BMW 3 Series vs. Honda Accord

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW 3 Series and Honda Accord 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 Honda Accord.

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

Pricing: A used 2025 BMW 3 Series ranges from $38,998 to $61,980 while a used 2025 Honda Accord is priced between $25,900 to $32,161. For a new model, the BMW 3 Series's price is between $49,425 and $69,475, with the Honda Accord priced between $28,869 and $32,165.

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 Honda Accord loses 34.9 percent of its value. This means the Honda Accord retains 16.5 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 Honda Accord's quality rating is 8.9 out of 10. This results in the BMW 3 Series being ranked 15 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Honda Accord being ranked 1 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 3 Series is 7.3 out of 10. For the Honda Accord the reliability rating is 8.0 out of 10. This gives the Honda Accord 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 Honda Accord base engine makes 192 horsepower. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 546 miles. The Accord is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 548 miles. This gives the Honda Accord the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the BMW 3 Series. The 3 Series uses premium unleaded, and the Accord uses regular unleaded.

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

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