2009 BMW 525 vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (141 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 525 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Mazda 3 (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 525. 2009 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 525 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 16.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
