2011 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mazda CX-9. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mazda CX-9 would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mazda CX-9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda CX-9 (273 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2012 BMW 525. (217 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda CX-9 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda CX-9 weights approximately 244 kg more than 2012 BMW 525. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mazda CX-9, 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 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda CX-9. (366 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda CX-9.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mazda CX-9 | 2012 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | CX-9 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3700 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1964 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5085 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1935 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1727 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2875 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 4.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
