2012 Chevrolet Traverse vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Chevrolet Traverse would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Traverse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. (281 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Traverse weights approximately 308 kg more than 2013 BMW 3 Series.
Because 2013 BMW 3 Series is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2013 BMW 3 Series. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2013 BMW 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. (360 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. 2012 Chevrolet Traverse has automatic transmission and 2013 BMW 3 Series has manual transmission. 2013 BMW 3 Series will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chevrolet Traverse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Chevrolet Traverse | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Traverse | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 281 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2113 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5207 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1991 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1849 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3020 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 61 L |
