2008 BMW 525 vs. 2005 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 415 kg more than 2005 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2008 BMW 525 (251 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 2005 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 525 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
