2005 BMW 116 vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 116. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 116 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2005 BMW 116. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 116 weights approximately 155 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 116. (153 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 116.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 116 | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 116 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |
