BMW 3 Series vs. Nissan Maxima

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

When we compare the BMW 3 Series's and the Nissan Maxima's specifications and ratings, the BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and resale value. The Nissan Maxima 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, interior volume and base engine power. The BMW 3 Series and Nissan Maxima have the same overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the BMW 3 Series's and the Nissan Maxima's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Maxima 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 Nissan Maxima is priced between $21,255 to $36,138. For a new model, the BMW 3 Series's price is between $47,588 and $67,821, with the Nissan Maxima priced between $42,493 and $47,075.

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 Maxima loses 54.2 percent of its value. This means the BMW 3 Series retains 2.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Nissan Maxima.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW 3 Series and Nissan Maxima is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the BMW 3 Series being ranked 15 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Nissan Maxima being ranked 4 out of 7 Best Large Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 3 Series is 7.3 out of 10. For the Nissan Maxima the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Nissan Maxima 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 Maxima base engine makes 300 horsepower. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 530 miles. The Maxima is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 540 miles.This gives the BMW 3 Series the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Nissan Maxima the advantage in maximum range. Both models use premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Nissan Maxima, a large 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, rear leg room and cargo space.

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