2005 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 296 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 910 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 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 461 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (148 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3. 2012 BMW 550 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. 2012 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.5 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
