1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 12 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (176 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 295 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, 2011 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2011 BMW 120 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. 2011 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2011 BMW 120 | |
Make | Mazda | BMW |
Model | MX-5 Miata | 120 |
Year Released | 1999 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 112 HP | 176 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 124 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1320 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4370 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1760 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2670 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 51 L |