2008 BMW 130 vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 BMW 130 is newer by 2 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 130 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 130 (268 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 130 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 130 weights approximately 190 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 2008 BMW 130 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 2008 BMW 130. 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, 2008 BMW 130 (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 130 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 130 | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 130 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 55 L |
