1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2005 BMW 525
To start off, 2005 BMW 525 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 525 (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 525 weights approximately 465 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2005 BMW 525 (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2005 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2005 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 525 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 8.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
