2003 BMW 520 vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 420 kg more than 2004 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, 2003 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (169 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
