uses 30 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $46,300 for the Tlx and $47,500 for the 3 Series. 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
Acura TlxFWD w/Advance Package 2021 - From $46,300
BMW 3 Series330i NA xDrive Sedan 2026 - From $47,500
Performance
Power Output (hp)
272hp @ 6500
255hp @ 4700
Torque (lb-ft)
280lb-ft @ 1600
295lb-ft @ 1600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.0 L/122ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
—
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
26 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
22mpg
26mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
31mpg
34mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.9gal
15.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
194.6in
185.7in
Width (in)
75.2in
71.9in
Height (in)
56.4in
57in
Wheelbase (in)
113in
112.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3814lbs
3752lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Acura Tlx
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tlx
Fuel Economy
3 Series
Value
Tlx
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Acura Tlx
Lower starting price ($46,300)
Higher fuel consumption (26 mpg est.)
BMW 3 Series
Better fuel economy (30 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tlx or 3 Series?
The Tlx gets 26 mpg est. and the 3 Series gets 30 mpg est. 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 Tlx or 3 Series?
The Tlx produces 272hp @ 6500 and 280lb-ft @ 1600 of torque while the 3 Series delivers 255hp @ 4700 and 295lb-ft @ 1600 of torque. The Tlx is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Tlx and 3 Series?
The Tlx starts from $46,300 and the 3 Series from $47,500. The Tlx is cheaper by $1,200 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Tlx or the 3 Series?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - 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