BMW 3 Series vs. Subaru Impreza

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW 3 Series and Subaru Impreza 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 Subaru Impreza.

In comparing the BMW 3 Series's and the Subaru Impreza's specifications and ratings, the BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and base engine power. The Subaru Impreza has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the BMW 3 Series's and the Subaru Impreza's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Impreza 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 Subaru Impreza is priced between $17,400 to $24,700.

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 Subaru Impreza loses 34.5 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Impreza retains 16.9 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 Subaru Impreza's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the BMW 3 Series being ranked 16 out of 35 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Subaru Impreza being ranked 8 out of 31 Best Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 3 Series is 7.3 out of 10. For the Subaru Impreza the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Impreza 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 Subaru Impreza base engine makes 152 horsepower. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 530 miles. The Impreza is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 409 miles. This gives the BMW 3 Series the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Subaru Impreza. The 3 Series uses premium unleaded, and the Impreza uses regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the Subaru Impreza 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 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 Subaru Impreza have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.