2005 BMW 116 vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2005 BMW 116 is newer by 1 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 3 (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2005 BMW 116. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 505 kg more than 2005 BMW 116. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 BMW 116 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 2005 BMW 116. 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 (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 116. (153 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 116.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 116 | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 116 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
