VS
At a Glance
Power
135 kW
131 kW
Torque
300 Nm
240 Nm
Fuel
6.5 l/100km
6.2 l/100km
Towing
1600 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
7.4 s
8.3 s
Engine
1998 cc
1498 cc
Choosing between the BMW 3 Series and the Honda Civic is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW 3 Series delivers 135 kW while the Honda Civic produces 131 kW. On fuel, the 3 Series returns 6.5 l/100km while the Civic uses 6.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R920 231 for the 3 Series and R725 000 for the Civic. 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
135 kW
131 kW
Torque
300 Nm
240 Nm
0-100 kph
7.4 s
8.3 s
Top Speed
235 Km/h
200 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
rear
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.5 l/100km
6.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
47 l
CO2 Emissions
147 g/km
144 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4713 mm
4677 mm
Width
1827-2068 mm
1802 mm
Height
1440 mm
1415 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2735 mm
Ground Clearance
136 mm
127 mm
Kerb Weight
1515 DIN / 1590 EU Kg
1348 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
480 l
495 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
—
Load Capacity
555 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
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
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
200000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
5
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
3 Series
Fuel Economy
Civic
Value
Civic
Practicality
3 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 3 Series
More powerful engine (135 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1600 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.4 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (6.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Honda Civic
Better fuel economy (6.2 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R725 000)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (131 kW vs 135 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 3 Series or Civic?
The 3 Series uses 6.5 l/100km and the Civic uses 6.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Civic 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 3 Series or Civic?
The 3 Series produces 135 kW and 300 Nm of torque while the Civic delivers 131 kW and 240 Nm of torque. The 3 Series is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 3 Series and Civic?
The 3 Series starts from R920 231 and the Civic from R725 000. The Civic is cheaper by R195 231 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 3 Series or Civic?
The 3 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1600 Kg and the Civic can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 3 Series or the Civic?
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.