2006 BMW 120 vs. 2005 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 BMW 120 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 120 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 120 weights approximately 750 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 120 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 120. 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 120 (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 120 | 2005 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 120 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.7 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
