BMW 3 Series vs. Acura ILX

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW 3 Series and Acura ILX 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 and the Acura ILX.

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

Pricing: A used 2022 BMW 3 Series ranges from $25,999 to $47,717 while a used 2022 Acura ILX is priced between $19,989 to $28,990.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW 3 Series loses 51.4 percent of its value and the Acura ILX loses 42.3 percent of its value. This means the Acura ILX retains 9.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW 3 Series.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW 3 Series is 7.7 out of 10 while the Acura ILX's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the BMW 3 Series being ranked 15 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Acura ILX being ranked 3 out of 36.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 3 Series is 7.3 out of 10. For the Acura ILX the reliability rating is 8.0 out of 10. This gives the Acura ILX a slight advantage in reliability compared to the BMW 3 Series.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW 3 Series’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the Acura ILX base engine makes 201 horsepower. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 562 miles. The ILX is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 449 miles. This gives the BMW 3 Series the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Acura ILX. Both models use premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the BMW 3 Series has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Acura ILX has the advantage in the area of front leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the BMW 3 Series and the Acura ILX have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.