BMW 5 series 1981 vs Mazda 3 2004
| Body: | Sedan | Hatchback | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The hatchback generally has more luggage space thanks to a larger trunk door opening and the ability to convert the rear of the passenger compartment into luggage space. Sedans tend to be quieter than hatchbacks, due to a more isolated rear area. | |||
| Gearbox: | Automatic | Automatic | |
| Engine: | 2.5 Petrol | 2.3 Petrol | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing chain | Timing chain | |
Performance | |||
| Power: | 150 HP | 160 HP | |
| Torque: | 215 NM | 203 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 12 seconds | n/a seconds | |
| BMW 5 series engine produces 10 HP less power than Mazda 3, but torque is 12 NM more than Mazda 3. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 10.0 | no data | |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 litres | 55 litres | |
Drive type | |||
| Wheel drive type: | Rear wheel drive (RWD) | Front wheel drive (FWD) | |
| Front-wheel drive cars (Mazda 3) have better traction on slippery roads and when climbing hills, better fuel economy, and are less expensive to purchase. On the disadvantage side, FWD cars usually have less towing capacity, poorer acceleration and harder handling. Rear-wheel drive cars (BMW 5 series) have better handling on dry roads, better acceleration, more even weight distribution and more fun to drive. RWD is also better for towing large loads. The cons of rear-wheel drive are less interior and trunk space and more difficulty maneuvering in wet and snowy conditions. | |||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 420'000 km | 420'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 24 years | 16 years | |
| Engine spread: | Used only for this car | Installed on at least 2 other car models, including Mazda 6, Mazda Tribute | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.62 m | 4.49 m | |
| Width: | 1.70 m | 1.76 m | |
| Height: | 1.42 m | 1.46 m | |
| BMW 5 series is 13 cm longer than the Mazda 3, 6 cm narrower, while the height of BMW 5 series is 4 cm lower. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 460 litres | 481 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
no data | 878 litres | |
|
Mazda 3 has more luggage space. Despite its longer length, BMW 5 series has 21 litres less trunk space than the Mazda 3. This could mean that the BMW 5 series uses more space in the cabin, so the driver and passengers could be more spacious and comfortable. | |||
| Turning diameter: | 11 meters | 10.3 meters | |
| The turning circle of the BMW 5 series is 0.7 metres more than that of the Mazda 3, which means BMW 5 series can be harder to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 1`820 | no data | |
| Safety: | no data | no data | |
| Quality: | no data | high | |
| Average price (€): | 4200 | 1200 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
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Mazda 3 has
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