2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 385 kg more than 2005 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, 2010 BMW 120 (341 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (160 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2010 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 120 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 341 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 51 L |
