2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2006 BMW 320
To start off, 2006 BMW 320 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2006 BMW 320. (149 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 320 weights approximately 248 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (220 Nm) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 320. (200 Nm). This means 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2006 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 320 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 60 L |
