2008 BMW 523 vs. 2003 Mazda 6
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 6. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 115 kg more than 2008 BMW 523.
Because 2003 Mazda 6 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 BMW 523. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 will offer significantly more control. 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 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 6. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 6. 2003 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2003 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 523 | 6 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 12.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
