2004 BMW 318 vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, both 2004 BMW 318 and 2004 Mazda 3 were released in the same year (2004). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 340 kg more than 2004 Mazda 3. 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, 2004 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 Mazda 3 (230 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 318 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.4 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
