3 Series vs CT4
The 3 Series and the CT4 are aimed squarely at each other: same class, different badges. The data doesn’t leave much room for doubt: 2 of 4 areas go to the 3 Series, and the gap is widest in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance 3 Series wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 3 Series wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance6.7
- Fuel Economy & Range9.0
- Engine & Performance5.0
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The 3 Series has better fuel economy
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 31 mpg for the 3 Series versus 26 mpg for the CT4. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The 3 Series has 18 hp more power
It’s a small lead (255 hp versus 237 hp), but it’s real, and it goes to the 3 Series. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The 3 Series has better city fuel economy
The CT4 lists 22 mpg; the 3 Series comes in at 28 mpg. That’s not a rounding error. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
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The 3 Series has 37 lb-ft more torque
The CT4 isn’t far behind at 258 lb-ft, but the 3 Series’s 295 lb-ft still comes out ahead. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The 3 Series has better highway fuel economy
A narrow win for the 3 Series. With 35 mpg to 32 mpg, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | 3 Series | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 187.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 109.3 in |
Engine & Performance
3 Series leads
This section belongs to the 3 Series. In engine & performance, it leads the CT4 by a margin that’s hard to ignore. Choose the 3 Series and you get 18 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Net result: the 3 Series leads this part of the comparison.
Total system output
3 Series: 255 hp CT4: 237 hp The 3 Series’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
3 Series: 295 lb-ft CT4: 258 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
3 Series leads
The CT4 has a tough time in the fuel economy & range section, where the 3 Series pulls well ahead. The 3 Series pulls ahead with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. For anyone who cares most about fuel economy & range, the 3 Series is the safer choice.
Fuel economy (combined)
3 Series: 31 mpg CT4: 26 mpg The 3 Series uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
3 Series: 28 mpg CT4: 22 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the 3 Series starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
In the space & practicality category, the 3 Series and the CT4 land in almost the same place. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On off-road & towing, the 3 Series and the CT4 are effectively level. Net result on off-road & towing: level.
Safety & Tech
Names, not numbers: the safety & tech rows below show what each one is built with, and it’s worth reading them side by side.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 3 Series | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 255 hp (winner) | 237 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | 3 Series | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 31 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg (winner) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 35 mpg (winner) | 32 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 3 Series | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 10.7 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 3 Series | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 3 Series | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | 3 Series | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 187.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 109.3 in |
Price
| Spec | 3 Series | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $34,995 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 3 Series if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (31 mpg vs 26 mpg combined)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (255 hp vs 237 hp)
- you want better city fuel economy (28 mpg vs 22 mpg)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (295 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the 3 Series or the CT4?
On the specs compared here, the 3 Series makes more sense for most buyers; the CT4 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Cross-brand comparisons are where I find the real differences in philosophy, and the 3 Series versus the CT4 shows that nicely. The biggest reason I lean toward the 3 Series is simple: it has better fuel economy. And the 3 Series doesn’t stop there; it also offers 18 hp more power.
A quick self-test: do you care more about engine & performance or the things a spec sheet can’t capture? The first answer means the 3 Series, the second means the CT4.
My pick: the 3 Series.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.