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BMW 1 Series vs Mazda 3 Sedan comparison

Compare performance (300 HP vs 186 HP), boot space and price (29,400 £ vs 25,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 1 Series or Mazda 3 Sedan?

BMW 1 Series vs Mazda 3 Sedan: Key differences

BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly more power
  • noticeably more efficient
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
details

Mazda 3 Sedan

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • slightly cheaper
  • marginally lighter
  • a bit more trunk space
details

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

1 Series

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Mazda 3 Sedan is slightly cheaper – starting at 25,000 £ , while the BMW 1 Series costs 29,400 £ . That’s a price difference of around 4,380 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 1 Series uses 4.3 L/100km and is noticeably more efficient than the Mazda 3 Sedan with 5.5 L/100km. The difference is about 1.2 L/100km.

3 Sedan

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 1 Series offers markedly more power – delivering 300 HP compared to 186 HP. That’s roughly 114 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 1 Series is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 4.9 s, while the Mazda 3 Sedan takes 8.1 s. That’s about 3.2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 1 Series delivers noticeably more torque with 400 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 160 Nm more.

1 Series

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Mazda 3 Sedan is marginally lighter – 1,420 kg compared to 1,465 kg. The difference is around 45 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mazda 3 Sedan offers a bit more boot space – 450 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 70 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 1 Series carries only slightly more – 510 kg compared to 481 kg. That’s a difference of about 29 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 1 Series is decisively ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £29,400
1 Series

BMW 1 Series

  • Engine Type : Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 122 - 300 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
details

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Mazda 3 Sedan

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BMW 1 Series

The BMW 1 Series is a compact premium hatchback that injects a proper sense of driving fun into everyday life, with sharp handling and a cabin that punches above its class. It’s a great pick for buyers who want sporty manners without losing practicality, and yes, you’ll still get that unmistakable BMW grin behind the wheel.

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Reviews BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Mazda 3 Sedan

The Mazda 3 Sedan dresses like a compact premium car, with sculpted lines and an interior that punches well above its class. It rewards drivers with eager handling and a composed, comfortable ride that turns routine runs into something a bit more enjoyable — proof that style and substance can share the same key.

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Reviews Mazda 3 Sedan

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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BMW 1 Series
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BMW 1 Series
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BMW 1 Series
Mazda 3 Sedan

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,400 - 51,900 £
Price
25,000 - 34,200 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.5 - 6.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
112 - 173 g/km
co2
123 - 135 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,465 - 1,625 kg
Curb weight
1,420 - 1,492 kg
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
450 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,800 mm
Width
1,795 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 510 kg
Payload
467 - 481 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 300 HP
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.1 - 9.8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 400 Nm
Torque
238 - 240 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
90 - 221 kW
Power kW
103 - 137 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 - 1,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,998 - 2,488 cm3

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
D
Brand
BMW
Brand
Mazda
What drive types are available for the BMW 1 Series?

The BMW 1 Series is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.