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, 2006 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 320 weights approximately 540 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, 2006 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (169 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2006 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 9.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 63 L |
