BMW 1 Series F40 vs Peugeot 308 P51

BMW 1 Series

F40 · 2019 – 2024

The third-generation 1 Series (F40), BMW’s first front-wheel-drive model.

Peugeot 308

P51 · 2021 – 2026

The third-generation 308 (P51), with i-Cockpit, hybrids and the all-electric e-308.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW 1 Series

Pick the 1 Series for sharp BMW handling in a roomy, modern premium hatch.

Best engine: The 118i (petrol) or 118d (diesel).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Peugeot 308

Pick the P51 for the most modern 308 with the widest powertrain range, from efficient hybrids to the electric e-308.

Best engine: The chain-driven 1.2 Hybrid (136/145) or 1.5 BlueHDi — or the e-308 for the city.

Read the full guide

Performance

B38 118i · Petrol vs 1.2 PureTech 130 · Petrol

	BMW 1 Series	Peugeot 308
Power	140 hp Winner	130 hp
Torque	220 Nm	230 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	8,5 s Winner	9,4 s
Top speed	213 km/h Winner	205 km/h
Power-to-weight	106,1 hp/t Winner	104,8 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	124 g/km	118 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,5 L/100km	5,0 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW 1 Series	Peugeot 308
Boot	380 L	412 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.200 L	1.270 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,67 m	2,68 m Winner
Length	4,32 m	4,37 m
Ground clearance	15,2 cm	—
Turning circle	11,4 m	10,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.300 kg	1.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW 1 Series	Peugeot 308
Platform	UKL2/FAAR (transverse)	EMP2 (modular)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 48V mild-hybrid	1.2 PureTech · 1.2 Hybrid (48V) · 1.5 BlueHDi · Hybrid PHEV · e-308 (EV)
Transmission	7-speed DCT	6-speed manual · EAT8
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW 1 Series

48V mild-hybrid system
Engine mounts can wear early
Cooling system needs checking

Peugeot 308

1.2 PureTech: wet belt on early cars
1.5 BlueHDi: AdBlue and chain
Infotainment software needs updates

Pros

BMW 1 Series

More cabin space than its predecessor
Premium interior
Efficient engines

Peugeot 308

Modern design and i-Cockpit with a big screen
Widest powertrain range: from diesel to electric
All-electric e-308 (~400+ km WLTP)

Cons

BMW 1 Series

Front-wheel drive (less playful than before)
Firm ride on M Sport

Peugeot 308

1.2 PureTech (early cars) carries the wet belt
Boot smaller than class leaders

Driving experience

BMW 1 Series

Agile, sharp and impressively poised for a front-driver. Steering is quick, accurate and well-weighted, body control taut, and the 1 Series turns in keenly with little of the understeer you might expect. sDrive keeps it light and lively; xDrive on the M135i adds tenacious all-weather grip. The B38 triple is willing if a little coarse, the B48 four is smooth and eager, and the B47 diesels pull strongly and stay refined. The 7-speed dual-clutch is quick and slick. Overall a genuinely engaging hatch that feels more BMW than its platform suggests.

Peugeot 308

The P51 leans on the same EMP2 bones as the old 308 but wears a sharper suit. It stays light and low, so the front axle turns in keenly and the car flows through corners without fuss, while the long wheelbase keeps it planted on the motorway. The small i-Cockpit wheel and raised dials are even more pronounced here and take a real acclimatisation; once settled, the steering feels quick and accurate and body roll stays well held. Most versions ride on a comfort-tuned rear that shrugs off broken tarmac, though big wheels firm things up. The 1.2 PureTech 130 is eager, the e-308 is near-silent and instant, and the EAT8 automatic shifts without drama. It is a composed, easy compact, not a hot hatch.