Acura TL vs. BMW M3
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Acura TL and BMW M3 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 Acura TL and the BMW M3.
In comparing the Acura TL's and the BMW M3's specifications and ratings, the Acura TL has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and interior volume. The BMW M3 has the advantage in the area of base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Acura TL's and the BMW M3's specifications and ratings, the Acura TL is a better car than the BMW M3.
Pricing: A used 2011 Acura TL ranges from $6,496 to $14,995 while a used 2011 BMW M3 is priced between $18,649 to $59,999.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Acura TL’s base engine makes 280 horsepower, and the BMW M3 base engine makes 414 horsepower. The TL is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 481 miles. The M3 is rated to deliver an average of 16 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 332 miles. This gives the Acura TL the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the BMW M3. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Acura TL has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The BMW M3 has the advantage in the areas of front head room, rear head room and rear shoulder room.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$35,305
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$46,054
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$26,360 - $76,100
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$55,900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$38,783
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$29,610 - $55,900
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$10,809
Price Range:
$6,496 - $14,995
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$11,222
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$8,350 - $16,640
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
31
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
149,276
# Good or Great Deals:
10
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$39,547
Price Range:
$18,649 - $59,999
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$13,284
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$8,736 - $39,547
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
32
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
70,212
# Good or Great Deals:
14
Acura TL Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
BMW M3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Acura TL
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 BMW M3
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:
3.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
3.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
1.8 - 33.4
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
5.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1.1 - 51
Acura TL Rankings
Not yet available
BMW M3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
12 out of / 36Ranking
12 out of / 12Ranking
13 out of / 36Ranking
16 out of / 36Ranking
29 out of / 31Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Convertible, Coupe, Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Acura TL Trim Levels
Base, SH-AWD, SH-AWD w/Tech, SH-AWD w/Tech w/HPT, w/Tech, w/Tech w/18 In. Wheels
BMW M3 Trim Levels
Not yet available
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
280 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
254 foot-lbs @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.075 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
414 hp @ 8300 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 3900 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.111 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
18 / 26 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
333 / 481 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
8
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
14 / 20 / 16
Range (city/hwy):
232 / 332 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.2 inches
Cargo Space:
13.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
98.2 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Cargo Space:
12 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
93.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3721 lbs
Width:
74 inches
Height:
57.2 inches
Length:
195.5 inches
Wheelbase:
109.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3726 lbs
Width:
77.8 inches
Height:
57 inches
Length:
180.4 inches
Wheelbase:
108.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/50R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
chrome aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/40R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Pearl
Blue
Borealis Blue Pearl
Brown
Mayan Bronze Metallic
Gray
Grigio Metallic / Palladium Metallic / Polished Metal Metallic
Red
Basque Red Pearl
White
White Diamond Pearl
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Jerez Black Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Interlagos Blue Metallic / Le Mans Blue Metallic
Brown
Not available
Gray
Space Gray Metallic
Red
Melbourne Red Metallic
White
Alpine White
Silver
Silverstone Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Parchment
Black
Ebony
Gray
Taupe
Red
Not available
Silver
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Bamboo Beige Novillo Extended Leather / Bamboo Beige Novillo Leather
Black
Anthracite and Black Cloth/Leather / Black Novillo Extended Leather / Black Novillo Leather
Gray
Not available
Red
Fox Red Novillo Extended Leather / Fox Red Novillo Leather / Fox Red/Black Leather
Silver
Palladium Silver/Black Leather / Silver Novillo Extended Leather / Silver Novillo Leather
