2003 BMW 318 vs. 2008 Mazda CX-9
To start off, 2008 Mazda CX-9 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,726 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mazda CX-9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda CX-9 (271 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda CX-9 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda CX-9 weights approximately 69 kg more than 2003 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mazda CX-9, 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, 2008 Mazda CX-9 (370 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda CX-9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 2008 Mazda CX-9 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 318 | CX-9 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 3726 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.2 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.3 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 76 L |
