2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2006 BMW 525
To start off, 2006 BMW 525 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 525 weights approximately 533 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 525 (251 Nm) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (220 Nm). This means 2006 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2006 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 525 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
