2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 8 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (227 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 595 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (160 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.7 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
