2005 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 BMW 525
To start off, 2006 BMW 525 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 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 525 weights approximately 325 kg more than 2005 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 525 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 BMW 525 will offer significantly more control. 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 525 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (148 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3. 2006 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 2006 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 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 | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
