BMW 3 Series vs. Dodge Charger

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW 3 Series and Dodge Charger 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 Dodge Charger.

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

Pricing: A used 2023 BMW 3 Series ranges from $31,415 to $57,500 while a used 2023 Dodge Charger is priced between $20,327 to $59,669. For a new model, the BMW 3 Series's price is between $47,588 and $67,821, with the Dodge Charger priced between $31,790 and $69,816.

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 Dodge Charger loses 44.1 percent of its value. This means the Dodge Charger retains 7.4 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 Dodge Charger's quality rating is 8.0 out of 10. This results in the BMW 3 Series being ranked 15 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Dodge Charger being ranked 2 out of 7 Best Large Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 3 Series is 7.3 out of 10. For the Dodge Charger the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Dodge Charger 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 Dodge Charger base engine makes 292 horsepower. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 530 miles. The Charger is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 555 miles.This gives the BMW 3 Series the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Dodge Charger the advantage in maximum range. The 3 Series uses premium unleaded, and the Charger uses regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Dodge Charger, a large car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The BMW 3 Series, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room, rear head room, and cargo space.

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