2008 BMW 320 vs. 2011 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2011 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda CX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda CX-7 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 228 kg more than 2008 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mazda CX-7, 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, 2011 Mazda CX-7 (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320. 2011 Mazda CX-7 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 2011 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 320 | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1718 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 69 L |
