BMW M3 vs Nissan Note
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW M3 | Nissan Note | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 510 | 116 | +339.7% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 650 | 280 | +132.1% |
| Fuel economy (km/L) | 9.9 | 28.4 | -65.1% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | 5★ (JNCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Hybrid | — |
| Transmission | Automatic | eCVT | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $108,324 | $15,444 | +601.4% |
- BMW M3 makes about 340% more power (510 vs 116 hp).
- Nissan Note is the more economical, at 28.4 km/L against 9.9.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (Germany and Japan); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: M3 or Note?
BMW M3 advantages
- Engine power (+77%)
- Pulling torque (+57%)
Nissan Note advantages
- Fuel economy (+65%)
- Affordability (+86%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the BMW M3 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the Nissan Note if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter.
- Choose the BMW M3 if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
Value for money
Nissan Note delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
BMW M3 vs Nissan Note: which should you choose?
BMW M3 (2024 Competition xDrive) — petrol sedan with 510 hp and 650 Nm, rated at 9.9 km/L, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $108,324 in the Germany market.
Nissan Note (2026 e-Power X) — hybrid hatchback with 116 hp and 280 Nm, rated at 28.4 km/L, 5-star JNCAP safety; priced near $15,444 in the Japan market.
BMW M3 vs Nissan Note: BMW M3 is more powerful. BMW M3 makes about 340% more power (510 vs 116 hp). Nissan Note is the more economical, at 28.4 km/L against 9.9.
Performance
The BMW M3 is the more powerful, at 510 hp against 116 hp, with 650 Nm of torque on tap. Its petrol drivetrain pairs with a automatic transmission.
Running costs
The Nissan Note is more economical at 28.4 km/L against 9.9 km/L on their certified cycles, which compounds meaningfully over years of ownership. Test cycles differ between markets, so treat cross-region figures as directional.
Safety
BMW M3 is rated 5 stars by Euro NCAP and Nissan Note 5 stars by JNCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Nissan Note lists lower at about $15,444 (USD-converted from the Japan market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW M3 better than the Nissan Note?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. BMW M3 makes about 340% more power (510 vs 116 hp).
What is the main difference between the BMW M3 and the Nissan Note?
BMW M3 makes about 340% more power (510 vs 116 hp). Nissan Note is the more economical, at 28.4 km/L against 9.9.
Which is better value?
Nissan Note delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the BMW M3 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence. Choose the Nissan Note if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.