Spec Sizes

Kia Optima vs BMW M3 Dimensions & Size Comparison

Comparing 2001 catalog dimensions. Kia Optima · BMW M3

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

Side view
  • Length185.9 in
  • Height55.5 in
  • Wheelbase106.3 in
  • Curb weight3,157 lb – 3,190 lb
Front / width
  • Width71.5 in
  • BMW M3 width70.1 in

Which is bigger?

  • Length: BMW M3 is 9.1 in shorter (185.9 in vs 176.8 in)
  • Width: BMW M3 is 1.4 in narrower (71.5 in vs 70.1 in)
  • Height: Kia Optima is 1.6 in taller (55.5 in vs 53.9 in)
  • Wheelbase: BMW M3 has a 1.2 in longer wheelbase (106.3 in vs 107.5 in)
  • Curb weight: BMW M3 is 425 lb heavier (3,174 lb vs 3,598 lb)

Biggest size differences

  1. Curb weight: BMW M3 is 425 lb heavier (3,174 lb vs 3,598 lb)
  2. Length: BMW M3 is 9.1 in shorter (185.9 in vs 176.8 in)
  3. Height: Kia Optima is 1.6 in taller (55.5 in vs 53.9 in)
  4. Width: BMW M3 is 1.4 in narrower (71.5 in vs 70.1 in)
  5. Wheelbase: BMW M3 has a 1.2 in longer wheelbase (106.3 in vs 107.5 in)

Practical verdicts

  • Easier to fit in a short garageBMW M3 — BMW M3 is shorter by 9.1 in Check garage fit for Kia Optima · garage fit for BMW M3
  • 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

SpecKia OptimaBMW M3Difference
Length185.9 in176.8 in9.1 in
Width71.5 in70.1 in1.4 in
Height55.5 in53.9 in1.6 in
Wheelbase106.3 in107.5 in1.2 in
Curb weight3,174 lb3,598 lb425 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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