2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 BMW 530
To start off, 2012 BMW 530 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 530 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 530 weights approximately 450 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 530 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 530. 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, 2012 BMW 530 (540 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 353 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2012 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 530 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
