Spec Sizes

BMW M3 vs Kia Optima Dimensions & Size Comparison

Comparing 2003 catalog dimensions. BMW M3 · Kia Optima

Same scale for both vehicles. Generic silhouette — proportional to measured length, height, width, wheelbase, and clearance.

Side view
  • Length176.8 in
  • Height53.7 in – 54.0 in
  • Wheelbase107.5 in
  • Curb weight3,415 lb – 3,781 lb
Front / width
  • Width70.1 in
  • Kia Optima width71.5 in

Which is bigger?

  • Length: BMW M3 is 9.0 in shorter (176.8 in vs 185.8 in)
  • Width: BMW M3 is 1.4 in narrower (70.1 in vs 71.5 in)
  • Height: Kia Optima is 1.6 in taller (53.9 in vs 55.5 in)
  • Wheelbase: BMW M3 has a 1.2 in longer wheelbase (107.5 in vs 106.3 in)
  • Curb weight: BMW M3 is 308 lb heavier (3,598 lb vs 3,290 lb)

Biggest size differences

  1. Curb weight: BMW M3 is 308 lb heavier (3,598 lb vs 3,290 lb)
  2. Length: BMW M3 is 9.0 in shorter (176.8 in vs 185.8 in)
  3. Height: Kia Optima is 1.6 in taller (53.9 in vs 55.5 in)
  4. Width: BMW M3 is 1.4 in narrower (70.1 in vs 71.5 in)
  5. Wheelbase: BMW M3 has a 1.2 in longer wheelbase (107.5 in vs 106.3 in)

Practical verdicts

  • Easier to fit in a short garageBMW M3 — BMW M3 is shorter by 9.0 in Check garage fit for BMW M3 · garage fit for Kia Optima
  • Narrower for tight parkingBMW M3 — BMW M3 is narrower by 1.4 in
  • Smaller exterior footprintBMW M3 — Based on length × width (BMW M3)

Dimension comparison

SpecBMW M3Kia OptimaDifference
Length176.8 in185.8 in9.0 in
Width70.1 in71.5 in1.4 in
Height53.9 in55.5 in1.6 in
Wheelbase107.5 in106.3 in1.2 in
Curb weight3,598 lb3,290 lb308 lb

Values use trim midpoints when a model year lists a range.

Compare by year

Overlapping model years with dimension data.

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