2011 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 BMW 530
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 530 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 530 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2011 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 530 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 BMW 530 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, 2008 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3. 2008 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2011 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mazda 3 | 2008 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 530 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4506 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1755 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1471 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2639 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
