1996 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 435 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 1996 BMW 540 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 540. 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 1996 BMW 540 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. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 540 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.8 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
