BMW 3 Series vs. Mazda Mazda3 Sedan

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW 3 Series and Mazda Mazda3 Sedan contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW 3 Series and the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan.

When comparing the BMW 3 Series's and the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan's specifications and ratings, the BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. The Mazda Mazda3 Sedan has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The BMW 3 Series and Mazda Mazda3 Sedan have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the BMW 3 Series's and the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan's specifications and ratings, the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan is a better car than the BMW 3 Series.

Pricing: A used 2025 BMW 3 Series ranges from $38,998 to $61,980 while a used 2025 Mazda Mazda3 Sedan is priced between $22,542 to $29,876. For a new model, the BMW 3 Series's price is between $49,425 and $69,475, with the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan priced between $25,372 and $33,509.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW 3 Series loses 51.4 percent of its value and the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan loses 38.2 percent of its value. This means the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan retains 13.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW 3 Series.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW 3 Series is 7.7 out of 10 while the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the BMW 3 Series being ranked 14 out of 35 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan being ranked 3 out of 29 Best Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 3 Series is 7.3 out of 10. For the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan a slight advantage in reliability compared to the BMW 3 Series.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW 3 Series’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan base engine makes 191 horsepower. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 546 miles. The Mazda3 Sedan is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 488 miles.This gives the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan the advantage in fuel efficiency and the BMW 3 Series the advantage in maximum range. The 3 Series uses premium unleaded, and the Mazda3 Sedan uses regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the BMW 3 Series has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Mazda Mazda3 Sedan has the advantage in the area of front leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the BMW 3 Series and the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.