1998 BMW 318 vs. 2010 Mazda 3
To start off, 2010 Mazda 3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 32 kg more than 2010 Mazda 3.
Because 1998 BMW 318 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 1998 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2010 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2010 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2010 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 318 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1363 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.1 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
