2003 BMW 318 vs. 2010 Mazda 3
To start off, 2010 Mazda 3 is newer by 7 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda 3 weights approximately 103 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, 2010 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, 2003 BMW 318 (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda 3. 2003 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2010 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2010 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 2010 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 318 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1363 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.2 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.3 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
