BMW 1 Series F40 vs Peugeot 308 T7

BMW 1 Series

F40 · 2019 – 2024

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

Peugeot 308

T7 · 2007 – 2013

The first-generation 308 (T7), on the PF2 platform.

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 T7 for an affordable, comfortable early 308 with a roomy SW — ideally a well-kept 2.0 HDi.

Best engine: The 2.0 HDi (diesel) or 1.6 THP (petrol), preferably post-2011 facelift.

Read the full guide

Performance

B38 118i · Petrol vs 1.6 VTi 120 · Petrol

	BMW 1 Series	Peugeot 308
Power	140 hp Winner	120 hp
Torque	220 Nm Winner	160 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,5 s Winner	10,4 s
Top speed	213 km/h Winner	190 km/h
Power-to-weight	106,1 hp/t Winner	88,9 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	124 g/km Winner	149 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,5 L/100km Winner	6,4 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW 1 Series	Peugeot 308
Boot	380 L Winner	348 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.200 L	1.200 L
Wheelbase	2,67 m Winner	2,61 m
Length	4,32 m	4,28 m
Ground clearance	15,2 cm	—
Turning circle	11,4 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.300 kg	1.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW 1 Series	Peugeot 308
Platform	UKL2/FAAR (transverse)	PF2
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	1.4/1.6 VTi · 1.6 THP petrol · 1.6/2.0 HDi diesel
Transmission	7-speed DCT	5-speed manual
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 5
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

1.6 THP: timing chain and tensioner
HDi: DPF/EGR and turbo at high mileage
Early electrical gremlins and suspension wear

Pros

BMW 1 Series

More cabin space than its predecessor
Premium interior
Efficient engines

Peugeot 308

Comfortable with a long wheelbase
Roomy SW estate version
Plentiful and affordable used

Cons

BMW 1 Series

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

Peugeot 308

AL4 automatic can shift jerkily
1.6 THP carries timing-chain risk

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 T7 is the 308 that swapped the 307's softness for a more settled, comfortable feel. Built on the PF2 platform, it stays reasonably light, so the front axle turns in cleanly and the car tracks calmly through corners, while the long wheelbase keeps it planted on the motorway. The conventional driving position is easy to live with, and most versions ride on a comfort-tuned rear that irons out broken tarmac. The 1.6 VTi is adequate, the 2.0 HDi pulls strongly and quietly, and the manual shifts cleanly — though the old 4-speed AL4 automatic can feel jerky. It is a comfortable, easy hatchback, not a sporty one.