2009 BMW 320 vs. 2012 Mazda 5
To start off, 2012 Mazda 5 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 5 (157 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 5 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 5 weights approximately 155 kg more than 2009 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 320 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 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 5, 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, 2012 Mazda 5 (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320. 2012 Mazda 5 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 2012 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 320 | 5 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1615 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
