2006 BMW 120 vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 BMW 120 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (104 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 120 weights approximately 719 kg more than 2003 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, 2006 BMW 120 (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 120 | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 120 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.7 seconds | 9.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
