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BMW 3 Series vs. Volkswagen Jetta

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW 3 Series and Volkswagen Jetta 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 Volkswagen Jetta.

When we compare the BMW 3 Series's and the Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the areas of reliability and base engine power. The Volkswagen Jetta 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. Based on this comparison of the BMW 3 Series's and the Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Jetta is a better car than the BMW 3 Series.

Pricing: A used 2024 BMW 3 Series ranges from $42,839 to $64,993 while a used 2024 Volkswagen Jetta is priced between $21,495 to $29,945. For a new model, the BMW 3 Series's price is between $47,938 and $68,399, with the Volkswagen Jetta priced between $23,088 and $30,451.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW 3 Series loses 50.1 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Jetta loses 36 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Jetta retains 14.1 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 8.6 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Jetta's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the BMW 3 Series being ranked 15 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Volkswagen Jetta being ranked 18 out of 37 Best Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 3 Series is 8.4 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Jetta the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the BMW 3 Series a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Jetta.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW 3 Series’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Jetta base engine makes 158 horsepower. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 530 miles. The Jetta is rated to deliver an average of 34 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 554 miles. This gives the Volkswagen Jetta the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the BMW 3 Series. The 3 Series uses premium unleaded, and the Jetta uses regular unleaded.

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

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

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Model & Pricing
BMW 3 Series
Volkswagen Jetta

2024 BMW 3 Series
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BMW 3 Series for Sale

2024 Volkswagen Jetta
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Volkswagen Jetta for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

47938 - 68399

Starting MSRP:

44500

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

48375

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

31800 - 79900

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

23088 - 30451

Starting MSRP:

21435

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)

26555

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)

17795 - 45665

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

50648

Price Range:

42839 - 64993

Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

52490

Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

35163 - 100522

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

594

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

20760

# Good or Great Deals:

244

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

25029

Price Range:

21495 - 29945

Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)

28855

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)

19171 - 47673

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

908

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

19667

# Good or Great Deals:

275

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

22483

Depreciation %:

0.50523662

Resale Value $:

22017

Residual Value %:

0.49476338

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

0.48947277

Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

0.33466199 - 0.53474953

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

7817

Depreciation %:

0.36470547

Resale Value $:

13618

Residual Value %:

0.63529453

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)

0.3164027

Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)

0.24379468 - 0.4011125

BMW 3 Series Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.603399 / 10

Reliability:

8.432786 / 10

Retained Value:

7.377413 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10

Volkswagen Jetta Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.793508 / 10

Reliability:

8.117592 / 10

Retained Value:

8.262933 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW 3 Series

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

10.4

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

10.6

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

8.1 - 14.3

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.125

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Jetta

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

10.3

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)

11.2

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)

10.1 - 13.6

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.09



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

10.275138042698826

Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

2.2

Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)

1.2 - 14.6

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

1.955673175488713

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

2.9

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

2.0 - 18.8

BMW 3 Series Rankings

Best Family Luxury Small Cars

5 / 36

Luxury Small Cars with the Most Legroom

10 / 36

Luxury Small Cars with the Most Horsepower

11 / 36

Best Luxury Small Cars for the Money

11 / 32

Best Luxury Small Cars for Tall People

12 / 36

Best Luxury Small Cars

15 / 36

Most Affordable Luxury Small Cars

16 / 32

Most Reliable Luxury Small Cars

19 / 36

Luxury Small Cars with Best Resale Value

20 / 36

Most Comfortable Luxury Small Cars

20 / 36

Volkswagen Jetta Rankings

Small Cars with the Most Legroom

6 / 37

Best Small Cars Under $25k

7 / 13

Most Reliable Small Cars Under $25k

7 / 13

Best Family Small Cars

8 / 37

Best Small Cars for the Money

8 / 22

Best Gas Mileage Small Cars

9 / 37

Most Affordable Small Cars

9 / 22

Safest Small Cars

15 / 37

Most Reliable Small Cars

17 / 37

Best Small Cars

18 / 37

Small Cars with the Most Horsepower

22 / 37

Best Small Cars for Tall People

24 / 37

Small Cars with Best Resale Value

24 / 37

Most Comfortable Small Cars

27 / 37

Available Body Styles

Sedan

Available Body Styles

Sedan

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

BMW 3 Series Trim Levels

330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive

Volkswagen Jetta Trim Levels

SEL, Sport, S, SE

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

4 years

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years / 36000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

255 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque:

295 foot-lbs @ 1550 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.072 hp per pound

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

158 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

184 foot-lbs @ 1750 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.055 hp per pound

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

RWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


25 / 34 / 29

Range (city/hwy):

390 / 530 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

1.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Manual

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


29 / 42 / 34

Range (city/hwy):

383 / 554 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Internet Radio:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Standard

Navigation System:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Automatic Parking:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Wifi:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Internet Radio:

N/A

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Parking Sensors:

N/A

Power Lift Gate:

N/A

Wifi:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Blind Spot Monitoring:

N/A

Lane Departure Warning:

N/A

Lane Keeping Assist:

N/A

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

38.7 inches

Front Leg Room:

42 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

56 inches

Rear Head Room:

37.6 inches

Rear Leg Room:

35.2 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

54.6 inches

Cargo Space:

13 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

94.0 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

38.5 inches

Front Leg Room:

41.1 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

55.9 inches

Rear Head Room:

37.2 inches

Rear Leg Room:

37.4 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

54 inches

Cargo Space:

14.1 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

94.7 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3536 lbs

Width:

81.4 inches

Height:

56.8 inches

Length:

185.9 inches

Wheelbase:

112.2 inches

Ground Clearance:

5.6 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

2895 lbs

Width:

80.2 inches

Height:

57.7 inches

Length:

186.5 inches

Wheelbase:

105.7 inches

Ground Clearance:

5.5 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

225/45R18

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

16.0 x 6.5 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy with painted accents

Tire Size:

P205/60R16

Exterior Colors

Black

Black Sapphire Metallic / Jet Black

Blue

Phytonic Blue Metallic / Portimao Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic

Gray

Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Dravit Grey Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic

Red

Melbourne Red Metallic

White

Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic

Silver

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Deep Black Pearl

Blue

Rising Blue Metallic

Gray

Platinum Gray Metallic

Red

Not available

White

Pure White

Silver

Pyrite Silver Metallic

Interior Colors

Beige

Canberra Beige

Black

Black / Black w/ Blue Contrast Stitching

Brown

Cognac / Mocha

Gray

Oyster

Red

Tacora Red

Interior Colors

Beige

Not available

Black

Titan Black

Brown

Not available

Gray

Storm Gray

Red

Not available

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