2004 BMW 535 vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 BMW 535 is newer by 3 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 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 535 (268 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 535 weights approximately 750 kg more than 2001 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, 2004 BMW 535 (560 Nm) has 316 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (244 Nm). This means 2004 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2004 BMW 535 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. 2004 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 535 | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 535 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2270 mm |
