2008 Mazda 6 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 6. (164 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 31 kg more than 2008 Mazda 6. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 120 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 2011 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2011 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 6. (184 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 6 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 6 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 51 L |
