BMW 328i vs 330i: Which 3 Series Model is Right For You?
Are you looking to buy a BMW 3 Series but can’t decide between the 328i and 330i models? This in-depth comparison will help you choose.
The BMW 3 Series is one of the world’s most renowned compact luxury sedans. It offers an unparalleled blend of driving enjoyment, comfort, safety, and tech features. Within the 3 Series lineup, two of the most popular models that shoppers compare are the 328i and 330i.
The 330i is the higher performance and more powerful option, but the 328i still provides strong acceleration and handling at a lower price point.
Below we’ll analyze the key differences between the 328i and 330i across these categories to help you determine which 3 Series is the best fit:
- Performance and power
- Handling and driving dynamics
- Pricing and value comparison
- Fuel economy and MPG
- Interior features and tech
- Which is better for you?
Let’s take a closer look under the hood to see how the BMW 328i and 330i compare.
Performance and Power
When it comes to performance, the BMW 330i is the clear winner in this matchup. Its engine generates more horsepower and torque, allowing much faster acceleration compared to the 328i.
The 328i is powered by BMW’s 2.0L TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine. It produces 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This provides strong performance, allowing the 328i to go 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds.
However, the 330i packs a more powerful punch with its 2.0L TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine generating 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. This gives the 330i a 0-60 mph time of just 5.3 seconds.
While that may seem like a marginal improvement on paper, you can truly feel the increased power of the 330i when accelerating and passing on the highway. The extra low-end torque available provides a real kick that enthusiast drivers will appreciate.
If you want maximum power and acceleration in your 3 Series, the 330i is the clear winner when it comes to performance. But the 328i still holds its own, with acceleration that’s only a blink behind the 330i.
Handling and Driving Dynamics
A BMW 3 Series excels at carving corners and railing through twisty backroads better than any other sedan in its class. This precision handling heritage continues with both the 328i and 330i.
They share the same well-tuned suspension and steering systems that make the 3 Series such a joy to drive. You’ll experience minimal body roll in corners and excellent road feel through the steering wheel when driving either model.
That said, the 330i offers an even sportier driving experience than the 328i. It comes equipped with firmer shocks, thicker anti-roll bars, and stickier tires. This tighter suspension tuning gives the 330i marginally crisper turn-in and flatter handling through corners.
While the 328i is no slouch in the handling department, the 330i’s enhanced suspension and chassis tuning push the envelope even further. Drivers who regularly attack curvy backroads will notice and appreciate the 330i’s heightened capabilities.
Price and Value Comparison
One area where the 328i clearly wins out is in upfront purchase price. A new 2023 BMW 328i starts around $43,000 MSRP. In comparison, the 330i has a starting MSRP of approximately $48,500.
That’s a difference of about $5,500 between the base models. The lower-priced 328i gives you strong performance at a more affordable price point.
As you add options and upgrade trim packages, the price gap between the two does narrow a bit. A fully loaded 330i tops out around $59,000, while a similarly equipped 328i comes in around $55,000.
For many buyers, the 328i hits the sweet spot of offering an enjoyable 3 Series driving experience with a more budget-friendly price. But for those wanting maximum performance, the extra $5,000 to get the 330i is money well spent.
Fuel Economy and MPG
With its less powerful engine, the BMW 328i does have an advantage when it comes to fuel efficiency.
The 328i is EPA rated to get 23 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. Combined MPG comes to 27.
The more powerful 330i unsurprisingly has lower MPG numbers:
- City MPG: 21
- Highway MPG: 31
- Combined MPG: 25
The 328i’s fuel economy gives it a slight edge for buyers focused on efficiency and saving money at the pump. But the 330i’s MPG stats are still respectable given its substantial power advantage.
Tech Features and Interior
Being two models within the same 3 Series generation, the BMW 328i and 330i share all of the same technology, safety systems, and interior amenities.
Both come equipped with BMW’s latest iDrive infotainment system which includes:
- 10.25” central touchscreen display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Navigation capabilities
- Gesture controls
- Built-in WiFi hotspot
You’ll also get a full suite of standard driver assistance features such as:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Forward collision warning
- Lane departure warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Automatic high beam assist
Interior comforts like power adjustable heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system are included as well.
In terms of cabin technology and features, the 328i and 330i are identically equipped. Choosing between them really comes down to performance preference rather than interior amenities.
Which Model is Better For You?
Now that we’ve compared the BMW 328i and 330i across a number of categories, let’s summarize which 3 Series model is the best choice depending on your needs and budget:
- If you want maximum power and performance from your 3 Series, the 330i is the way to go. Its turbocharged engine provides an exhilarating driving experience. The tighter suspension tuning also gives it an handling advantage on curvy roads.
- For buyers on a budget who still want a quick and agile sports sedan, the 328i delivers on the core 3 Series experience while costing several thousand dollars less. You still get plenty of power and flawless handling.
- If you do a lot of city driving and want the best possible fuel efficiency, the 328i’s higher MPG gives it the nod. But the difference is small.
- Loaded with options, the 330i tops out around $4,000 more than a comparable 328i. That’s a reasonable upgrade cost for the extra performance.
- The backseat and trunk space are identical in both cars. As is the interior styling and technology. You aren’t sacrificing any luxury or features by choosing the 328i.
While the BMW 330i is the top performing 3 Series sedan, the 328i impresses by delivering nearly the same driving enjoyment at a lower price point.
Test drive both models to feel the difference in acceleration and handling. Then decide if it’s worth splurging for the 330i or saving with the 328i. Either way you get an amazing sports sedan.
Hopefully this detailed comparison of the BMW 328i vs 330i has helped you gain clarity on which 3 Series model is the best match for your needs and budget!
