2009 BMW 120 vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2009 BMW 120.
Because 2009 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 2009 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Mazda 3 (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 120 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 55 L |
