2008 BMW 523 vs. 2007 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda 3 (256 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 2 kg more than 2007 Mazda 3.
Because 2008 BMW 523 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 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Mazda 3, 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, 2007 Mazda 3 (380 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2007 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 523 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 6.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
