BMW 3 Series 330i vs. Ford Mustang EcoBoost

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW 3 Series 330i and Ford Mustang EcoBoost 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 BMW 3 Series 330i and the Ford Mustang EcoBoost.

When we compare the BMW 3 Series 330i's and the Ford Mustang EcoBoost's specifications and ratings, the BMW 3 Series 330i has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability and overall quality score. The Ford Mustang EcoBoost has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the BMW 3 Series 330i's and the Ford Mustang EcoBoost's specifications and ratings, the Ford Mustang EcoBoost is a better car than the BMW 3 Series 330i.

Pricing: A used 2024 BMW 3 Series 330i ranges from $41,158 to $52,910 while a used 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is priced between $28,955 to $39,484. For a new model, the BMW 3 Series 330i's price is between $47,511 and $54,428, with the Ford Mustang EcoBoost priced between $30,005 and $39,303.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW 3 Series 330i loses 50.1 percent of its value and the Ford Mustang EcoBoost loses 26.2 percent of its value. This means the Ford Mustang EcoBoost retains 23.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW 3 Series 330i.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW 3 Series is 8.6 out of 10 while the Ford Mustang's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the BMW 3 Series being ranked 3 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Ford Mustang being ranked 1 out of 15 Best Sports Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 3 Series is 8.4 out of 10. For the Ford Mustang the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the BMW 3 Series a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Mustang.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW 3 Series 330i’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the Ford Mustang EcoBoost base engine makes 315 horsepower. The 330i is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 530 miles. The EcoBoost is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 528 miles. This gives the BMW 3 Series 330i the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Mustang EcoBoost. The 330i uses premium unleaded, and the EcoBoost uses regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Ford Mustang EcoBoost, a sports car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, and cargo space. The BMW 3 Series 330i, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the BMW 3 Series 330i and the Ford Mustang EcoBoost have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.