2004 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW M3 (317 HP @ 7250 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW M3 weights approximately 646 kg more than 2006 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 M3 (355 Nm) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (189 Nm). This means 2004 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW M3 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M3 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7250 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 83.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1775 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.4 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.9 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.2 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
