2004 BMW 120 vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 120 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2004 BMW 120. (141 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 120 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2006 Mazda 3.
Because 2004 BMW 120 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 2004 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2004 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 120 | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 120 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
