Bringing car spotting into perspective
Background grid Mercedes-Benz C Hatchback 2000-2005 BMW 3 Hatchback 1997-2003
Spec height1 1.406 m 2 
+ 2.1 cm
1 1.385 m Spec height1
+ 8.1 cm 2 4.343 m Spec length
1 4.262 m Spec length
Front wheels
Center wheels
Rear wheels
Front bumper
Center cars
Rear bumper
Now Comparing Photos show real-world appearance vs. specification. See Disclaimer.
BMW 3-Series 3-door Hatchback 1997 - 2003
Views available
BMW
3-Series
3-door Hatchback
Gen. 4 | 1997 - 2003
Spotted in Switzerland 15″ Mirrored image
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 3-door Hatchback 2000 - 2005
Views available
Mercedes-Benz
C-Class
3-door Hatchback
Gen. 2 | 2000 - 2005
Spotted in Switzerland 15″
Compare Car Insurance Rates Personalized quotes in 5 minutes or less with Insurify

Side View Car Size ComparisonBMW 3-Series Compact (E46) 3-door Hatchback 1997 vs. Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sportcoupé (CL203) 3-door Hatchback 2000


Dimensions & Specifications | BMW 3-Series Compact (E46) 3-door Hatchback 1997 is 8.1 cm shorter and 2.1 cm lower compared to Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sportcoupé (CL203) 3-door Hatchback 2000

Compact
Size class
Compact
426.2 cm
Length
434.3 cm
+8.1
175.1 cm
+2.3
Width2
172.8 cm
194.1 cm
Width incl. mirrors
196 cm
+1.9
138.5 cm
Height1
140.6 cm
+2.1
272.5 cm
+1
Wheelbase
271.5 cm
-- cm
Ground clearance3
-- cm
1375 kg
Weight4,6
1445 kg
+6%
--
Seats max.
--
310 l
Cargo volume EU4
310 l
1100 l
Cargo volume max. EU4,5
1100 l
-- l
Cargo volume US4
-- l
-- l
Cargo volume max. US4,5
-- l
Premium
Segment
Premium
€ 20750
Price EU7
€ 24592
+19%
$ --
Price US7
$ --
1. Maximum height | 2. Width with folded mirrors when available | 3. Max. ground clearance | 4. Most common power unit. Possible deviation of standards. | 5. With all rear seats folded down | 6. Curb weight | 7. For illustration purpose only. Starting MSRP (Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price).
cm
inch
Quick Facts
3128751
Comparison combinations
Germany
Origin of the most car models
1908
Year of our oldest car model
Featured in
Car and Driver The New York Times Top Gear

Compare car dimensions with real cars side-by-side, true-to-scale, and from the same point of view for thousands of current and historical models. Limitations apply - please read our disclaimer.

Let us know about the cars you'd love to see on our website by contacting us on social media or dropping us an email to info[at]carsized[dot]com.

Copyright © 2026 carsized.com. All rights reserved.