2005 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 BMW 523
To start off, 2006 BMW 523 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 523 (175 HP) has 71 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (104 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3.
Because 2006 BMW 523 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 2006 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2006 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 2006 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 523 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 175 HP |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 8.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
