2006 BMW 118 vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 118. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 118 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2006 BMW 118. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 118 weights approximately 510 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 2006 BMW 118 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 118. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 118 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 118 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
