2006 BMW 120 vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 BMW 120 is newer by 1 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), 2006 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 120 weights approximately 810 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, 2006 BMW 120 (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 120 | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 120 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 124 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 |
| 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 | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
