2001 BMW 320 vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2003 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 3 (160 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 320 weights approximately 265 kg more than 2003 Mazda 3.
Because 2001 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 2001 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2001 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (195 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3. 2001 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 320 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.1 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.7 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
