2006 BMW M3 vs. 2003 Mazda 6
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 6. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 56 kg more than 2006 BMW M3.
Because 2003 Mazda 6 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 will offer significantly more control. 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 M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 6. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 6. 2003 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2003 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M3 | 6 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 12.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
