2005 BMW 316 vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2005 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 316 weights approximately 165 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 2005 BMW 316 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 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 316. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 316 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 316 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
