BMW 3 Series vs. Mazda Mazda6

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW 3 Series and Mazda Mazda6 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 Mazda6.

When we compare the BMW 3 Series's and the Mazda Mazda6's specifications and ratings, the BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability and base engine power. The Mazda Mazda6 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the BMW 3 Series's and the Mazda Mazda6's specifications and ratings, the Mazda Mazda6 is a better car than the BMW 3 Series.

Pricing: A used 2021 BMW 3 Series ranges from $26,565 to $47,926 while a used 2021 Mazda Mazda6 is priced between $18,276 to $28,457.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW 3 Series loses 50.1 percent of its value and the Mazda Mazda6 loses 37.9 percent of its value. This means the Mazda Mazda6 retains 12.2 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 8.6 out of 10 while the Mazda Mazda6's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the BMW 3 Series being ranked 3 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Mazda Mazda6 being ranked 3 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 3 Series is 8.4 out of 10. For the Mazda Mazda6 the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the BMW 3 Series a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mazda Mazda6.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW 3 Series’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the Mazda Mazda6 base engine makes 187 horsepower. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 562 miles. The Mazda6 is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 574 miles.This gives the BMW 3 Series the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Mazda Mazda6 the advantage in maximum range. The 3 Series uses premium unleaded, and the Mazda6 uses regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Mazda Mazda6, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The BMW 3 Series, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room and rear head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the BMW 3 Series and the Mazda Mazda6 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.