BMW M3 vs Nissan Maxima Dimensions & Size Comparison

Comparing 2008 catalog dimensions. BMW M3 · Nissan Maxima

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
  • Nissan Maxima width71.7 in

Which is bigger?

  • Length: BMW M3 is 13.3 in shorter (181.1 in vs 194.4 in)
  • Width: BMW M3 is 0.9 in narrower (70.8 in vs 71.7 in)
  • Height: Nissan Maxima is 3.0 in taller (55.3 in vs 58.3 in)
  • Wheelbase: Nissan Maxima has a 2.5 in longer wheelbase (108.7 in vs 111.2 in)
  • Curb weight: BMW M3 is 340 lb heavier (3,925 lb vs 3,585 lb)

Biggest size differences

  1. Curb weight: BMW M3 is 340 lb heavier (3,925 lb vs 3,585 lb)
  2. Length: BMW M3 is 13.3 in shorter (181.1 in vs 194.4 in)
  3. Height: Nissan Maxima is 3.0 in taller (55.3 in vs 58.3 in)
  4. Wheelbase: Nissan Maxima has a 2.5 in longer wheelbase (108.7 in vs 111.2 in)
  5. Width: BMW M3 is 0.9 in narrower (70.8 in vs 71.7 in)

Practical verdicts

  • Easier to fit in a short garageBMW M3BMW M3 is shorter by 13.3 in Check garage fit for BMW M3 · garage fit for Nissan Maxima
  • Narrower for tight parkingBMW M3BMW M3 is narrower by 0.9 in
  • Smaller exterior footprintBMW M3Based on length × width (BMW M3)

Dimension comparison

SpecBMW M3Nissan MaximaDifference
Length181.1 in194.4 in13.3 in
Width70.8 in71.7 in0.9 in
Height55.3 in58.3 in3.0 in
Wheelbase108.7 in111.2 in2.5 in
Curb weight3,925 lb3,585 lb340 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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