2002 BMW 520 vs. 2013 Mazda SPEED3
To start off, 2013 Mazda SPEED3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mazda SPEED3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda SPEED3 (259 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2002 BMW 520. (168 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda SPEED3 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 520 weights approximately 209 kg more than 2013 Mazda SPEED3.
Because 2002 BMW 520 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 2002 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Mazda SPEED3, 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, 2013 Mazda SPEED3 (380 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 Mazda SPEED3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 520 | 2013 Mazda SPEED3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | SPEED3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 259 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
