2005 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 BMW 335
To start off, 2012 BMW 335 is newer by 7 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 335 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 335 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 335 weights approximately 565 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 2012 BMW 335 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 2012 BMW 335. 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, 2012 BMW 335 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (148 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 335 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 2012 BMW 335 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 335 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1783 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 57 L |
