2006 BMW 316 vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2006 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 316.
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 316 (176 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 316 | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 316 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 48 L |
