2006 BMW 523 vs. 2000 Mazda Protege
To start off, 2006 BMW 523 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mazda Protege. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Mazda Protege would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2000 Mazda Protege. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2000 Mazda Protege. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mazda Protege weights approximately 153 kg more than 2006 BMW 523.
Because 2006 BMW 523 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 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Mazda Protege, 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 523 (230 Nm) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mazda Protege. (164 Nm). This means 2006 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mazda Protege. 2000 Mazda Protege has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Mazda Protege will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 523 | 2000 Mazda Protege | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 523 | Protege |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2680 mm |
