2010 Mazda 3 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2010 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 140 kg more than 2010 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2011 BMW 120 (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Mazda 3 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1755 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1471 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2639 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 51 L |
