2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 BMW 530
To start off, 2012 BMW 530 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 530 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2012 BMW 530 (540 Nm) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (245 Nm). This means 2012 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 530 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2968 mm |
