1990 BMW 525 vs. 2005 Mazda 3
To start off, 2005 Mazda 3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 525 (185 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 525 weights approximately 340 kg more than 2005 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW 525 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 1990 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mazda 3, 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, 1990 BMW 525 (240 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 525 | 2005 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 525 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2680 mm |
