2012 BMW X3 vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 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 89 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 485 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 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 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 332 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 BMW X3 | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | X3 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4648 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1881 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1675 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.6 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 6.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 60 L |
