2008 BMW 325 vs. 2012 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2008 BMW 325. (215 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 298 kg more than 2008 BMW 325. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 325 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 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 325. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 325. 2012 Mazda CX-7 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 325 | 2012 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 325 | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 1420 kg | 1718 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 69 L |
