2008 BMW 325 vs. 2003 Mazda Roadster
To start off, 2008 BMW 325 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda Roadster would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 325 (216 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (157 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 325 weights approximately 460 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 325 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (170 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 2008 BMW 325 has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda Roadster has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 325 | 2003 Mazda Roadster | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 325 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 48 L |
