BMW 3 Series vs. Nissan Sentra

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

When we compare the BMW 3 Series's and the Nissan Sentra's specifications and ratings, the BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Nissan Sentra 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, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. The BMW 3 Series and Nissan Sentra have the same Based on this comparison of the BMW 3 Series's and the Nissan Sentra's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Sentra 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 Sentra is priced between $18,991 to $26,042. For a new model, the BMW 3 Series's price is between $49,425 and $69,475, with the Nissan Sentra priced between $21,426 and $28,113.

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 Sentra loses 40.7 percent of its value. This means the Nissan Sentra retains 10.8 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 Sentra'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 Sentra being ranked 20 out of 37 Best Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars' Reliability Rating for the BMW 3 Series and Nissan Sentra is 7.3 out of 10.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW 3 Series’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the Nissan Sentra base engine makes 149 horsepower. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 546 miles. The Sentra is rated to deliver an average of 34 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 496 miles.This gives the Nissan Sentra the advantage in fuel efficiency and the BMW 3 Series the advantage in maximum range. The 3 Series uses premium unleaded, and the Sentra uses regular unleaded.

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

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