2004 BMW 120 vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 is newer by 9 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 2,489 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda 3 (165 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2004 BMW 120. (141 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mazda 3 weights approximately 48 kg more than 2004 BMW 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2013 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, 2013 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2013 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 120 | 2013 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 120 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.8 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.9 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
