2007 BMW 320 vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2007 BMW 320 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 320 (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 320 weights approximately 385 kg more than 2006 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 BMW 320 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 2007 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2007 BMW 320 (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3. 2007 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 320 | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 320 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
