Holden Caprice vs BMW 3 Series
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 29 Aug 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Holden Caprice: we're still completing price, kerb weight, 0-100km/h, ground clearance and braked towing, plus 3 others.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
No price
- no option data for this car
$94,700RRP
- with the Holden Caprice's standard kit: $94,700 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Holden Caprice & BMW 3 Series
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Holden Caprice
- REC-000535 · published 19 Dec 2018Increased electrical resistance in a component within the Electric Power Steering system may result in a loss of power steering assistance.Year range on the notice: 2013 - 2018
- REC-000532 · published 26 Feb 2016The Printed Circuit Board (PCB) may not have been secured properly into the casing of the Airbag Control Module, also known as the Sensing & Diagnostics Module (SDM).Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- REC-000489 · published 23 Jul 2014The vehicles may have been built with an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, for either front seat.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- 2 more on the model page.
BMW 3 Series
- REC-006668 · published 16 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2025
- REC-006667 · published 16 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, moisture may be able to enter the starter motor causing corrosion and result in the engine not starting.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2020
- REC-006553 · published 4 Mar 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may develop an internal coolant leak.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2022
- 6 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The BMW 3 Series counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Holden Caprice lines up producing 180kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic to a RWD layout.
The BMW 3 Series responds with a Petrol making 190kW and 400Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.
The BMW 3 Series has the clear power advantage at 190kW vs 180kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Holden Caprice measures 5,160mm long on a 3,009mm wheelbase, 447mm longer than the BMW 3 Series at 4,713mm (2,851mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Holden Caprice generally means more rear legroom.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Holden Caprice) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 3 Series). The BMW 3 Series has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Holden Caprice if: You or prefer Holden's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 3 Series if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
BMW 3 Series: Top CarSorted Score, 68 vs 46
The BMW 3 Series comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (68 vs 46), taking 2 of 2 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (BMW 3 Series ahead by 47), performance (BMW 3 Series ahead by 24), reliability (BMW 3 Series ahead by 23). The BMW 3 Series adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Holden Caprice and BMW 3 Series?
The BMW 3 Series is the cheapest at $94,700 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 3 Series uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Holden Caprice and BMW 3 Series carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 3 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW 3 Series has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW 3 Series makes the most power at 190kW.
Stay across the market
Get our weekly new-car rundown of launches, price moves, deals and reviews, straight from the data.
- Weekly new-car rundown
- Price cuts and new deals
- New launches and reviews
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
