2004 Mazda 3 vs. 2007 BMW 530
To start off, 2007 BMW 530 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,991 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 530 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 530 weights approximately 520 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 2007 BMW 530 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 2007 BMW 530. 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, 2007 BMW 530 (500 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (230 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3. 2007 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 3 | 2007 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 530 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.3:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.3 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
