2011 Mazda 6 vs. 2012 BMW 316
To start off, 2012 BMW 316 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 6 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2012 BMW 316. (116 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 316 weights approximately 11 kg more than 2011 Mazda 6.
Because 2012 BMW 316 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 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 6, 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 316 (260 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 6. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mazda 6 | 2012 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 6 | 316 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1484 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1839 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1471 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2789 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 57 L |
