VS
At a Glance
Power
285 kW
104kW@6500
Torque
500 Nm
174Nm@4300
Fuel
8.0 l/100km
6.6
Towing
1800 Kg
1000
0-100 km/h
4.3 s
10.7
Engine
2998 cc
1798
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 285 kW while the HONDA CIVIC produces 104kW@6500. On fuel, the 3 Series returns 8.0 l/100km while the CIVIC uses 6.6 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 377 107 for the 3 Series and R302 500 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
285 kW
104kW@6500
Torque
500 Nm
174Nm@4300
0-100 kph
4.3 s
10.7
Top Speed
250 Km/h
200
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2998 cc
1798
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
5
Drive Wheels
all
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.0 l/100km
6.6
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
50
CO2 Emissions
182 g/km
157
Dimensions
Length
4714 mm
4545
Width
1827-2068 mm
-1750
Height
1440 mm
1435
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2675
Ground Clearance
—
150
Kerb Weight
1725 DIN / 1770 EU Kg
1220
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
480 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1800 Kg
1000
Load Capacity
550 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
VSA
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
✗
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✗
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Heated Seats
Optional
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000
Service Plan
—
S
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
Higher towing capacity (1800 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.3 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (8.0 l/100km)
Higher starting price
HONDA CIVIC
Better fuel economy (6.6)
Lower starting price (R302 500)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 3 Series or CIVIC?
The 3 Series uses 8.0 l/100km and the CIVIC uses 6.6 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 285 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the CIVIC delivers 104kW@6500 and 174Nm@4300 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the 3 Series and CIVIC?
The 3 Series starts from R1 377 107 and the CIVIC from R302 500. The CIVIC is cheaper by R1 074 607 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 1800 Kg and the CIVIC can tow 1000. 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.