The BMW 325Ci and the 330Ci, two of BMW's most affordable and best-selling vehicles, are both members of the 3 Series line. While both models have similar interior and exterior features, there are a few key differences that distinguish one from the other.
The BMW 325Ci comes standard with a six-cylinder, 215-horsepower engine capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The vehicle comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, 10-speaker audio system with two subwoofers, front and rear airbags, automatic rain-sensing wipers, dual climate control and automatic headlights. The 325Ci offers an EPA-estimated 20 miles per gallon fuel economy in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
The 330Ci come standard with a 255-horsepower, six-cylinder, 3.0 liter engine, with six-speed manual transmission and available active steering. The 330Ci offers standard 17-inch wheels, an iDrive system that allows for easy navigation of in-car controls, and a push-button engine system. The 330Ci model is priced about $3,000 more than the 325Ci model and delivers an EPA-estimated 18 miles per gallon fuel economy in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway.
While each vehicle exhibits almost the same aesthetics (with the exception of the bigger wheels on the 330Ci), the real differences come in standard features. The 330Ci comes standard with all of the same things as the 325Ci, but adds an additional 40 horsepower, an iDrive system and a push-button engine system to add a more luxurious feel to the vehicle. The 325Ci offers superior fuel economy and lower price.
With only a $3,000 difference in price and a slew of additional features, it appears the 330Ci provides more value than the base model. While the 325Ci features better fuel economy, the differences are slim and would not have a major impact on annual fuel costs. The 330Ci provides superior value to those looking to buy a BMW 3 Series and offers a luxurious, high-performance vehicle at an affordable price tag for the class.
The information provided in this article is based on descriptions given by the manufacturers and is not based on firsthand driving experience of the vehicles.
Test drive each vehicle to better understand all of the features before making a decision. Call your BMW dealership to schedule a test drive.
