2003 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 320 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 320 weights approximately 185 kg more than 2003 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 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, 2012 BMW 320 (380 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 3 | 2012 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.5 L/100km | 3.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.7 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 4.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 57 L |
