2006 BMW 630 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 630. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 630 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 630 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 630 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 630 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 630 weights approximately 377 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 630 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 630. 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, 2006 BMW 630 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 630 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 630 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 630 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 630 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 630 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
