2008 BMW 535 vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 535. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 535 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 535 weights approximately 132 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 535 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 BMW 535 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 535 (407 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 535 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 535 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 535 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 535 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
