2008 BMW 550 vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 255 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 610 kg more than 2006 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 550 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 343 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 550 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.8 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
