1994 BMW 854 vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 BMW 854. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 BMW 854 would be higher. At 5,378 cc (12 cylinders), 1994 BMW 854 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW 854 (323 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW 854 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW 854 weights approximately 580 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 BMW 854 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 1994 BMW 854. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1994 BMW 854 (490 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 307 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1994 BMW 854 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 1994 BMW 854 has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1994 BMW 854 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 854 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 854 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5378 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2639 mm |
