2006 BMW 318 vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 3 (141 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2006 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 318 weights approximately 70 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3.
Because 2006 BMW 318 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 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Mazda 3 (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 318. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 318 | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 318 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 16.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
