2002 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW 520 (168 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2012 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, 2002 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 520 | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |
