The hatchback generally has more luggage space thanks to a larger trunk door opening and the ability to convert the rear of the passenger compartment into luggage space. Sedans tend to be quieter than hatchbacks, due to a more isolated rear area.
Gearbox:
Manual/Automatic
Manual/Automatic
Wheel drive type:
Rear wheel drive (RWD)
Rear wheel drive (RWD) / All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4)
BMW 1 series is available only with rear wheel drive, while BMW 3 series can be equipped with rear wheel drive and four wheel (4x4) drive.
BMW 1 series petrol engines consumes on average 0.2 litres less fuel per 100 km than BMW 3 series. On average, BMW 1 series equipped with diesel engines consume 0.2 litres less fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series. This comparison does not take engine capacity into account, so to compare the fuel consumption of specific engines, select the car version!
Dimensions
Length:
4.23 m
4.52 m
Width:
1.75 m
1.82 m
Height:
1.43 m
1.42 m
BMW 1 series is smaller, but slightly higher. BMW 1 series is 29 cm shorter than the BMW 3 series, 7 cm narrower, while the height of BMW 1 series is 1 cm higher.
Trunk capacity:
330 litres
460 litres
Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down
1150 litres
1385 litres
BMW 3 series has more luggage space. BMW 1 series has 130 litres less trunk space than the BMW 3 series. The maximum boot capacity (with all rear seats folded down) is larger in BMW 3 series (by 235 litres).