2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 BMW 530
To start off, 2012 BMW 530 is newer by 8 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 530 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 530 weights approximately 643 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, 2012 BMW 530 (540 Nm) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (220 Nm). This means 2012 BMW 530 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 | 2012 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 530 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
