2021 BMW 3 Series vs. 2021 Tesla Model 3
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 BMW 3 Series and 2021 Tesla Model 3 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 BMW 3 Series and the 2021 Tesla Model 3.
When comparing the 2021 BMW 3 Series's and the 2021 Tesla Model 3's specifications and ratings, the 2021 BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the areas of resale value and base engine power. The 2021 Tesla Model 3 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the 2021 BMW 3 Series's and the 2021 Tesla Model 3's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2021 BMW 3 Series ranges from $21,944 to $32,979 while a used 2021 Tesla Model 3 is priced between $18,400 to $28,303.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 BMW 3 Series loses 53.7 percent of its value and the 2021 Tesla Model 3 loses 57 percent of its value. This means the 2021 BMW 3 Series retains 3.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Tesla Model 3.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 BMW 3 Series’s base engine makes 288 horsepower, and the 2021 Tesla Model 3 base engine makes 201 horsepower. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 372 miles. The Model 3 is rated to deliver an average of 127 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 267 miles.This gives the 2021 Tesla Model 3 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2021 BMW 3 Series the advantage in maximum range. The 3 Series uses electricity, premium unleaded, and the Model 3 uses electricity.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 2021 Tesla Model 3, a electric compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, and cargo space. The 2021 BMW 3 Series, a hybrid compact car, has the advantage in the area of rear shoulder room. The 2021 BMW 3 Series and 2021 Tesla Model 3 are comparable in regards to rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: The 2021 Tesla Model 3 has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$44,550
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
$51,950
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
$44,550 - $67,300
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$37,990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$47,447
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$37,990 - $59,900
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$27,696
Price Range:
$21,944 - $32,979
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
$27,971
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
$26,664 - $29,554
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
410
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
53,900
# Good or Great Deals:
215
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$23,704
Price Range:
$18,400 - $28,303
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$23,291
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$21,754 - $24,416
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
575
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
56,785
# Good or Great Deals:
283
BMW 3 Series Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.5 / 10
Reliability:
7.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Tesla Model 3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.3 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 BMW 3 Series
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Tesla Model 3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
27.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
4.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Hybrid Compact Cars)
3.5 - 27.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
439.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
3.5 - 439.7
BMW 3 Series Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 26Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 27Ranking
5 out of / 6Ranking
7 out of / 37Ranking
7 out of / 37Ranking
7 out of / 27Ranking
7 out of / 27Ranking
10 out of / 27Ranking
12 out of / 27Ranking
12 out of / 27Ranking
13 out of / 37Ranking
14 out of / 37Ranking
16 out of / 37Ranking
20 out of / 37Ranking
26 out of / 27Ranking
34 out of / 37Tesla Model 3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 21Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 27Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 22Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
17 out of / 22Ranking
18 out of / 30Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
2021 BMW 3 Series Trim Levels
330e, 330e xDrive
2021 Tesla Model 3 Trim Levels
Long Range, Performance, Standard Range Plus
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
8 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
288 hp @ 3800 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 1450 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
201 hp
Torque:
258 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 33 / 28
MPGe:
72 / 80 / 75
Range (city/hwy):
287 / 372 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity, Premium Unleaded
Battery Size/Capacity :
Not applicable
Maximum Charging Rate:
Not applicable
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
Not Applicable
Engine Configuration:
Not Applicable
Number of Cylinders:
Not Applicable
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not applicable
MPGe:
127 / 127 / 127
Range (city/hwy):
267 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity
Battery Size/Capacity:
50 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
10 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.6 inches
Cargo Space:
9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
94.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Cargo Space:
15 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
97.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4039 lbs
Width:
81.4 inches
Height:
56.9 inches
Length:
185.7 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3648 lbs
Width:
82.2 inches
Height:
56.8 inches
Length:
184.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/45R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Blue Ridge Mountain Metallic / Mediterranean Blue Metallic / Phytonic Blue Metallic / Portimao Blue Metallic
Gray
Mineral Grey Metallic
Orange
Sunset Orange Metallic
Red
Melbourne Red Metallic
Silver
Glacier Silver Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Exterior Colors
Black
Solid Black
Blue
Deep Blue Metallic
Gray
Not available
Orange
Not available
Red
Red Multi-Coat
Silver
Midnight Silver Metallic
White
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Interior Colors
Beige
Canberra Beige / Canberra Beige/Black w/ Contrast Stitching
Black
Black / Black w/ Blue Contrast Stitching / Black w/ Decor Stitching / Black w/ Oyster Contrast Stitching
Brown
Cognac w/ Contrast Stitching / Mocha w/ Contrast Stitching
Gray
Oyster w/ Contrast Stitching
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
White
Black and White
