2010 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 2 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2010 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 574 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 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2010 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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 X3 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 377 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Mazda 3 | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 3 | X3 |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 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 | 183 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1301 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1755 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1471 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2639 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.1 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 67 L |
