2009 BMW 120 vs. 2007 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 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 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2007 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 155 kg more than 2007 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2007 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, 2007 Mazda 3 (241 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2007 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 120 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.7 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 55 L |
