Spec Sizes

Kia Optima vs BMW M3 Dimensions & Size Comparison

Comparing 2008 catalog dimensions. Kia Optima · BMW M3

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

Side view
  • Length186.4 in
  • Height58.3 in
  • Wheelbase107.1 in
  • Curb weight3,142 lb – 3,287 lb
Front / width
  • Width71.1 in
  • BMW M3 width70.2 in – 71.5 in

Which is bigger?

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

Biggest size differences

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

Practical verdicts

  • Easier to fit in a short garageBMW M3 — BMW M3 is shorter by 5.3 in Check garage fit for Kia Optima · garage fit for BMW M3
  • 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

SpecKia OptimaBMW M3Difference
Length186.4 in181.1 in5.3 in
Width71.1 in70.8 in0.3 in
Height58.3 in55.3 in3.0 in
Wheelbase107.1 in108.7 in1.6 in
Curb weight3,215 lb3,925 lb710 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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