1998 BMW 330 vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 330 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 330 (181 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2013 Mazda 3. (155 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2013 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 330 weights approximately 292 kg more than 2013 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 330 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 330. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 1998 BMW 330 (390 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda 3. (200 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 330 | 2013 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 330 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1303 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.5 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
