2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,259 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 120 (170 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (156 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 175 kg more than 2012 BMW 120.
Because 2012 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 2012 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 120. (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Mazda 3 | 2012 BMW 120 | |
Make | Mazda | BMW |
Model | 3 | 120 |
Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2259 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 156 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 203 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1375 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4360 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1748 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1423 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2660 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.1 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 51 L |