2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 2007 BMW 318
To start off, 2007 BMW 318 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda Roadster would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Roadster (157 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2007 BMW 318. (128 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 318 weights approximately 375 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2007 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (170 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 2007 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda Roadster has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 2007 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | Roadster | 318 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 63 L |
