2008 BMW 523 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 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 5. (157 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 5 weights approximately 78 kg more than 2008 BMW 523.
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, 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 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 5. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 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 523 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 523 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 523 | 2012 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 523 | 5 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 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 | 1490 kg | 1568 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1615 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
