2008 BMW 330 vs. 2012 Mazda 5
To start off, 2012 Mazda 5 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 330 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 330 (260 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 5. (157 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 5 weights approximately 43 kg more than 2008 BMW 330.
Because 2008 BMW 330 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 330. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 BMW 330 (300 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 5. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 5. 2012 Mazda 5 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 330 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 330 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 330 | 2012 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 330 | 5 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1568 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1615 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 60 L |
