1998 BMW 320 vs. 2011 Mazda 6
To start off, 2011 Mazda 6 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,183 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 320 (170 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 6. (127 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 6 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1998 BMW 320.
Because 1998 BMW 320 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 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 6, 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, 2011 Mazda 6 (340 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2011 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 320 | 6 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2169 cc | 2183 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
