2004 BMW 318 vs. 2003 Mazda 6
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 6 (164 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2004 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 BMW 318 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 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6, 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, 2003 Mazda 6 (207 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 2003 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 318 | 6 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 8.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 64 L |
