Germany vs West Germany — 1937 vs 1987
| 328 Roadster | 325i E30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 80 hp | 168 hp |
| Torque | 101 lb-ft | 164 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,971 cc | 2,494 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 12.0 sec | 7.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 96 mph | 137 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 15.5 sec |
| Weight | 1,830 lbs | 2,690 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm | 2,570 mm |
| Length | 3,900 mm | 4,325 mm |
| Units Produced | 464 | 2,340,000 |
| Original MSRP | — | $23,950 |
| Value (Excellent) | $1,500,000 | $35,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 3/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1937 BMW 328 Roadster brings lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1987 BMW 325i E30 answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
BMW has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1937 BMW 328 Roadster with the 1987 BMW 325i E30 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1987 BMW 325i E30 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 168 hp compared to 80 hp, a 88-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the BMW 328 uses a Inline-6 OHV Cross-pushrod hemispherical 12V displacing 1,971 cc, while the BMW 325i relies on a Inline-6 SOHC 12V with 2,494 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1987 BMW 325i E30 edges ahead at 7.4 seconds versus 12.0 seconds. The BMW 328 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 860 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 464 units built, the 1937 BMW 328 Roadster is considerably scarcer than the BMW 325i's 2,340,000 examples. On the collector market, the 1937 BMW 328 Roadster commands a significant premium over the 1987 BMW 325i E30, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1937 BMW 328 Roadster rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.