2008 BMW M3 vs. 2001 Mazda 6
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 2001 Mazda 6. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 225 kg more than 2001 Mazda 6. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mazda 6, 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 M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda 6. (165 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2001 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M3 | 6 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 10.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 64 L |
