2004 BMW 545 vs. 2001 Mazda 323
To start off, 2004 BMW 545 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 545 (325 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 2001 Mazda 323. (124 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 545 weights approximately 580 kg more than 2001 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 BMW 545 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 545. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mazda 323, 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 545 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 283 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda 323. (167 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda 323. 2004 BMW 545 has automatic transmission and 2001 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 2001 Mazda 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 545 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 545 | 2001 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 545 | 323 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
