Germany vs Germany — 1936 vs 1977
| 328 | E21 323i Sedan | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 80 hp | 143 hp |
| Torque | 94 lb-ft | 149 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,971 cc | 2,315 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 12.0 sec | 9.3 sec |
| Top Speed | 93 mph | 121 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 17.0 sec |
| Weight | 1,830 lbs | 2,469 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm | 2,563 mm |
| Length | 3,900 mm | 4,355 mm |
| Units Produced | 464 | 69,591 |
| Original MSRP | — | $11,945 |
| Value (Excellent) | $1,500,000 | $35,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1936 BMW 328 brings lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1977 BMW E21 323i Sedan 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 1936 BMW 328 with the 1977 BMW E21 323i Sedan highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1977 BMW E21 323i Sedan holds a clear advantage in raw power with 143 hp compared to 80 hp, a 63-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the BMW 328 uses a Inline-6 OHV displacing 1,971 cc, while the BMW E21 323i relies on a Inline-6 SOHC with 2,315 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1977 BMW E21 323i Sedan edges ahead at 9.3 seconds versus 12.0 seconds. The BMW 328 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 639 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 464 units built, the 1936 BMW 328 is considerably scarcer than the BMW E21 323i's 69,591 examples. On the collector market, the 1936 BMW 328 commands a significant premium over the 1977 BMW E21 323i Sedan, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1936 BMW 328 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.