2012 BMW 120 vs. 2010 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 120 (176 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2010 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 57 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 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 2012 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, 2012 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 BMW 120 | 2010 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 120 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4239 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1748 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1421 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.3 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 6.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 60 L |
