1996 BMW 530 vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 530 (193 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 530 weights approximately 195 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 530 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 1996 BMW 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1996 BMW 530 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 530 | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 530 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |
