Spec Sizes

BMW M3 vs Kia Optima Dimensions & Size Comparison

Comparing 2008 catalog dimensions. BMW M3 · Kia Optima

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

Side view
  • Length180.4 in – 181.8 in
  • Height54.8 in – 55.7 in
  • Wheelbase108.7 in
  • Curb weight3,704 lb – 4,145 lb
Front / width
  • Width70.2 in – 71.5 in
  • Kia Optima width71.1 in

Which is bigger?

  • Length: BMW M3 is 5.3 in shorter (181.1 in vs 186.4 in)
  • Width: BMW M3 is 0.3 in narrower (70.8 in vs 71.1 in)
  • Height: Kia Optima is 3.0 in taller (55.3 in vs 58.3 in)
  • Wheelbase: BMW M3 has a 1.6 in longer wheelbase (108.7 in vs 107.1 in)
  • Curb weight: BMW M3 is 710 lb heavier (3,925 lb vs 3,215 lb)

Biggest size differences

  1. Curb weight: BMW M3 is 710 lb heavier (3,925 lb vs 3,215 lb)
  2. Height: Kia Optima is 3.0 in taller (55.3 in vs 58.3 in)
  3. Length: BMW M3 is 5.3 in shorter (181.1 in vs 186.4 in)
  4. Wheelbase: BMW M3 has a 1.6 in longer wheelbase (108.7 in vs 107.1 in)
  5. Width: BMW M3 is 0.3 in narrower (70.8 in vs 71.1 in)

Practical verdicts

  • Easier to fit in a short garageBMW M3 — BMW M3 is shorter by 5.3 in Check garage fit for BMW M3 · garage fit for Kia Optima
  • Narrower for tight parkingBMW M3 — BMW M3 is narrower by 0.3 in
  • Smaller exterior footprintBMW M3 — Based on length × width (BMW M3)

Dimension comparison

SpecBMW M3Kia OptimaDifference
Length181.1 in186.4 in5.3 in
Width70.8 in71.1 in0.3 in
Height55.3 in58.3 in3.0 in
Wheelbase108.7 in107.1 in1.6 in
Curb weight3,925 lb3,215 lb710 lb

Values use trim midpoints when a model year lists a range (e.g. length 180.4 in – 181.8 in).

Compare by year

Overlapping model years with dimension data.

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