2003 BMW 520 vs. 2010 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2010 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda CX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda CX-7 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 158 kg more than 2003 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Mazda CX-7, 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, 2010 Mazda CX-7 (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2010 Mazda CX-7 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2010 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1718 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 69 L |
