BMW 3 Series vs. Nissan Altima

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW 3 Series and Nissan Altima 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 Nissan Altima.

In comparing the BMW 3 Series's and the Nissan Altima's specifications and ratings, the BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Nissan Altima 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 Nissan Altima's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Altima 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 Nissan Altima is priced between $20,696 to $31,498. For a new model, the BMW 3 Series's price is between $49,425 and $69,475, with the Nissan Altima priced between $25,808 and $35,879.

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 Nissan Altima loses 47.8 percent of its value. This means the Nissan Altima retains 3.6 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 Nissan Altima's quality rating is 7.9 out of 10. This results in the BMW 3 Series being ranked 15 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Nissan Altima being ranked 6 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 3 Series is 7.3 out of 10. For the Nissan Altima the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Nissan Altima 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 Nissan Altima base engine makes 188 horsepower. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 546 miles. The Altima is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 632 miles. This gives the Nissan Altima the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the BMW 3 Series. The 3 Series uses premium unleaded, and the Altima uses regular unleaded.

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

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