2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2007 BMW 523
To start off, 2007 BMW 523 is newer by 3 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), 2007 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2007 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 523 weights approximately 418 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, 2007 BMW 523 (230 Nm) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (220 Nm). This means 2007 BMW 523 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 | 2007 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 523 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| 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 | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
