VS
At a Glance
Power
375 kW
309kW@8300
Torque
600 Nm
400Nm@3900
Fuel
10.1 l/100km
12.3
Towing
—
1700
0-100 km/h
3.9 s
5.1
Engine
2891 cc
3999
Choosing between the Alfa Romeo Giulia and the BMW M3 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Alfa Romeo Giulia delivers 375 kW while the BMW M3 produces 309kW@8300. On fuel, the Giulia returns 10.1 l/100km while the M3 uses 12.3 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 039 900 for the Giulia and R1 094 150 for the M3. 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
375 kW
309kW@8300
Torque
600 Nm
400Nm@3900
0-100 kph
3.9 s
5.1
Top Speed
307 Km/h
250
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2891 cc
3999
Engine Layout
V
LONGITUDINAL V 8
Cylinders
6
8
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
7
Drive Wheels
rear
REAR
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
10.1 l/100km
12.3
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
17.3
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
9.4
Fuel Tank Capacity
58 l
63
CO2 Emissions
228 g/km
295
Dimensions
Length
4639 mm
4615
Width
1860-2024 mm
1804-1804
Height
1433 mm
1392
Wheelbase
2820 mm
2761
Ground Clearance
—
143
Kerb Weight
1660 DIN / 1735 EU Kg
1830
Doors
4
2
Seats
4
4
Load Volume
525 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1700
Load Capacity
—
350
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
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
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Sunroof
—
✗
Heated Seats
—
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
24
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
—
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
15000
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Giulia
Fuel Economy
Giulia
Value
M3
Practicality
M3
Pros & Cons
Alfa Romeo Giulia
Better fuel economy (10.1 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.9 ss)
Higher starting price
BMW M3
Lower starting price (R1 094 150)
Higher fuel consumption (12.3)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Giulia or M3?
The Giulia uses 10.1 l/100km and the M3 uses 12.3 on the combined cycle. The Giulia 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 Giulia or M3?
The Giulia produces 375 kW and 600 Nm of torque while the M3 delivers 309kW@8300 and 400Nm@3900 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Giulia and M3?
The Giulia starts from R2 039 900 and the M3 from R1 094 150. The M3 is cheaper by R945 750 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Giulia or M3?
The Giulia has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the M3 can tow 1700. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Giulia or the M3?
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.