2005 BMW M3 vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 213 kg more than 2005 BMW M3.
Because 2005 BMW M3 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 M3. 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, 2005 BMW M3 (330 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M3 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
