2007 BMW 523 vs. 2008 Mazda 5
To start off, 2008 Mazda 5 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 5. (141 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 5 weights approximately 120 kg more than 2007 BMW 523.
Because 2007 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 2007 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 5, 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 5 (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 523 | 2008 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 523 | 5 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 16.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 10.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
