Mazda 3 vs BMW 8 Series
The Mazda 3 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 33 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the BMW 8 Series, a 8 mpg advantage and costs about $1,200 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Mazda 3 leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Mazda 3 | BMW 8 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 33 mpg ✓ | 25 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 30 mpg ✓ | 23 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 40 mpg ✓ | 30 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,850 ✓ | $3,050 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 266 g/mi ✓ | 347 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI, SIDI; With Cylinder Deactivation, SIDI; Without Cylinder Deactivation, SIDI; with i-ELOOP Technology Package | SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S6), Manual 6-spd | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | 4-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular | Premium |
| EPA class | Midsize Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2019–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 97 | 64 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
3 vs 8 Series: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Mazda 3 or the BMW 8 Series?
The Mazda 3 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 33 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the BMW 8 Series, a 8 mpg advantage and costs about $1,200 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Mazda 3 runs about $1,850 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,050 for the BMW 8 Series — a difference of roughly $1,200 per year.
What engines do the 3 and 8 Series offer?
Mazda 3: SIDI, SIDI; With Cylinder Deactivation, SIDI; Without Cylinder Deactivation, SIDI; with i-ELOOP Technology Package. BMW 8 Series: SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the Mazda 3 as Midsize Cars and the BMW 8 Series as Subcompact Cars, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
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Comparison id: mazda-3-vs-bmw-8-series