2012 Mazda 3 vs. 2010 BMW 325
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 325 (194 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 325 weights approximately 213 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 BMW 325 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 2010 BMW 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2010 BMW 325 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mazda 3 | 2010 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 325 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1383 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4506 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1755 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1471 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2639 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 61 L |
