2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 BMW Z4
To start off, 2011 BMW Z4 is newer by 7 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW Z4 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW Z4 weights approximately 443 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, 2011 BMW Z4 (406 Nm) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (220 Nm). This means 2011 BMW Z4 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 | 2011 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |
